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Scrapping a car doesn’t have to be hard work! Our UK-wide network of scrap partners and specialist dismantlers means we make it easy to find the very best offers in the area.
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Scrap my car FAQs
General
What should I do with my car insurance when I scrap my car?
You can get in touch with your insurance company and cancel your cover after your car has been collected. If you cancel your insurance before collection, you’ll be breaking the law if you drive the car on a public road. -
My insurance company have asked for a COD
No problem. A Certificate of Destruction (COD) can be issued to you when your car is scrapped, but you need to make us aware of this prior to collection.
Do I have to inform the DVLA when I scrap my car?
Yes – it’s important that you inform the DVLA when you scrap your car, as you could be liable for any on-going charges relating to it if you don’t. The quick and easy way to inform the DVLA is by completing and returning section 9 (or section 4 on post-April 2019 documents) of the V5C log book form.
Can I keep my private number plate when I scrap my car?
Yes, you can. Before your car is collected, you’ll need to ‘retain’ your registration with the DVLA; either online or through the post. Your registration will then be held on a retention certificate, ready to transfer to another car.
What is an ELV (End of Life Vehicle)?
End of Life Vehicle (ELV) is the term used to describe a car that is no longer suitable for use – either through wear and tear or damage. ELVs must be recycled at authorised treatment facilities.
What is an ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility)?
ATF stands for ‘Authorised Treatment Facility’ - another name for a scrap yard, breaker’s yard or vehicle dismantler that meets with strict government guidelines relating to the handling processing of End of Live vehicles.
How do I reclaim my unused road tax?
If you’re entitled to any unused road tax when you scrap your car, you should get in touch with the DVLA to reclaim it. Since tax discs were phased out, this can no longer be done at a post office – so you’ll need to contact the DVLA directly, either on the phone, by post, or using their website.
Can I scrap a car that’s not registered in the UK?
Yes, our network of dismantlers can scrap vehicles that are registered in other countries. You’ll need to inform the governing body in the country that the car is from; usually by sending them the completed registration document.
Can you collect my car if it’s full of rubbish?
No. It’s important that your car is free of rubbish and personal belongings - as our scrap partners are not equipped to deal with anything other than the car.
Can I get a refund on my tax?
Yes. Vehicle tax is no longer transferable from owner to owner – so, if you’re scrapping your car, we recommend that you get in touch with the DVLA soon after collection to reclaim any tax that may be owed.
Documentation
What is a COD or Certificate of Destruction?
A Certificate of Destruction (COD) is a document confirming your car has been disposed of. The certificate is created by the DVLA and sent to the scrap yard that dismantles a vehicle. If you require a COD for your car for insurance or other purposes it is important to request this at time of booking as, even though your car has reached the end of it’s life with you, some of our specialist salvage partners may repurpose your old car via repairing or transplanting it and put it back on the road.
What is a waste carrier’s licence?
A waste carrier’s licence is a registration you need if you move any kind of waste product – scrap cars included. At Car.co.uk, each of our partner dismantlers appears on this register, so you can be confident your vehicle will be handled in line with Environment Agency standards.
Can I scrap my car without a V5C?
That’s okay if you don't have your V5C; we can scrap your vehicle without it. However, the person who collects your car will need to see proof of ID and address – and you’ll need to make sure you inform the DVLA that your car has been transferred.
Why do I need a utility bill or proof of address?
As part of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, it is a legal requirement for a scrap metal dealer to verify the full name and address of someone who is handing scrap metal over to them.
Do I need to fill any documents in when scrapping?
It’s your legal responsibility to let the DVLA know you’re selling your car for scrap. The easiest way to do this is by using Section 9 of the V5C log book document (or section 4 on V5Cs issued after April 2019) – which your collection driver will be happy to help with.
What do I do with the V5C log book?
You should use the registration document to let the DVLA know you’ve sold your car to a dismantler. You can do this by completing and returning section 9 of the form – or, on V5Cs issued after April 2019; section 4.
What documents do I need to scrap my car?
To scrap your car, you’ll need to provide photo ID and proof of address. While not essential, if you have your V5C registration document, this may simplify the process.
Can I scrap my car without a title?
If you’ve lost your V5 registration document, sometimes referred to as a title, you can still sell your car for scrap, but you’ll need to inform the DVLA by post after your car’s been successfully scrapped with certain details of the transaction. A useful letter template is available by contacting us.
Payments
How do I get paid?
You’ll be paid by bank transfer (BACS or FPS) transfer direct to your account. Recent changes to the law make paying cash for scrap cars illegal – so our payment methods make sure you’re protected.
Will you haggle on collection?
No, absolutely not. Providing the car meets the conditions stated within the booking confirmation then the price you’ve been offered is the price you’ll be paid – guaranteed.
Why can I not get paid in cash?
It’s actually against the law for a scrap yard to pay cash for your car. To protect you and our scrap partners, all payments will be made by PayPal or BACS transfer.
Collections
Can you collect my scrap car while I’m at work?
Yes, the registered owner or keeper doesn’t have to be present. For legal reasons, we do need someone to be with the car, and able to show their proof of ID and a proof of address.
When will my scrap car be collected?
When you accept the quote that you’ve been offered, you’ll be able to choose a collection time and date that’s convenient for you. If there’s no convenient time, you can speak with a member of our team who will be more than happy to help.
Can I drop the car off?
No, unfortunately, it’s not possible to drop your car off with our scrap partners – but we can arrange collection from any location that suits you.
Car parts & pricing
Do you collect scrap vehicles with no wheels?
No, unfortunately we do not. Our network of scrap partners do not have the equipment needed to lift a car with no wheels.
What if I have taken parts off my scrap car?
We’ll still provide a quote if your car has missing parts - although the price might be slightly reduced; as the scrap value of a vehicle is based on weight. If your car has missing parts, please let us know when you request a price.
I’ve fitted a new stereo to my car, can I keep it?
Yes, of course. We just ask that you put the original stereo back in its place. If this isn’t possible, simply let the scrap yard you’re dealing with know when they arrange collection.
Can you still collect a car with flat tyres?
Yes, we can. Each of our scrap partners has the equipment needed to recover a car that has 1 or more flat or damaged tyres.
How much for scrap car batteries?
When a car battery stops working and won’t hold its charge, it could be worth a few pounds. Don’t just throw it away as car batteries contain poisonous substances such as toxic lead and harmful battery acid.
How much are scrap cars worth per ton?
The value of the scrap metal and parts in a car will vary according to current market prices, so it's impossible to give a general answer to the question ‘how much are scrap cars worth per ton?’
Can I scrap my car without keys?
A car can be sold for scrap without its keys, but you will need to provide paperwork proving vehicle ownership and there may be deductions from your final payment for any inconvenience and extra work for the scrap dealer who collects it.