What happens if my car is in poor condition?

A lot of Car.co.uk customers get in touch with us to explain the poor condition of the car they’re hoping to scrap – our answer is always the same; don’t worry!

When we provide a quote, it is based on the scrap value of your vehicle, rather than the overall condition. That scrap value is calculated by considering the weight of the car – alongside the parts we know can be salvaged for recycling purposes.

Our team handle enquiries from people with cars in all conditions, including:

  • Un-roadworthy vehicles
  • MOT failures
  • Junk and salvage cars
  • Fleet vehicles
  • Insurance write-offs
  • Damaged cars
  • Flood-damaged vehicles
  • Non-runners
  • Part-exchange cars
  • Foreign cars that are not UK registered

Whether your car is simply getting old – or if it’s sustained serious damage, we’ll always work hard on your behalf to find an excellent price.

 

How much is my car likely to be worth?

We won’t just offer you a set price when you get a quote to sell your scrap car through our service – we handle each enquiry individually, to make sure you get the best price possible.

What’s more – we work with a network of specialist scrap partners around the UK. Since our specialist scrap partners are equipped to deal with particular makes and models, this often means that we can find you a truly unbeatable price.

 

Other related FAQs

Looking for more related content to this? We’ve picked a selection of related topics that you may find helpful

It’s illegal to scrap someone’s car without their permission and take payment. The Scrap Dealers Act requires that individuals scrapping cars provide photo ID and proof of address and are never paid in cash, ensuring transactions can be easily traced.

If you’re entitled to any unused road tax when you scrap your car, you should get in touch with the DVLA to reclaim it. Since tax discs were phased out, this can no longer be done at a post office – so you’ll need to contact the DVLA directly, either on the phone, by post, or using their website.

Yes, our network of dismantlers can scrap vehicles that are registered in other countries. You’ll need to inform the governing body in the country that the car is from; usually by sending them the completed registration document.

The answer unfortunately is no. Once your MOT has expired you must get it renewed immediately. If you’re found to be driving without a valid MOT certificate, you could be fined up to £1,000.

To scrap your car legally, the three absolute musts are you must use an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), ensure your logbook (V5 certificate) is completed correctly, and, if the vehicle’s to be destroyed, obtain a CoD (Certificate of Destruction).

End of Life Vehicle (ELV) is the term used to describe a car that is no longer suitable for use – either through wear and tear or damage. ELVs must be recycled at authorised treatment facilities.

ATF stands for ‘Authorised Treatment Facility’ - another name for a scrap yard, breaker’s yard or vehicle dismantler that meets with strict government guidelines relating to the handling processing of End of Live vehicles.

Yes. Vehicle tax is no longer transferable from owner to owner – so, if you’re scrapping your car, we recommend that you get in touch with the DVLA soon after collection to reclaim any tax that may be owed.

You can get in touch with your insurance company and cancel your cover after your car has been collected. If you cancel your insurance before collection, you’ll be breaking the law if you drive the car on a public road. -

When a car is scrapped, any hazardous materials are removed, along with any parts considered harmful to the environment. Tyres will be removed for recycling, the car will then be crushed and separated into plastic, fibre and metal, and recycled.