Verify Used Car History in Kenya (2025): NTSA, Police & Insurance Checks

Verify used car history Kenya before buying your next secondhand car. In 2025, this step is more crucial than ever due to rising cases of fraud, fake logbooks, and stolen vehicles. This guide will walk you through the safest ways to check car history via NTSA TIMS, Kenya Police, and insurance providers.

Why You Must Verify Used Car History Kenya

Here’s what can go wrong if you don’t:

• 🚨 You might buy a stolen car and risk police impound
• 📄 The car might have a fake or duplicated logbook
• 💸 The vehicle could be tied to a logbook loan you’ll inherit
• ⚠️ It might have been involved in a serious accident or written off

To avoid such risks, always verify used car history Kenya before paying.

Step-by-Step: How to Verify Used Car History in Kenya

✅ 1. Use NTSA TIMS to Confirm Logbook and Ownership

• Visit: https://tims.ntsa.go.ke
• Log in or create a TIMS account
• Go to Vehicle Search
• Input the car’s registration number
• View ownership details, registration dates, and logbook status

Tip: Ensure the seller’s ID matches the name on the logbook.

✅ 2. Check Police Records for Theft or Fraud

• Visit the nearest police station or Interpol Nairobi Regional Bureau
• Provide the vehicle registration number and chassis number
• Request a vehicle clearance certificate or ask if the car is listed as stolen

Important: If the seller resists this, it’s a red flag.

✅ 3. Confirm Accident & Insurance History

• Contact the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) via: https://www.akinsure.com
• Request accident reports or write-off history
• You may also check with the insurer mentioned in the car’s insurance sticker

✅ 4. Check for Logbook Loans or Liens

• Some cars are used as collateral for loans
• Ask the seller to provide a CRB certificate proving the car is debt-free
• Alternatively, visit your bank to confirm if the vehicle is listed as collateral

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Logbook shows multiple recent owners
• Registration was just transferred days ago
• Price is too low compared to market value
• Seller avoids giving their ID or KRA PIN

Always meet in a safe public space and bring a trusted mechanic or agent.

Used Car Verification Checklist (2025)

• ☑️ NTSA Logbook Search Done
• ☑️ Police Clearance Verified
• ☑️ Accident & Write-off Check from AKI
• ☑️ Confirmed No Logbook Loan/CRB Issues
• ☑️ Seller’s ID and KRA PIN Match
• ☑️ Sale Agreement Signed

Also checkout

• 🔗 NTSA Car Ownership Transfer Kenya (2025 Guide)
• 🌐 Interpol Kenya – Vehicle Theft Database

Why Trust CarVista Africa?

CarVista Africa is not just another listings site. We care about buyer safety, real transactions, and honest car deals.

By teaching you how to verify used car history Kenya-wide, we aim to eliminate fraud, protect your investment, and help you buy with confidence.

Take control of your car buying journey—verify everything before you pay a cent.

Visit https://tims.ntsa.go.ke today to get started. Images by Freepik