Free Scrap Car Collection

Collection is free when you scrap your car through us. The collection company that covers your area arranges it with you after you accept its valuation. This page explains who collects the car, how it is arranged and what to have ready.

No collection charge
Non-runners collected
Paid on collection
Certificate of Destruction if scrapped

What free collection means

There is no charge for collecting your car, and we charge no admin fee. Our terms set out one exception, late cancellation: if you cancel less than 24 hours before the agreed collection time, you may be charged for the aborted journey. See cancelling below.

Who collects your car

Scrap A Car For Cash does not operate collection vehicles. We pass your enquiry to an affiliated vehicle collection company that covers your area. That company values the car, collects it, completes the paperwork with you on the day and pays you. If the car is scrapped, it goes to an authorised treatment facility.

How collection is arranged

Once you accept the valuation, you agree a date and time with the collection company. When it can collect depends on the company and your location, so if you need the car moved by a particular date, say so when you enquire.

Cars that don't run

The car does not need to start or drive: it is loaded onto a recovery vehicle. Tell the collection company whether it rolls, whether the steering and handbrake work and whether all the wheels are fitted. See non-running and mechanical failure cars.

Damaged cars and write-offs

Accident-damaged cars are collected in the same way. If the car is at a garage or storage yard, give the address and who to contact there. See accident damaged cars and insurance write-offs.

Access and loading

Mention anything that could affect collection when you enquire, for example:

narrow lanes, steep or gated drives, or low bridges on the way;
underground or multi-storey car parks, or height restrictions;
parking permits, access codes or building management contacts;
a car kept in a locked garage or on land you do not own.

The collection company needs to be able to reach and load the car safely. Accurate information avoids a wasted journey.

What to have ready

the V5C log book (you keep its yellow section);
photo ID;
all keys, including spares, and any manuals;
your belongings removed from the car;
an application to keep a private registration, made in advance if you want to keep it.

You, or someone you arrange with the collection company, will need to be there to hand over the keys and sign the written contract.

On the day

The collection company inspects the car before the written contract is completed. It may offer a revised valuation if the car does not match the description you gave. Once you sign, ownership passes to the collection company. It pays you on collection, in line with the payment terms you agree. 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. GOV.UK sets out the rules on where you can scrap your vehicle.

After collection

If the car is completely scrapped at an authorised treatment facility, you receive a Certificate of Destruction within 7 days. You must also tell DVLA that the vehicle has gone to an authorised treatment facility. Both steps are explained on how it works: paperwork.

Cancelling

You can cancel after accepting a valuation by telephoning at least 24 hours before the agreed collection time. If you cancel with less notice, you may be charged for the aborted journey.

Where we cover

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 does what

Scrap A Car For Cash (operated by Lead Stack Ltd, company number 15877625) takes your enquiry and passes it to an affiliated vehicle collection company that covers your area.
The collection company values the vehicle, collects it free of charge and pays you on collection, in line with the terms you agree with them.
If the vehicle is completely scrapped, that happens at an authorised treatment facility (ATF), which gives you a Certificate of Destruction. A vehicle that is repaired and resold instead does not get one.

More detail: how it works and our terms and conditions.

Arrange a free collection

Start with a free, no-obligation valuation. Once you accept it, the collection company covering your area arranges collection with you.

Get a free valuation Call free: 0800 002 9733

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