When a car reaches the end of its practicality, owners have to get it scrapped and report it to the DVLA. Once DVLA labels the car ‘scrapped’, it means the vehicle is not worth sale. Unfortunately, some scrapped cars slip into the market along with the vehicles that insurance firms write off.
A scrapped or written-off vehicle is potentially dangerous to use and poses a severe threat to the public’s safety. As metal thefts are prevalent in the UK, the question is how you can tell if your vehicle is scrapped. You probably can’t until you undertake a full car check, including a car scrap check assessment.
What does ‘scrapped’ mean?
A car legally removed from the road because it was judged too damaged to be repaired to roadworthy condition is known as a “scrapped” car.
All cars sold to a respectable scrapyard will be destroyed as “scrap,” but specific parts may be retrieved and used as spares.
How to find out if a vehicle has been scrapped?
Online platforms like caranalytics offer car scrap checks highlighting the potential issues for just £1.99. The DVLA issues a certificate of destruction as evidence that the vehicle is safely destroyed. Thus, the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority help to track the scrapped cars & provide accurate information.
Hence, buying or selling a car in the UK used car market, you recommend opting for a car data check so that you can avoid paying for the outstanding finance cars, stolen, clocked, written off cars or scrap cars.
What if my car has been scrapped?
Unfortunately, if you discover that your car has been scrapped before, you can do nothing. For this reason, it is important to check this information before purchasing a car.
You should contact the seller or dealer if you discover that the car you purchased was scrapped. Since it will no longer be included in the DVLA database, you cannot obtain insurance or legally drive it on public roads.
What is a vehicle scrapping certificate?
A vehicle scrapping certificate is also known as a certificate of destruction. If you need to scrap a vehicle from another country in the UK, you must use an ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility). A certificate of Destruction is issued to prove that the vehicle has been destroyed. You must tell the driving authority in the country where the car is registered that it has been scrapped.
Which car scrap service is the best in the UK?
While many online platforms provide free car check reports, not all are authentic. Moreover, a free car check may not include a car scrap check report, so your best bet is to opt for a comprehensive car details check after doing proper research.
Check online reviews and social media pages of the companies that offer car check services to make an informed decision.
Here are the few popular scrap car services in the UK:
- scrapcarcomparison
- Car.co.uk
- asm-autos
Although some sellers might provide you with their vehicle check reports, we suggest performing your inspection for peace of mind.
How to tell the DVLA you have scrapped your vehicle?
So, you’ve scrapped your car and now it’s time to let the DVLA know. Here’s how you do it:
By Online:
The quickest way is to inform the DVLA through their website. You’ll need:
- Your vehicle registration number
- The V5C logbook with the 11-digit reference number (found in Section Four for logbooks issued after April 2019 or in Section Nine for older logbooks)
- The scrapyard’s name and address
Once you have these, you can fill out the online form to report your scrapped car to the DVLA instantly.
By Post:
Alternatively, you can inform the DVLA by mail:
- Complete the relevant section of your V5C logbook (Section Nine for pre-April 2019 logbooks, Section Four for newer ones).
- Post it to:
- DVLA
- Swansea
- SA99 1BA
Make sure to include the scrapyard’s details. The DVLA should send a confirmation letter within four weeks if all steps are followed correctly.
Answering your questions
What is a Certificate of Destruction (COD)?
A certificate of destruction (COD) proves that a car has been taken off the road and destroyed. Additionally, it indicates that the car has been properly disposed of and is no longer the owner’s responsibility.
How much time does it take to scrap a vehicle?
Scrapping a vehicle usually takes a few hours to a day, with up to 7 days for the DVLA to issue a Certificate of Destruction. After scrapping, notify your insurance provider and the DVLA by completing the relevant section of the V5C.
The DVLA typically updates records within 2 weeks to reflect the vehicle’s scrapped status.
What documents should I require to scrap my car?
To scrap your car, you have to provide a photo ID and proof of address. While not necessary, if you have your V5C registration document, this may clarify the process.
Can you scrap a car with outstanding finance in the UK?
No, you can’t scrap a car with outstanding finance. ATF would resist scrapping the vehicle by checking if it is on finance or not; if you want to know the vehicle finance status, you would have to gain control of the car or get the vehicle temporarily and use it till the finance period.
What happens if I don’t tell the DVLA I’ve scrapped my vehicle?
If you don’t notify the DVLA after scrapping your vehicle, you could still be liable for tickets, taxes, and a fine of up to £1,000 since the car remains registered in your name.
