Lyla Lindsey
Car theft is a serious issue in Australia, with over 42,000 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles stolen in a single year, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council. To check if a car has been stolen, one can conduct a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check, which is run by the Australian Financial Security Authority. This involves searching the PPSR database using the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to check its history and ensure it is not stolen, free from debt, safe from repossession, and not reported as a write-off. The PPSR check can be performed online or through the Assisted Phone Service for a small fee, providing peace of mind and protection for buyers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to check if a car is stolen | Conduct a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check |
| Cost of a PPSR check | $2 or $3.40 |
| What a PPSR check reveals | If the car is stolen, has money owing on it, has been written off, or has been repossessed |
| What to do if your car is stolen | Eliminate other reasons for your car not being where you left it, contact the police, and contact your insurer |
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What You'll Learn
Conduct a PPSR check
Conducting a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check is a crucial step in ensuring that you are not purchasing a stolen vehicle. The PPSR is an Australian Government-maintained register designed to protect consumers when buying personal property, such as cars.
A PPSR check provides vital information about a vehicle's history and financial details. It can reveal if a car has been reported as stolen, written off, or has outstanding financial interests, such as an outstanding loan. This information helps safeguard you from unknowingly buying a stolen vehicle and facing potential repossession or legal implications.
To perform a PPSR check, you will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car you intend to purchase. You can then utilise online platforms, such as PPSR.com.au or Quick PPSR, to conduct the search. These websites offer quick and easy access to the PPSR database, allowing you to verify the vehicle's details for a minimal fee, typically around $2 to $3.40.
It is recommended to conduct the PPSR search on the day of buying the vehicle or the day before to ensure the information is up-to-date. By doing so, you will be legally protected from any encumbrances associated with the vehicle. If your PPSR check reveals that the car has been stolen, it is advisable to inform the PPSR office or contact the police directly.
In addition to the PPSR check, you can also opt for a car history check, which provides more detailed information about the vehicle's ownership, including VIN and license plate details, financial owing, registration information, and previous owners. This comprehensive report can further enhance your understanding of the vehicle's history and help validate ownership.
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Report the theft to the police
If your car has been stolen, you should contact the police immediately and make a report. It is the job of the police to find your stolen car, and they will know the best steps to take. For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000). For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or report confidentially to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1800 333 000.
If you are buying a car and suspect it may be stolen, you should also inform the police. The person attempting to sell you the car may not know that it is stolen, or they may be a criminal car thief. If your PPSR check reveals that the car you are looking to buy is stolen, you should inform the PPSR office first, or you could call the police.
If your car has been stolen, there are several steps you can take to help the police with their investigation. Firstly, keep your car physically secure. Lock your car, even when parking at home, in your garage, or leaving your car for a moment. Never leave your car running when unattended and always close all windows, including the sunroof. Keep your car locked while driving and never leave your keys in the car. You can also install anti-theft devices such as OBD port locks, which are cheap, easy to install, and readily available from websites and auto shops.
If you own a Holden Commodore, be extra vigilant as this was the most stolen vehicle in Australia in 2017, with older versions also featuring in the top stolen cars. Take steps to track your car in case it is stolen; owners of some modern cars can track their car's location through a mobile phone application.
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Contact your insurer
If you're buying a used car in Australia, it's essential to verify that it hasn't been stolen to avoid legal complications and financial losses. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to do:
Before purchasing a used car, it's crucial to involve your insurer early in the process. Contact your insurance company and inquire about their specific procedures for checking if a car has been stolen. They might have access to databases or services that can assist in this verification process. Ask about any red flags or indicators that may suggest the car has a stolen history. This could include signs of forced entry, tampered ignition, or discrepancies in the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Your insurer might also guide you on the necessary documentation to review when buying a used car. Request information on what
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Check the vehicle's VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is a 17-character number-letter series that serves as a unique identifier for a specific vehicle. It is one of the most reliable methods for vehicle identification.
To check a vehicle's VIN, you must first locate the VIN number. This can usually be found in secure spots on the vehicle to prevent accidental damage or removal. Common locations include:
- Under the hood, in front of the engine block
- On the dashboard on the driver's side, behind the windshield
- On the inside of the driver's side door pillar
- On the front inner wheel arch for older cars
- On the firewall for some older vehicles, positioned between the cabin and the engine bay
Once you have located the VIN number, you can use a VIN decoder to uncover essential information about the vehicle. There are free online VIN decoders available, such as carVertical and VinPit, which can provide basic information about the vehicle. For a more detailed report, you may need to pay a small fee.
When using an online VIN decoder, simply enter the 17-character VIN number, and the decoder will automatically read each digit and return information about the vehicle. The decoder will break down the VIN number into parts and may provide information such as mileage records, damages, old photos, and theft records.
In addition to online VIN decoders, you can also reach out to your local department of transport office to submit a request for more official and secure information about a vehicle.
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Search the Personal Property Securities Register
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a register maintained by the Australian Financial Security Authority. It is a useful tool for individuals and organisations to search for debts and other security interests in personal property, including cars, boats, and artworks.
A search on the PPSR can be conducted for a small fee of $2 to $3.40. It will reveal if there are any security interests, debts, or other issues with the car that may put your money at risk. This includes whether the car has been reported as stolen, written off, or has outstanding loans against it.
If you are buying a second-hand car, it is recommended to conduct a PPSR search to ensure you do not purchase a stolen vehicle or one that has money owing on it. Private sellers are not obliged to disclose this information, and you could be left with nothing if the car is repossessed. Conducting a PPSR search the day before or the day of your purchase will provide legal protection against any encumbrances, and you will receive a search certificate as proof.
To perform a PPSR search, you will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car, as well as your payment method and email address to receive the search results and certificate.
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