There are many stolen vehicles circulating in the market. If you are looking to buy a new vehicle, it is important to know how to avoid falling victim to this trap. Buying and selling a stolen vehicle can lead to legal troubles and, in some cases, financial loss.
The good news is that there are various ways to check if your vehicle has been stolen.
In this blog, we will explore some of them as well as how Cartrack can help against vehicle theft.
There are several reasons why someone might want to check if a vehicle is stolen. You may be interested in purchasing a car from a dealership or a private seller who wants to be protected from fraud and avoid any legal issues. Luckily, there are various ways to verify if a vehicle is stolen in South Africa. Here are a few:
The internet offers many websites where you can check if a vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the vehicle's registration papers. These databases are a quick and convenient way to verify whether the details engraved on the car match the registration papers.
Here are the two most popular websites you can.
NaTIS (National Traffic Information System) is a platform implemented by the Department of Transport. The system manages the country's vehicle registrations and handles licensing and accident data. Using NaTIS to verify a vehicle is a simple way to determine whether a vehicle's documents are fraudulent.
To get access to vehicle information on the website, you need to register an account. Once registered, you will have access to the following data:
Once you have all the vehicle details, such as the registration number, VIN, and engine number, go to the police station to check if a vehicle has been stolen. The SAPS will be able to tell you if the vehicle has been reported stolen or hijacked and that the VIN and engine number match the vehicle's registration documents.
When you are interested in buying a vehicle, it is a good idea to start the process by viewing the vehicle, speaking to the seller about the car's history, and asking if it has ever been in an accident. Especially if you’re considering buying a second-hand vehicle from a private seller. But be careful; the seller may not be truthful.
Criminals are very sly and may use different ways to create fake vehicle documents. They may purchase a similar scrapped vehicle from a scrap yard or auction and then use that vehicle records to falsify the registration papers for the stolen vehicle. That is why it is important to request documents such as a roadworthiness certificate, the service book, as well as proof of ownership.
It is also vital to check that the VIN and engine number on the vehicle match the vehicle documents.
Vehicle cloning is a method used to commit vehicle fraud. Criminals use cloning to make stolen vehicles appear legitimate. This is done through etching, a process in which criminals remove the original VIN and engine number and replace them with other legitimate vehicle details. To avoid being a victim of this, you should check the following:
You can get vehicle history reports from a reputable company such as Transunion to ensure that a vehicle is legitimate. Transunion is a trusted company in South Africa, so you can feel confident that the information you receive is accurate and trustworthy. You will receive reports on police checks, confirm legal ownership updates, and determine if any money is owed on the vehicle.
Ensuring you have all the correct documents and checks done is crucial before purchasing a vehicle. However, protecting it against theft is just as important. Cartrack has a range of offerings to stay ahead of criminals and to keep your vehicle safe. Here is how:
You can rest assured knowing that Cartrack is always available to help you. Our systems immediately send a crash alert when there is an impact experienced on your vehicle, which is promptly followed by an automated call to check if you’re okay and if assistance is needed. To top that, Cartrack has a value-added service that protects your vehicle, called CarWatch. This feature acts as your car guard and notifies you of any unauthorised movement of your vehicle, allowing you to take swift action when needed.
Protect yourself by staying one step ahead. By using reliable methods such as NaTIS and carefully inspecting vehicle documents, you can ensure that you do not buy a stolen vehicle. This could protect you from future stress and potential financial loss.
Want to safeguard your vehicle? Contact Cartrack and ensure your vehicle is protected and has vehicle recovery support you can count on.
Q: What does VIN mean, and why is it important to verify it?
A: The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit code assigned to every car manufactured and is used to identify the vehicle's make and model. It is an important resource for verifying that a vehicle is safe to purchase. You do this by matching the registration documents to the VIN on the vehicle.
Q: Can I purchase a vehicle without inspecting its documents?
A: You can purchase a vehicle without checking its documents and history, but it is not a good idea. It is a must to check the vehicle’s history. By checking this, you can ensure that the vehicle does not have accident damage and that it's owned by the seller.
Q: Can stolen cars be sold with legitimate documents?
A: No, it can't; criminals are able to forge registration documents for a stolen vehicle to make it seem legitimate. That is why you should verify the VIN and engine number with an official regulatory body.
Q: I bought a stolen car. What should I do?
A: If you bought a stolen vehicle, you should go to the SAPS and report it to them immediately to get assistance on what to do.
Q: How long will it take to verify if a vehicle is stolen?
A: Checks done at the SAPS may be done in a few minutes. Detailed reports requested online may take a day or two.
Discover how to check if a vehicle is stolen in South Africa. Learn essential tips to safeguard your investment and how Cartrack can help protect it against theft.
