Bought stolen car

[Justincider]

My daughter bought a car from a dealer. She has been contacted by the police and informed that the car is stolen. She has been told it's a civil case rather than a criminal case. Who is to blame here and what are my daughters options?

[redcrx]

were there any checks made on the car by the dealer or your daughter, such as a HPI check?

has she got legal cover on her insurance, they may be able to offer advice

[dh001]

Surely the police are investigating the theft and secured the vehicle?

[Justincider]

She cannot drive the vehicle until the investigation is completed.

[Justincider]

Not sure about legal cover on insurance. She is 19 so, insurance costs the earth. so maybe she didn't take this out, I'll check with her.

[dh001]

Hi justincider, what has the dealer said about the situation?

[Justincider]

Many thanks for your answers so far. Some of the things you are asking, i haven't checked out with her so give me a few moments and i will update.

[Old_Geezer]

My guess is that the theft is a criminal case, but that you are not involved. But any claim you make aganst the dealer for selling you a stolen vehicle is a civil case. The car will be returned to the rightful owner, eventually.

Best of luck getting advice here, but in your shoes I think I'd invest in speaking face to face with a lawyer to get an opinion of how likely a successful claim would be.

[redcrx]

what amazes me, especially with all the data sharing between companies nowadays is that the Insurance company dont pick it up as being stolen and not recovered.

[dh001]

Redcrx, it maybe that the insurance company alerted the police behind their clients back for the obvious reasons etc.

[redcrx]

true, didnt think of that.

[Justincider]

Ok, Yes she had legal cover. And yes she did a HPI check, nothing showed up and the dealer said as far as he was concerned, the car seemed legit when he acquired it.

[redcrx]

HPI checks are guarenteed. I suggest she gets the paperwork and calls them immediately.

[redcrx]

http://www.hpicheck.c...niture/guarantee.html

[dh001]

Ah, ok it probably wasnt the insurance company who alerted them (so your right redcrx lol).

justincider, Unfortunately this is an awkward situation. Initial actions include confirmation from the dealer whether they would refund her money if the car is confirmed stolen, if they refuse make enquiries with Trading Standards. Contact your daughters Insurance Legal Dept ASAP.