A Guide To Scrapping Your Car In The UK
Disposing of your car in the UK may seem like a daunting task, but fear not. As long as you follow the proper procedures, the process is fairly straightforward. This step-by-step guide outlines everything you need to know, from obtaining a quote and scheduling pick-up to informing the DVLA and obtaining your Certificate of Destruction. Rest assured, you can legally and safely scrap your car without any hassle.
Whether your vehicle has failed its MOT, been declared a write-off, or is no longer financially feasible to maintain, scrapping it is often the most convenient and stress-free option. Plus, the car can be removed as early as today.
Proper disposal requires utilising an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), accurately filling out the necessary DVLA documentation, and most importantly you receive a competitive price for it!
Use our guide for step-by-step instructions for tips and advice on the quickest and most convenient method for scrapping your car.
How do I scrap my car?
You’ll no doubt have heard of webuyanycar, or cartakeback, who offer online quotes for buying and disposing of your unwanted vehicle, (Move It Recovery also offers the same service! Read more here.) - These services undoubtedly offer you the fastest and most efficient way of disposing of your car.
If you’d prefer to embark upon quote gathering yourself, then search for Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs), a.k.a. a scrapyards, or breakers yards, in your vicinity and request quotes.
Please note: If your vehicle is undriveable, some scrapyards may provide complimentary collection services, but others may require a small fee, so it’s best to ask for a total package.
What is the time frame involved in scrapping a car?
Unlike selling a car, scrapping a vehicle is a much faster process!
By choosing to sell your car for scrap, you can save yourself a huge amount of time and effort. With Move It Recovery, we aim to pick up your car in just a few days.
If you approach an Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) directly, you might expect a similar service depending on their availability. Then once your car has been scrapped, you'll receive a Certificate of Destruction (COD) as proof of disposal. This official document will be sent to you within seven days of scrapping your car.
Important Note: You must ensure that the vehicle is specifically sold for destruction (Category A or B write-off) to receive a CoD. If the vehicle is still suitable for repair or parts harvesting (Category S or N), it may be sold on, and a CoD will not be issued.
What are the steps for scrapping my car?
STEP 1: Collect all the necessary documents. These include a valid photo ID, proof of address, and the V5 logbook if available. If you have a personalised licence plate and want to retain it, you must submit an application for approval before scrapping your car. The current fee for retaining your licence plate is £80. You can apply to do this here.
STEP 2: As we’ve already mentioned, you can ask us for a quote, reach out to nearby ATFs for quotes, use online comparison sites and compare prices and choose your most competitive price. Once you've agreed upon a guaranteed price, simply schedule a day for scrapping your car. Please remember, if your car is hazardous, uninsured, or unlicensed, it's illegal to drive it to the scrap yard under any circumstances.
STEP 3: Ensure that you accept payment through a bank transfer, or a cheque only. Accepting cash for scrapping a car in England and Wales is illegal. If you’ve liaised directly with an ATF they will send your Certificate of Destruction within seven days after the vehicle has been scrapped. If you’ve sold your car to us, or a similar vehicle end-of-life provider, then you won’t receive this document!
STEP 4: Give the ATF, Move It Recovery LTD, or another, the vehicle log book (V5C), but keep the yellow ‘sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to the motor trade’ section from it. In case you do not have your logbook, simply write a letter to the DVLA notifying them that your car has been scrapped. Make sure to include your personal information such as name and address, as well as details about your car such as registration number, model and make. Additionally, provide the name and address of the ATF where your car was disposed of and specify the date on which it was scrapped.
STEP 5: It is required by law to notify the DVLA if you've sold, transferred or bought a vehicle, including if your car has been scrapped or written off. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to £1,000. You can use the vehicle scrapyard or insurance company’s name as the trader you’ve sold the vehicle to, even if you did not get any money for it. You can easily do this online here.
What paperwork is required for scrapping a car?
In order to dispose of your car, it is necessary to provide proper photo identification, such as a valid driver's license or passport, and proof of residency through a current household bill. These documents will be retained by the ATF for three years as stipulated by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act of 2013. This legislation was implemented to deter fraudulent activities by unethical scrap dealers and discourage offences involving vehicles.
Having your copy of the V5C registration document can make scrapping your car easier by cutting down on paperwork. However, if you do not have the logbook, you can still scrap your car. Just keep in mind that you will need to notify the DVLA of its disposal by mail.
Finally, once your vehicle has been scrapped, an ATF will provide you with a DVLA Certificate of Destruction.
Is it possible to dispose of my vehicle if I no longer have the keys?
In the event that you have misplaced the keys to your vehicle, it is still possible to have it scrapped. However, ownership must be verified through proper documentation and there may be extra expenses. The ATF will need evidence of your ownership if this occurs. Typically, this can be provided through your V5 registration document; however, if that is also lost, alternative paperwork will be necessary. A bill of sale in your name may suffice in these situations.
Please keep in mind that not having your keys when selling your scrap car can result in additional costs for the scrap dealer, resulting in a lower payment for you. If your car cannot be driven, it will need to be loaded onto a truck using a winch, which may not be available at smaller yards. In cases where the car is locked, the dealer may have to forcibly enter it or realign the wheels to move it. This will incur extra labor charges and result in a deduction from your final payment.
In the event that your car ownership can’t be verified, the ATF may need to conduct an HPI vehicle history check. Please note that this will incur an additional cost that will be deducted from your payment.
What’s the best way to calculate a car's scrap value?
Generally, the scrap value of a vehicle is determined by its weight. Therefore, the bigger and heavier your car is, the more money you can expect to receive when selling it for scrap. For instance, a Land Rover, being a larger vehicle, can fetch approximately twice the amount you would get for a smaller car like a Ford Fiesta.
Age, make, and model will also influence a car's value when scrapped. In some cases, a particular model may have both high initial costs and expensive upkeep, but it can also yield a higher return when recycled. Generally, newer versions tend to fetch a higher price when scrapped compared to older ones. However, extremely old cars may contain uncommon metals such as copper and brass that hold more value than aluminium and steel.
Your car's worth can also be influenced by its completeness, as missing components may result in a lower value! Any parts that you have sold, or kept for repairing another vehicle will be recorded by the ATF. The deduction from your payment will correspond with the number of missing parts. An engine, being a heavy component, could significantly decrease your funds.
Where is the best place to get the highest payout for scrapping my car?
Due to the ever-changing value of scrap metal, it can be challenging to determine the ideal time to scrap your car, unless you are well-versed in the market. Therefore, it is advisable to collect multiple quotes and select the most profitable option.
Opting to dispose of your car at a nearby ATF can prove advantageous if you're having it picked up and want to optimise your earnings. The scrap dealer will consider the distance they have had to travel to retrieve your vehicle and incorporate it in your payment - thus, reducing their travel time will result in a higher payout for you.
Ask us for a quote here. Or search online for ATF’s, or scrap buying car companies.
How can I check if my car has been scrapped?
To promptly determine if a car has been scrapped, a HPI vehicle history check is the most efficient option. This thorough evaluation will cover all important details, such as if the vehicle has been written off or stolen, or if it has any existing finance obligations.
How do I declare that my car has been scrapped?
You can advise the DVLA online, or by post.
Online: Enter Move It Recovery LTD, other scrap car purchaser, or the name of the Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) as the new owner of your vehicle. Additionally, you will be asked for your car's registration number and the 11-digit reference number found on your V5C logbook.
By post: Simply complete the designated yellow section in your V5 logbook and submit it to them. (If a V5 certificate is unavailable, mail a letter with your personal information and your car's make, model, and registration number). Additionally, if you have sold your vehicle to us or another, provide details and the date of scrapping.
At Move It Recovery LTD, we take pride in providing stress-free car scrapping. When your vehicle reaches its end-of-life condition you can bid farewell to your old car and leave the rest to us! Our services include prompt pickups, just valuations and eco-conscious recycling, all while guaranteeing cash in hand.
Get a fixed quote for scrapping your vehicle here.