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Canada Stolen VIN Check

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FAQ: How do I check if a car is stolen in Canada?

Overview: Stolen Cars in Canada
Auto theft in Canada is reaching record levels. In 2023, insurance claims for stolen vehicles hit $1.5 billion, a nearly 20% increase from 2022. This marks a 254% rise in claims from 2018 to 2023, with high-end luxury cars and SUVs being the most targeted. Provinces like Ontario saw an especially steep increase, with theft claims soaring by over 500% during this period​. Understanding this trend is important for both buyers and vehicle owners to take precautions and avoid becoming victims of car theft.

What is a Stolen Car VIN Check?
To avoid legal, financial, and safety risks, buyers must conduct a thorough search to avoid buying a stolen vehicle. The key to running a stolen vehicle check is the Vehicle Identification Number. The VIN serves as the car’s fingerprint, containing important information such as the make and model, year of manufacture, and country of origin. It also unlocks critical information about the vehicle’s past such as accident, theft and other relevant records

This is one of the features of VinAudit Canada’s vehicle history service. It helps verify that the car is legally owned by the seller and ensures it has not been reported as stolen. By taking this precaution, buyers can confidently move forward with their purchase and avoid the consequences of buying a stolen vehicle.



Ensuring that you are not unwittingly buying a stolen car is very important. Not only is it illegal to possess a stolen car, but it could also lead to serious consequences and financial losses.

Run a Stolen Vehicle Check in Canada

You can find the VIN, a unique 17-digit code assigned to each vehicle in several places on the car, including the dashboard, driver’s side door jamb, and engine block.

To use the VIN to determine if a car is stolen in Canada, you can start by conducting a paid VIN check using providers that can help you determine if a car is stolen in Canada. Some of the most popular paid VIN check providers in Canada include Carfax Canada and VinAudit.ca. These services charge a fee for their reports, which can range from $10 to $50, depending on the level of detail included. These services charge a fee for their reports, which can range from $10 to $50, depending on the level of detail included.

It’s important to note that while paid VIN check providers can provide a full report, it’s always a good idea to use multiple sources and conduct your own research before making a final decision when purchasing a used car.

Contact the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC)

The Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) is a national police database that contains information about criminal records, stolen property, and other law enforcement-related data. This database is maintained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and is used by law enforcement agencies across Canada.

If you suspect a stolen vehicle is offered for sale, contact the CPIC to verify its status. Call the CPIC toll-free number at 1-800-731-4000. You will need to provide the VIN of the vehicle in question, as well as any other relevant information. The CPIC may also provide information on any liens or outstanding loans against the vehicle

Utilize Online Stolen Car Databases

In Canada, several online databases are available to help verify if a car has been reported stolen, providing a critical step in the used car buying process. Aside from the CPIC, consider the Auto Theft Information System (ATIS) which allows users to search for stolen vehicles using the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number. These tools offer a quick way to identify potential risks and avoid legal issues or financial losses.

To perform a thorough search, it’s important to gather both the car’s VIN and its license plate number before running the search through these databases. The VIN can usually be found on the car, while the license plate is mounted on the front and/or rear of the car. Although these databases offer valuable information, it’s recommended to double-check results with local authorities, as some data may not be fully updated in real time. This step helps ensure a secure and informed purchase decision.

Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Car Sale, Run a Stolen Car Check Before Buying!

Car theft is a serious problem that can happen to anyone, and the consequences can be devastating. It’s important to check if a car is stolen before purchasing it to avoid legal issues and financial loss. In addition to checking for theft, there are several other tips to keep in mind when buying a used car in Canada, such as verifying the car’s history, conducting a thorough inspection, and taking it for a test drive. By taking these necessary steps, buyers can make informed decisions and avoid buying a stolen car. If you suspect that a car may be stolen, it’s important to report it to the authorities immediately.

Stolen Vehicle Check FAQs

Canada Stolen VIN Check FAQs

What are the consequences of unknowingly buying a stolen car? +
Purchasing a stolen car in Canada can result in significant legal, financial, and personal complications. Since it is illegal to own stolen property, authorities may confiscate the vehicle, resulting in a complete loss of any money paid. Insurance companies often refuse coverage on stolen vehicles, meaning the buyer is responsible for any financial loss or damage incurred. Furthermore, if the vehicle has been involved in criminal activity, the buyer could face additional legal scrutiny or even charges, despite being an innocent party. To avoid these risks, it’s essential to conduct a thorough vehicle history and stolen vehicle check before purchasing any used car.
Can a stolen car check by VinAudit Canada reveal if a car has outstanding liens? +
VinAudit Canada’s stolen vehicle VIN check typically doesn’t include lien information. However, comprehensive vehicle history reports may reveal liens, which are important to check alongside theft records to avoid buying a vehicle with unpaid debts.
Does a stolen vehicle check affect the vehicle’s resale value? +
If a vehicle is flagged as stolen and later recovered, this can impact its resale value. Buyers may view a history of theft as a potential risk factor, so sellers should include a comprehensive vehicle history report to clarify the car’s current status and ownership.
How can I verify that a seller has the legal right to sell a vehicle? +
Running a car report which covers a stolen vehicle check and asking for an official bill of sale are two important steps. A vehicle history report can confirm the seller’s ownership history, while documents like the bill of sale and title help verify that the seller legally owns the car and has the right to sell it.
Can I use a stolen vehicle check for imported vehicles, and will it show if the car was brought into Canada? +
Yes, you can run a stolen vehicle check on imported cars by entering the VIN. Some services, such as VinAudit Canada, provide cross-border data via a US vehicle history to verify if a vehicle was imported into Canada, which helps detect any international theft history and confirms if the vehicle was legally brought into the country. Using a provider with access to international databases is recommended for more comprehensive results, especially for U.S. or overseas records.