The Vehicle Identity Check Scheme (VIC) is a new initiative launched by the Department for Transport in April 2003. The scheme has been developed to help fight car crime by deterring criminals from stealing cars and passing them off as repaired accident damaged ones.
Any vehicle notified to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency on or after 7th April 2003 (regardless of the date of accident) as having been written off (category A, B or C) requires a VIC.
The aim of VIC is to check the identify of vehicles, for which DVLA have either received "write off" notification from an insurer or that the registered keeper has reported as being scrapped, prior to re-issuing the V5.
The purpose of the check is to ensure as far as is possible, within the limitations of the check, that the vehicle is what it purports to be and not a substitute vehicle. As part of the identification process there are a number of sources of information (in addition to DVLA data) that can be used to enable the individual carrying out the check to obtain an understanding of the history of the vehicle, thus enabling a more positive identification.
Following examination of the vehicle the inspector will make a decision as to whether to pass of fail the vehicle based on the apparent authenticity of the stamped in vehicle identification mark, and other corroborating evidence.
Vehicle Identity Check (VIC)