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How To Scrap My Car - A Guide
How Do I Scrap My Car?
Wondering how to scrap your car? You’re in the right place! At Scrap My Car Services, we make the entire process simple, hassle-free, and fully compliant with UK regulations.
As a trusted name in the industry, we’ve helped thousands of customers across the UK with scrapping their cars or vans, backed by years of experience and glowing customer feedback.
Here’s how it works:
✅ Request an Instant Quotation – Just enter your reg online
💬 Accept Your Quotation – If you’re happy with the price, confirm your booking
🚚 Arrange Free Collection – We’ll collect your vehicle at a time that suits you
💷 Get Paid Fast – Secure payment straight to your bank
That’s it – scrapping your car couldn’t be easier with Scrap My Car Services!
Want to understand how we calculate the value of your scrap car? Check out our helpful guide to learn more about pricing, regulations, and how we ensure you get the best deal possible.
How Much Is My Scrap Car Worth?
Getting a value for your scrap car couldn’t be easier with Scrap My Car Services. Simply enter your registration and postcode, and we’ll instantly search our nationwide network to find you the best scrap car quote available.
We also offer free scrap car collection, saving you time and hassle.
If we believe your vehicle could be worth more than scrap value, we’ll just ask for a few extra details—such as mileage and general condition—so we can assess whether it’s suitable for salvage. That way, you get the most accurate and competitive price for your car, whether it’s scrap or salvage.
As one of the UK’s trusted names in the industry, we help thousands of drivers each year dispose of their old vehicles quickly and legally. Don’t just take our word for it—check out our independent reviews on Trustpilot and see what our customers say.
What Paperwork Do I Need to Scrap My Car?
When selling or scrapping a car, sorting out the paperwork is essential. If you don’t transfer legal ownership correctly, you could remain liable for road tax or even receive fines from the DVLA for any tickets or penalties the vehicle picks up after it’s left your hands.
To stay protected:
Notify the DVLA that you’ve sold or scrapped the car
Complete Section 9 of your V5C logbook, or submit the update online via the DVLA website
At Scrap My Car Services, we’ll support you through every step of the process, ensuring your car is dealt with properly—and that you’re no longer legally responsible.
Do I Need to Inform the DVLA When I Scrap My Car?
✅ It is your legal responsibility to inform the DVLA as soon as you sell or scrap your car
To do this, you have two options:
Complete and send Section 9 of your V5C (log book) by post
Or, for a faster and easier route, simply use the DVLA’s online service to report your car as sold or scrapped
This step is vital to ensure you’re no longer held responsible for the vehicle. Failing to notify the DVLA could result in fines or ongoing liability for road tax and even penalty charges if the car is misused after collection.
At Scrap My Car Services, we’ll remind you of this step and guide you through the process—because doing things properly matters.
Proof of Identification When Scrapping a Car
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers’ Act 2013, anyone selling a scrap car must provide valid photo ID to the Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). This identification must show your full name, date of birth, and current address, and a copy will be securely retained for compliance purposes.
The most straightforward ID to provide is a photocard driving licence, but the following are also accepted:
A valid UK passport
A passport from a European Economic Area (EEA) country
A UK biometric immigration document
If you’re using any form of ID other than a driving licence, you’ll also need to provide a recent supporting document (dated within the last 3 months) to confirm your name and address. Accepted documents include:
A bank or building society statement
A credit or debit card statement
A council tax bill or statement
A utility bill (e.g. gas, water, electricity – but not a mobile phone bill)
This legal requirement ensures all scrap transactions are recorded and traceable.
When I Scrap My Car, What Is a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)?
When you scrap your car, it’s essential that the DVLA is officially notified. This is done through a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)—a formal document confirming your vehicle has been scrapped in accordance with legal regulations.
Only Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs), like those partnered with Scrap My Car Services, are permitted to issue a Certificate of Destruction. Once your vehicle is dismantled and processed, the ATF will submit the CoD electronically to the DVLA, updating their records and ending your legal responsibility for the car.
⚠️ While you’re not legally required to have a copy of the CoD as the seller, we understand the importance of peace of mind. That’s why all Scrap My Car Services approved ATFs are happy to provide you with a copy upon request.
This ensures you have full confidence that your vehicle has been disposed of safely, legally, and responsibly.
Can I Remove Parts Before I Scrap My Car?
While it might seem tempting to remove and sell car parts like the wheels, tyres, battery, or lights before scrapping the vehicle, doing so can actually make the process far more complicated—and potentially less profitable.
When you strip parts off your scrap car, you may:
Reduce its value significantly
Make it unsafe or difficult to transport
Struggle to find an ATF willing to collect or process the remaining shell
Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) may decline collection of a heavily stripped car, especially if it’s missing essential components. This is not just a safety issue, but a matter of value—a car missing key parts is less appealing and might not cover the cost of legal, compliant disposal. You may even be left with the hassle of arranging and paying for transport yourself.
At Scrap My Car Services, we always recommend leaving your vehicle intact to ensure the smoothest collection, maximum scrap value, and a stress-free experience.
Can I Reclaim Tax and Insurance When I Scrap My Car?
Yes, you can reclaim both your road tax and car insurance after scrapping your vehicle.
Once you’ve handed over your scrap car to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), make sure you notify the DVLA right away. You can do this by completing Section 9 of your V5C log book. This will automatically trigger a refund from the DVLA for any full months of unused Vehicle Road Tax, which will be sent directly to you as the last registered keeper.
Don’t forget to also contact your car insurance provider. Most insurers will either offer to:
Transfer your remaining cover to a new vehicle, or
Issue a refund for any unused months on your policy.
By taking these simple steps, you can ensure you recover any eligible money after you’ve chosen to scrap your car.