How It Works

Scrap A Car For Cash is an enquiry service run by Lead Stack Ltd. We take your vehicle's details and pass them to an affiliated collection company that covers your area. That company values the vehicle, collects it free of charge and pays you.

This page sets out each step, who is responsible for what, and the paperwork involved.

  • Free, no-obligation valuation
  • Free collection
  • Paid on collection
  • Certificate of Destruction if scrapped

For a no obligation quote, complete the form or call

0800 002 9733 or 07766 797 352

GB

Who does what

StepWho is responsible
Taking your enquiryScrap A Car For Cash (Lead Stack Ltd)
Valuing the vehicleThe affiliated collection company covering your area
Collecting it (free of charge)The collection company
Inspection and written contractThe collection company, with you
Paying youThe collection company, on collection
Certificate of Destruction (only if completely scrapped)The authorised treatment facility, within 7 days
Telling DVLAYou, as the registered keeper

Scrap A Car For Cash does not own collection vehicles or treatment facilities. Our terms and conditions set out the arrangement in full.

1. Send your vehicle's details

Enter the registration and postcode in the form, confirm the vehicle details and add your contact details. You can also call us on 0800 002 9733. Describe the car's condition accurately, including what is wrong with it, any damage, any missing parts and where it is parked. The valuation depends on that information.

2. Receive a valuation

We pass your details to the collection company that covers the vehicle's location, and a person there contacts you with a valuation in pounds. It is given on a ‘subject to contract’ basis, so it is not binding until you sign the written contract on collection. If the details you gave turn out to be inaccurate, the valuation can be withdrawn or changed. What goes into it is explained on scrap car prices.

3. Accept and arrange free collection

There is no obligation to accept. If you do, you agree a collection date and time with the collection company. Collection is free. Timing depends on the company and your location, so if you need the car moved by a particular date, say so. See free scrap car collection for access, non-runners and what to have ready.

Cancelling

You can cancel after accepting 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.

4. Collection day

  • Inspection: the collection company inspects the vehicle before the written contract is completed. It may offer a revised valuation if the vehicle does not match the information you gave, if its condition has a substantial effect on its value, or for other relevant factors not disclosed earlier.
  • Written contract: ownership and risk pass to the collection company when you sign it.
  • Hand over: all keys (including spares), any manuals and the V5C log book.

5. Payment

The collection company pays you, promptly on collection and in line with the payment terms you agree with it. The collection company's details are given on your quote.

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. If the vehicle is repaired and sold rather than scrapped, different payment rules apply (GOV.UK: where you can scrap your vehicle).

Paperwork

The V5C log book

Give the V5C to the facility that takes the vehicle, but keep the yellow ‘sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to the motor trade’ section. If you have lost the V5C, say so when you enquire. You need to be the legal owner and able to transfer the vehicle.

Identification

Have photo ID ready for collection day.

Keeping your registration number

If you want to keep a private registration, apply to take it off the vehicle before it is scrapped.

Telling DVLA

You must tell DVLA that you have taken the vehicle to an authorised treatment facility (ATF). GOV.UK says you can be fined £1,000 if you do not (how to scrap your vehicle).

Certificate of Destruction

If the vehicle is completely scrapped at an ATF, the ATF gives you a Certificate of Destruction within 7 days (for a car or light van). It proves you handed the vehicle over for scrap. Without it you could still be liable for traffic penalties and vehicle tax. You do not get a certificate if the facility repairs and sells the vehicle instead of scrapping it.

Cars with outstanding finance

Tell the collection company about any outstanding finance or hire agreement on the vehicle. Transferring the vehicle does not end a finance agreement: it stays with you, and you remain liable for it. Speak to your finance provider before arranging collection.

Before collection

  • Remove your belongings from the boot, glove box, door pockets and under the seats.
  • Have the V5C, photo ID, all keys and any manuals ready.
  • Apply to keep a private registration first, if you have one.
  • Make sure the collection company knows about anything that affects access.

Guides by vehicle condition

MOT failure carsRepair or scrap, and why no MOT is needed for collection.Non-running and mechanical failure carsEngine, gearbox, clutch and electrical faults.Accident damaged carsHow damage affects a valuation.Insurance write-offsCategory N and S, and what happens to the V5C.Scrap car pricesWhat decides a valuation and why it can change.Free scrap car collectionArranging collection and what to have ready.

Start with a free valuation

Enter the registration and postcode, or call us, and the collection company covering your area will contact you with a valuation. There is no obligation to accept.

Get a free valuationCall free: 0800 002 9733

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