What To Do When Scrapping a Car
When it comes to scrapping your vehicle, everyone wants to get the highest price possible. That’s why we’ve put together our top 5 tips on what you can do before you scrap your motor for money, plus we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions on scrapping. We’ll also let you know how you can secure the best junk value of a car, guaranteed, with our price valuation tool.
1. Get appropriate documentation
It’s important to gather the necessary documents before you scrap your vehicle. Different documents are essential, while others are more desirable. You’ll need to ensure you have proof of identification and address, such as passport or license. This is down to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 which requires ID to be proven, so a record can be made of the transaction to cover all parties against scrap metal theft and dodgy dealers.
Another document that you need is your v5c, otherwise known as a logbook. This isn’t essential but it’s handy if you do have it. The v5c simply lets the Driving & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) know that you are no longer the legal owner of the vehicle and that it has been scrapped. If you’ve lost this document you can apply for a new one through the DVLA for £25. However, not all buyers will require this document, so if you’re thinking about purchasing a new one, give us a call first!
If you have any service history for the vehicle, this can be helpful for the buyers, but again it’s not essential. In rare cases, you may be asked to provide proof of purchase for the vehicle. This could happen if you have misplaced your v5c and don’t have the vehicles keys.
2. Remove your personal belongings
Ensure you’ve removed any personal items such as chargers, sunglasses and CDs. Also make sure any tools and gadgets such as Sat Navs and Dash Cams. Any items that are left in the vehicle may not be retrievable once collected so take extra care when preparing your motor. Once you’ve removed all of your personal belongings, ensure that the vehicle is free from any household rubbish or other waste, otherwise the collectors will not take the vehicle away.
3. Remove the car licence plate
If you wish to keep your number plate, whether it’s personalised or not, then you will need to get in touch with the DVLA to organise transferring the number plate over to another vehicle, or a Retention Document to hold the number plate. Failure to do this before the vehicle is collected might mean you lose the registration plate. For all number plate queries contact the DVLA.
There are a number of things to consider when scrapping a car, we’ve written a more in-depth guide about all things to do with number plates when scrapping. If you’re lucky enough to own a personalised plate, you’ll want to learn about the process of keeping and transferring this to a new car. Find out all about how to sell a car with a private plate. There are lots of options, so it’s about finding the right one for your situation.
4. Choose a reliable scrap car service
It’s important to choose a trusted car scrapper when looking to dispose of your motor.
By using a reliable car scrapping service, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in safe hands. With legislation in place, it’s important to look out for a company who is an Authorised Treatment Facility, this means they will handle your vehicle responsibly, ethically and legally and will also stick to the agreed junk value of your car. There are still companies and buyers out there today who don’t trade as honestly as they should.
With National Scrap Car, we’ll also offer you a fully secure service with top quotes. We will give you a hand with the paperwork and collect your vehicle free of charge – you won’t pay a penny for our respectable service.
Related FAQs
How to get the most out of scrapping a car?
To get the most out of scrapping a car, it’s vital to look after your car as best you can throughout its life. This is so that it can retain as much value as possible. For example, the battery and engine fetch high prices if they’re in good condition, so make sure you audit the health of your car battery and engine on a regular basis. Take a look at Halfords’ handy guide on how to care for a car battery.
What paperwork do you need to scrap an old car?
The exact documents you will need can vary from company to company. However, the standard requirement paperwork you’ll need to scrap your vehicle are:
- Proof of Photo ID
- V5c (log book)
- Any available service history – not essential, but desirable.
If you are missing any paperwork, this shouldn’t be a problem as there are alternative routes to go down if for example you’re lost your V5c, you can apply for a new one through the DVLA. If you are missing any documents ensure the car scrapper you’re using is aware. If you’re worried about your documents, give us a call and we can help. You can learn more about how to declare a scrapped car following the link.
Do I have to tell my insurance company if I scrap my car for money?
Yes and no. You don’t need to tell them that you are scrapping your car, but you will need to make sure that once the scrap car has been collected, the existing insurance policy is either cancelled, settled or transferred to another vehicle. Once the necessary paperwork (v5c) has been received by the DVLA, you’ll no longer be the legal owner of the car, so you can either cancel your insurance or transfer it. You could be entitled to a full or partial refund depending on your policy, but your insurance company will let you know if you are eligible and what your options are.
What to do with a car that no longer runs?
There are a few things that you could do with a car that no longer runs. You could turn it into a project, or take on the task of selling it yourself by finding a private buyer, or you could scrap the broken car using a reliable car scrapping service and get rid of it quickly, with a top junk price, free scrap car collection and a guaranteed quote.
What Should I Remove From My Car Before I Scrap It?
Before you scrap your vehicle, ensure that all of your personal belongings are removed, along with any household rubbish or waste. Bear in mind that by removing any items or parts that came with the vehicle, the value of your scrap vehicle could be affected. Unsure what to remove from your vehicle? Speak to one of our expert advisors.
How Much Will a Junkyard Pay For My Car?
Junkyards are typically places where various scrap metal is taken, but they can sometimes be known as salvage yards or scrap yards. Any junkyard which takes scrap cars and who are not an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) means they won’t be monitored by the Environmental Agency and therefore won’t necessarily follow best practices, so you could be facing a dodgy deal. What you’ll get for your vehicle could be a total rip-off, which is why it’s important to always use an ATF approved company, such as National Scrap Car. We follow the legal, responsible and eco-friendly process when it comes to scrap cars, so you can be sure the process is legitimate, secure and trusted.
How to Find a Car Scrapper Near Me?
National Scrap Car work with skilled scrap and salvage buyers across the UK. To get a free valuation of your vehicle, just fill in your car or van’s registration and postcode and we’ll find vehicle scrappers near you who can offer you a top quote for your vehicle. Quotes are generated in an instant and are completely free!