How to scrap your car in the UK

It’s hard saying goodbye to your beloved car and even more so when it’s at the end of it’s life. That’s why we’ve put together an article on how to scrap your car and the various options you have available to you.

scrap my car

Scrapping your car – the details

Where to scrap your car

There are various merchants willing to take your scrap car these days. Long gone are the days when you have to traipse around finding the best value for your old motor. Nowadays we can do a quick search online to fine local merchants and find the best deals. There are even nationwide scrappage dealers with websites which will give you an idea of the price your car should fetch. Be wise too, it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll have to pay someone to take your car for scrap. Recycling is big business now and you should be able to get some cash for even the worst condition of vehicle.

Of course, if you’re looking to get an alternative car you may be able to trade in your car instead of scrapping it altogether, leaving it with the dealer to sort and hopefully getting you a better deal on your new car.

Get your paperwork ready

When you’re ready to sell your vehicle on regardless of whether it’s going for scrap or to a dealer, you need to ensure your car’s V5c is prepared correctly. Get it wrong and you could be fined and still responsible for the car – including fines anyone else makes! If you follow these steps you shouldn’t go wrong:

  • Trading / selling for re-use: Provide to the new owner the car’s V5c certificate, but remember to keep section 3 ‘notification of sale or transfer of a vehicle’. Then complete the details and post it to the DVLA to confirm you no longer own the car.
  • Scrapping your car: Give the scrappage merchant the car’s V5c certificate, but still remember to keep section 3 ‘notification of sale or transfer of a vehicle’ for your records. The DVLA will eventually send you a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) to confirm the car has been scrapped.

Your ID will be needed for scrappage

Scrapping your car in England or Wales will mean that you as the owner will have to prove your identity to the scrap dealer. Take along your drivers licence (with photocard) or passport, as well as some proof of your current address, therefore a recent bank or utility will suffice.

Be aware that these documents will be scanned and stored for a few years so it’s worth bearing in mind that you’re using a trustworthy scrap dealer.

Remember if your car can be fixed…

Quite often your car can be saved from the scrap heap. Why not get an opinion from us on how we could repair your car and the cost of doing so before you consider scrapping it. It could be a lot cheaper than scrapping and then purchasing a new car altogether. If you’re local to Radstock or live in Bath, give us a call on 01761 415 501 or contact us online to get a car repair quote.