Scrapping Old Cars: What You Need to Know

With today’s technology and an increasing number of service providers, having your old car scrapped is fairly simple. People go online, choose a scrapyard that offers a collection service and they’re done. But, this is not the case all of the time. Some people opt to scrap their car themselves and end up with all sorts of problems, while others end up dealing with dodgy scrap dealers.

To follow a safe and legal process for scrapping an old car, here’s what you need to know:

Get the Paperwork Sorted

When scrapping your car, you have to provide the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD). The CoD is proof that you’ve surrendered your vehicle for scrapping and are no longer responsible for it. Having a CoD protects you from liabilities and allows you to reclaim any remaining road tax and unused insurance.

For scrapping your car, a few documents need completing before the scrap company can take the vehicle. They include the V5C registration certificate or logbook, the owner’s manual and book pack, and the car’s full or part service history.

Keeping a Personalised Registration

If you have a personalised number plate and you want to keep it, you’ll need to accomplish Form V317. Make sure to do this right away or you risk losing it.

For those whose insurance firm is responsible for disposing of your vehicle, make sure to inform them not to scrap the car until the official transfer of the registration number.

Dealing with an ATF is a Legal Requirement

When choosing a scrap dealer, make sure that the firm you opt for is a certified ATF ? an Authorised Treatment Facility. The Environmental Agency licenses ATFs to safely and responsibly scrap a car. Only ATFs have the authority to provide you with the CoD you need to present to the DVLA.

If you accidentally entrust your car to a facility that is not licensed, you lose the opportunity to reclaim tax and insurance, and put yourself at risk of prosecution.

Think Twice About Scrapping Your Car Yourself

Some motorists prefer to sell off their car’s parts like tires and batteries in the hopes of getting a better price. They then negotiate directly with a scrap dealer for the remainder. This is legal but not always the best option as many scrapyards only accept vehicles that have their essential parts. This strategy is best left to professionals and experienced amateurs to avoid accidentally stripping yourself of tax and insurance refunds and putting yourself at legal risk.

Do Not Accept Cash Payments

To reduce incidences of metal theft, it is illegal for scrap dealers to pay you in cash under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act of 2013. Make sure that they pay you via bank transfer or with a company cheque.

The only time it’s OK for a scrap dealer to offer you cash for your car is if they decide to repair and sell your vehicle. If the ATF does this, inform the DVLA of the transfer of ownership.

Ready to scrap your car?

LKM Recycling is an Authorised Treatment Facility that offers fast and efficient service, complete with collection. We serve Ashford, Dover, Gravesend, Sevenoaks and more. For a free quote, fill in our Scrap My Car form.