Car crime in the UK is becoming an increasingly serious problem. The Vehicle Identity Check operated through the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) can help avoid any pitfalls when purchasing a used car.

It is estimated that vehicle crime costs the economy around £3 billion a year and raises insurance premiums as a consequence affecting all motor users. One particular problem is known as car ‘ringing’ whereby stolen cars are passed off and sold as accident damaged cars.

The Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) is designed to be a deterrent to the practice of ringing. Since 7 April 2003, insurers must notify Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of all cars that ‘written off’ by them. The DVLA will then set a ‘VIC marker’ against the car’s registration details. Whilst this marker is in place, the DVLA will not issue a new registration certificate V5C.

The VIC check is designed to confirm a car’s identity and ensures that only genuine cars are allowed on the roads. The process takes around 20 minutes to complete and involves comparing the car’s records at the DVLA vehicle with the car presented. The VIC is no assurance of the quality of the car or confirmation of it’s roadworthiness. It is simply to check it’s identity. If you are worried about the quality of the car, you should have the car checked over by a qualified mechanic.