So, your old car has finally reached the end of its life, and it’s time to say goodbye. But before you send it off to the scrapyard, there are a few things you need to know and do to make sure the process is smooth and legally sound. Here’s a friendly guide to help you through it.
Choose the Right Place
First and foremost, take your vehicle to an authorized treatment facility (ATF). These facilities are specifically approved for scrapping vehicles and handle the process in an environmentally responsible way. Not all scrapyards are equal, so always check their license. A reputable dealer will proudly display their credentials.
Handling Insurance Write-Offs
If your car is an insurance write-off, the process changes slightly. Follow the specific instructions provided by your insurance company. This usually involves more paperwork, so be ready to spend a bit more time on this step.
Decide: Keep Parts or Not?
You have two options when scrapping your car: scrap it as is, or remove some parts before scrapping.
Scrapping Without Keeping Parts
Give your vehicle log book (V5C) to the ATF. Keep the yellow ‘sell, transfer, or part-exchange’ section. Inform the DVLA that your vehicle is at an ATF to avoid a potential £1,000 fine.
Scrapping and Keeping Parts
You can remove parts from your vehicle before scrapping to use in another car you own.
- Tyres can be taken off repurposed
- Windows and glass can reused
- Car batteries can be recycled
Ensure you do this in an environmentally friendly way, avoiding pollution from oils and fluids. Inform the DVLA that the vehicle is off the road (SORN).Once you’ve finished removing parts, take the vehicle to the ATF and surrender the V5C.The ATF may charge a fee if essential parts like the engine or gearbox are missing.
Scrapping Vehicles Registered Abroad
If your vehicle is registered outside the UK and is classified as ‘seriously damaged,’ scrap it at an ATF and inform the driving authority in the vehicle’s country of origin. You’ll receive a ‘Certificate of Destruction’ as proof.
Remove personal items
Before scrapping your car, remove personal items and check for anything you want to keep, like your personalised number plate. If you’ve invested in a custom plate, make sure to apply to keep it before scrapping your car.
Cancel Your Car Insurance
After scrapping your car and getting all the necessary paperwork, remember to cancel your car insurance. There’s no need to pay for a policy on a car you no longer own.
Final Steps
Make sure to inform the DVLA that your car has been scrapped to avoid any legal issues. They need to know to update their records and ensure you’re not liable for the vehicle anymore.
Scrapping your car might seem like a daunting task, but with these steps, you’ll navigate the process with ease. Just remember to choose a licensed facility, decide on keeping any parts, cancel your insurance, and inform the DVLA. Happy scrapping!
Do you want to scrap your car but not sure of its value? Just type in your car’s registration and a few details about its condition, and we’ll give you a competitive quote instantly.
