Scourge  |   Theft of automobiles and property  |   Purchasing used vehicles
Winter Tires  |   Insurance Fraud

How to avoid buying a stolen vehicle

You like the look of a used vehicle? Be careful before buying!

Be suspicious if:

• The manufacturer's label (affixed to the driver's door) is missing.
• The price seems ridiculously low.
• The salesperson is applying pressure, says that you don't have to pay taxes or asks to be paid cash.

Even if there is nothing to indicate that your vehicle has been stolen, make the following checks*:

• Compare the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the registration to the VIN indicated on the dashboard and on the door on the driver's side.
• Check the registration certificate to make sure the vehicle has not been rebuilt.
• Consult the Registre des droits personnels et réels mobiliers (RDPRM) at www.rdprm.gouv.qc.ca to make sure the seller actually owns the vehicle. If not, the vehicle may be seized.
• Ask the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) (www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca) for a copy of the vehicle file to find out about the vehicle's history. It contains a description of the vehicle, and information about the number of owners and the use of the vehicle (commercial or personal). For more information, call 418 643-7620 in Quebec City, 514 873-7620 in Montréal or 1 800 361-7620 from elsewhere in Québec.
• If you decide to purchase a vehicle through a used car dealer, make sure that the dealer has a licence. Contact the SAAQ at 418 528-3232 or at 1 866 702-9215.
• You're interested but you still have doubts? You can have the vehicle authenticated by contacting the IBC's Investigative Services Division at 514 933-8953.

* Certain fees may apply.