Scrap Car FAQs

Short answers to the questions people ask most about scrapping a car. Each answer links to the guide with the full detail.

Getting a valuation

How do I get a valuation?: Enter the registration and postcode at the top of this page, or call 0800 002 9733. We pass your details to the collection company covering your area, and a person there contacts you with a valuation. There is no obligation to accept it.
What affects the value?: Mainly the vehicle's weight and materials, its make, model and age, which parts can be reused, and its condition, including damage and missing parts. See scrap car prices.
Can the valuation change?: Yes, if the vehicle does not match the details you gave. It is inspected on collection before the written contract is completed, and a revised valuation may be offered. Describing it accurately avoids this.

Is collection free?: Yes. Our terms set out one exception: you may be charged for the aborted journey if you cancel less than 24 hours before the agreed time. See free scrap car collection.
Does my car need to run?: No. Non-runners are loaded onto a recovery vehicle. Say whether it rolls and steers when you enquire. See non-running cars.
What happens on collection day?: The collection company inspects the car, you sign the written contract and hand over the keys and V5C, and you are paid on collection. See how it works.
How quickly can it be collected?: It depends on the collection company covering your area. You agree a time with them when you accept the valuation. If you need it moved by a particular date, say so.

Can I scrap a car with no MOT?: Yes. A valid MOT is not needed for collection, but the car must stay off the road until it is collected. See MOT failure cars.
Can I scrap an accident-damaged car?: Yes, whatever the damage. See accident damaged cars.
Can I scrap a Cat N or Cat S write-off?: Yes, if you kept the car or bought it back. Give the category when you enquire. See insurance write-offs.
Do you take vans?: Yes, light commercial vans in any condition. See scrap my van and cars we accept.

Do I need the V5C?: Have it ready if you can. Give it to the facility that takes the vehicle and keep the yellow ‘sell, transfer or part-exchange’ section. If it is lost, say so when you enquire.
Who tells DVLA?: You do, as the registered keeper. You must tell DVLA the vehicle has gone to an authorised treatment facility. GOV.UK says you can be fined £1,000 if you do not (how to scrap your vehicle).
What is a Certificate of Destruction?: Proof that a vehicle was handed over for scrap. If it is completely scrapped at an authorised treatment facility, you receive one within 7 days for a car or light van. It is not issued if the vehicle is repaired and sold instead. Keep it safe.
What if there is outstanding finance?: Tell the collection company. The finance agreement stays with you after the vehicle is transferred, so speak to your finance provider first. See how it works.

Who pays me, and when?: The collection company pays you on collection, in line with the payment terms you agree with it.
Can I be paid in cash?: Where a vehicle is being scrapped in England or Wales, payment cannot legally be made in cash. Payment is made using an appropriate traceable method such as bank transfer. Different rules apply if the vehicle is repaired and sold rather than scrapped.

Do you cover my area?: We take enquiries from across England, Scotland and Wales and pass each one to a collection company that covers the vehicle's location. See the areas we cover.
Who actually collects the car?: An affiliated vehicle collection company, not Scrap A Car For Cash. See about us.

Call us free on 0800 002 9733, or enter your registration and postcode for a free, no-obligation valuation.

We take enquiries from across England, Scotland and Wales — see the areas we cover.