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Van cloning is becoming an increasing problem throughout Europe, affecting consumers purchasing used vehicle. Cloning involves the copying of the identity of a similar (non-stolen) van that is already road worthy. Criminals find an exact match of the van they have stolen; they then copy the identity, therefore making it looks legal by using false number plates.

So, how do you know your newly purchased vehicle is cloned?

You may receive fines or charges, which you are not responsible for, such as speeding tickets for places you have never been with your van. These charges and fines are the result of someone else using your registration mark, suggesting it could have been cloned.

 What does the process on cloning entail?

Firstly, criminals will copy a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a legally owned and documented vehicle sitting in a parking lot or van dealership, oftentimes high-value vans. The legitimate VIN is then used to create a counterfeit VIN tag, frequently multiple times. Thieves then steal a similar vehicle as the legally owned one from the parking lot, and replace the stolen vehicle’s VIN tag with the counterfeit one containing the non-stolen vans identification numbers. The stolen vehicle is now a “clone” of the legitimate one and can be titled without detection by government agencies.

How does this affect van insurance?

Research from HPI; found that the Ford Transit Van is the second most cloned van in the UK. The Mercedes C class, Audi A4 and the BMW 3 series were also highly cloned. This could impact the van insurance premium offered on insurance providers.

Van insurance customers, who purchase second hand vans, should be aware of this form of fraudulent and illegal activity. Though the van may be a good purchase, being a cloned vehicle could affect the legality of the vehicle and the insurance policy.

Prevention & precautions

• Check the vehicle’s VIN with government agencies and your state bureau of motor vehicles.

• Have a private company conduct a vehicle history search.