Sell your damaged car in 30 seconds
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We buy, no matter the condition
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Scrap your damaged car in 4 simple steps
Step 1Instant online quote
Enter your reg and postcode to get a guaranteed price based on your location and car details. No haggling. No hidden fees.
Step 2Choose collection date & time
Pick a collection slot that works for you — morning, afternoon or evening. Our booking system presents options based on local availability.
Step 3Free collection
Your chosen scrap yard collects the car from your drive, garage, workplace or roadside, completely free of charge.
Step 4On-the-spot payment
Once your car’s collected, payment is sent directly to your bank account. While we process it instantly, the deposit might take up to 48 hours.
Join 100,000+ people who’ve sold with Car.co.uk
We’ve been helping drivers scrap damaged cars for years. With a nationwide network of thousands of trusted breakers and scrap yards, we handle everything from accident write-offs to MOT failures to cars that just aren’t worth the hassle to sell privately.
Our model is simple: connect you with the best local scrap prices, offer free vehicle collection and get you paid immediately. Once everything’s done, we handle DVLA correspondence and issue your official Certificate of Destruction from the scrap yard. It’s fast, fair and built for people who don’t want to waste time chasing scrap dealers or responding to classified ads.
Car.co.uk
We could offer you £729 for your vehicle today.
Our customers love us!
Quick and Convenient Vehicle Scrappage
This was a quick and easy way to scrap our old vehicle. The online evaluation check was useful and produced a similar price to what we expected. It only took a few moments to book a collection date and time, and this was confirmed via text and email. On collection day I was texted further confirmation and called by the driver to inform of his eta. The driver was informative and professional. The purchase was accepted and the payment okayed, with the money transferred immediately. Overall, and great service and would recommend.
⏤ Louisa Steele
Verified14/08/2025
Very easy transaction.
Very easy transaction. Easy to book, collection person phoned to say exactly what time they were arriving. I just left him to it and collection took around 10 mins including taking photos of my id and the car. Sad to see my car go as its been a really good car but too much wrong with it now. Payment was not immediate, took around an hour and a half. No fuss, no sweat, very easy.
⏤ Pat Hudson
Verified30/07/2025
Scrap your car for cash in 24 hrs
Online search for scrap my car this firm popped up. Put reg and postcode in to their page, got a quote excepted and arranged collection. That was 24 hours ago. Car has been collected from the address i gave them payments in bank and that was all by 11 am this morning. Driver was polite and curious and everything was as smooth a transaction as i could have hoped for. Great service, i can't comment on value as only looked here and excepted price offered.
⏤ Reignbros Ltd
Verified01/08/2025
Quick Service and Instant Payment
I recently used a car scrapping service and was really impressed with how quick and straightforward the whole process was. From the moment I contacted them, everything was handled professionally. They arranged collection at a time that suited me, and the driver was polite and efficient. What really stood out was how quickly they transferred the payment — the money went straight into my bank account immediately after the car was collected. There was no hassle, no hidden fees, and everything was exactly as promised. If you’re looking for a smooth, no-stress way to scrap your car and get paid on the spot, I’d definitely recommend this service.
⏤ Jen
Verified11/08/2025
Easy to contact by phone
Easy to contact by phone. All the staff I spoke to were polite and helpful. All arrangements were confirmed in writing and timescales were kept to. The collection went well, he kept me informed and was very . professionalRidiculous as it may seem I was sad to scrap my car but they made it a painless experience.
⏤ Jonathan Eccles
Verified11/08/2025
Quick and Convenient Vehicle Scrappage
This was a quick and easy way to scrap our old vehicle. The online evaluation check was useful and produced a similar price to what we expected. It only took a few moments to book a collection date and time, and this was confirmed via text and email. On collection day I was texted further confirmation and called by the driver to inform of his eta. The driver was informative and professional. The purchase was accepted and the payment okayed, with the money transferred immediately. Overall, and great service and would recommend.
⏤ Louisa Steele
Verified14/08/2025
Very easy transaction.
Very easy transaction. Easy to book, collection person phoned to say exactly what time they were arriving. I just left him to it and collection took around 10 mins including taking photos of my id and the car. Sad to see my car go as its been a really good car but too much wrong with it now. Payment was not immediate, took around an hour and a half. No fuss, no sweat, very easy.
⏤ Pat Hudson
Verified30/07/2025
We’ve got local damaged car scrap depots across the UK.
No matter where you’re based, we’ll connect you with a local scrap yard that offers a great price and fast, free collection. Our network covers every corner of the UK, so even if you’re in a rural postcode, you’ll still get a competitive quote.
We use real-time pricing from scrap yards near you to generate instant quotes based on your reg and postcode. The system finds the best fit from our partner network, factoring in location, demand and collection availability, all within seconds.
Free nationwide collection
Instant online price
Quick cash payment
Official paperwork sorted
Support social value
Best price for your damaged car in 30 seconds
Immediate payment
We buy, no matter the condition
Same day collection available
Did you know we scrap ALL types of cars?
We don’t just take in damaged cars. We scrap vans, write-offs, non-runners and even vehicles stripped for parts. Whether your car’s failed its MOT, been sat on your drive for year, or simply isn’t worth the hassle to sell, we’ll take it off your hands free of charge. We also handle commercial vehicles and fleets, making us the go-to choice for private owners and businesses across the UK.
Helpful resources for selling a damaged car
What’s hot in the UK’s damaged car market?
Our data shows you what UK drivers are scrapping, what vehicles fetch the highest prices and which models are trending in today’s market.
Updated August, 2025
Vauxhall and Ford top the list of most commonly scrapped vehicles in the UK, followed by Volkswagen, Peugeot, and Renault. With over 132,000 cars analysed, the data shows that damaged cars from these popular makes are frequently sold for scrap. This highlights how common it is to offload accident-damaged vehicles from mainstream manufacturers.
[{"tab":"Top 5 car makes scrapped","summary":"Vauxhall and Ford top the list of most commonly scrapped vehicles in the UK, followed by Volkswagen, Peugeot, and Renault. With over 132,000 cars analysed, the data shows that damaged cars from these popular makes are frequently sold for scrap. This highlights how common it is to offload accident-damaged vehicles from mainstream manufacturers.","data":[{"name":"Vauxhall","value":21878},{"name":"Ford","value":19022},{"name":"Volkswagen","value":11068},{"name":"Peugeot","value":9741},{"name":"Renault","value":7557}]},{"tab":"Top 5 car models scrapped","summary":"Even well-known, widely owned vehicles end up written off or uneconomical to repair after damage. The most commonly scrapped damaged car models include the Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. These three models, along with the Peugeot 207 and Renault Clio, account for a combined 11.51% of all scrapped vehicles in the UK.","data":[{"name":"Vauxhall Corsa","value":3796},{"name":"Ford Focus","value":3564},{"name":"Volkswagen Golf","value":2005},{"name":"Peugeot 207","value":2815},{"name":"Renault Clio","value":3155}]},{"tab":"Age of cars scrapped","summary":"Damaged cars primarily end up being scrapped when age makes repairs uneconomical. Our data shows most scrapped vehicles are between 16 and 20 years old, with 18-year-old cars topping the list. Once cars reach this age, even minor damage normally justifies selling them for scrap rather than investing in expensive maintenance and repairs.","data":[{"name":"18 years old","value":18197},{"name":"19 years old","value":16669},{"name":"17 years old","value":15104},{"name":"20 years old","value":13718},{"name":"16 years old","value":11262}]},{"tab":"Most common MOT Failures","summary":"By far, oil leaks are the most common reason for MOT failures. Worn tyres (especially front and rear edges) and brake disc wear round off the top three. These problems, while not always critical alone, can combine with accident damage to push repair costs beyond the car’s value, making scrapping your damaged car the more practical option.","data":[{"name":"8.4.1 (a) (i)","value":17315,"label":"Oil leak, but not excessive"},{"name":"5.2.3 (e)","value":9217,"label":"Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge"},{"name":"5.2.3 (e) ","value":9157,"label":"Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge"},{"name":"5.2.3 (e) ","value":5754,"label":"Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge"},{"name":"1.1.14 (a) (ii)","value":5491,"label":"Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened"}]},{"tab":"Average miles of cars scrapped","summary":"The vast majority of damaged cars sold for scrap have over 100,000 miles on the clock, with over 53,000 vehicles scrapped after reaching 125k+ miles. High mileage reduces a car’s resale value and when that's combined with accident damage, it’s rarely worth repairing.","data":[{"name":"0-50k miles","value":3821},{"name":"50-75k miles","value":11813},{"name":"75-100k miles","value":27406},{"name":"100-125k miles","value":32909},{"name":"125k+ miles","value":53418}]},{"tab":"Fuel type of cars scrapped","summary":"Petrol cars make up the majority of damaged vehicles scrapped, followed by diesel. “Other” fuel types like electric and hybrid account for a tiny share, largely because they’re newer and less likely to be written off yet. Older petrol and diesel vehicles are more prone to damage-related scrappage due to age, wear, and lower repair value.","data":[{"name":"Petrol","value":75233},{"name":"Diesel","value":56331},{"name":"Other","value":526}]}]
Scrap car statistics across the UK
The average weight of vehicles scrapped in the UK was 1,308 kg. This gives a general idea of the size and type of cars being scrapped, typically standard hatchbacks and saloons.
Manual cars made up 83.33% of vehicles scrapped, with automatics at 13.33%. This reflects the dominance of manual transmissions in older UK vehicles, which are now reaching the end of their life.
The most common engine size of vehicles scrapped in the UK was 1,598cc. This reflects the popularity of mid-sized engines in everyday cars, which are now being retired in large numbers.
The lowest mileage vehicle scrapped in the UK was a Vauxhall Corsa with just 55 miles on the clock. While rare, some vehicles are scrapped early due to damage, faults or insurance write-offs.
The scrap price we offer is the price we pay
Some companies bait and switch, lowering your payout on collection day, or they sneak in collection charges after you’ve agreed. Others drag payments out for days. With us, the price you see already factors everything in, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. Plus, every quote comes with a video supplement breaking down exactly why your car’s worth what it is.
Since our platform allows you to compare offers, our network of Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) competes for your car. On top of that, we’ve built the tech infrastructure to streamline and automate the entire process. That’s why we can pass more value back to you.
Sell My Damaged Car FAQs
Can I sell my damaged car to a junkyard?
You can indeed sell your damaged car to a junkyard. In fact, if the car isn’t worth fixing or selling privately, it’s the smartest move. Junkyards are set up to strip out usable parts, recycle what they can and scrap the rest. So even if your car’s a total non-runner or missing panels, it still has value to them.
But — and this is where we come in — you don’t need to waste time calling around trying to find one that’ll take it or give you a fair price. We already work with hundreds of licensed breakers and scrap yards across the UK. You just enter your reg and postcode, and we’ll show you who wants it and what they’ll pay. You choose the offer, they pick it up and you get paid
What’s the best place to sell a damaged car?
It depends on how badly the car’s damaged. If we’re talking light damage, like a dented bumper, cracked light or something that still drives fine, you’ll get more by selling it privately. But if you can’t get at least £1,000 for it in a reasonable amount of time, it’s not worth the time or hassle. Just scrap it and move on.
Now, when it comes to scrapping, people think they need to find the best scrap yard, but every Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) has to follow the same environmental and processing standards. So “the best” really comes down to two things: who’s closest to you and who’s willing to pay the most.
That’s exactly what our system does. It compares real offers from local ATFs in your area, instantly, so you’re not wasting time ringing around or guessing. You see your options, pick one and get paid.
How much cash can I get for my damaged car?
That really depends on three main things: how you sell it, how bad the damage is, and what kind of car you’ve got.
If the car’s lightly damaged and still roadworthy, you’ll get anywhere from £2,000 to £15,000+ for the car, depending on the details (high-end vs low-end, new vs old, service history).
If the damage is more serious or it’s just not worth repairing, scrapping is the quicker, easier and often smarter move. Scrap value is based on weight, location and parts demand. A small hatchback might fetch £200 to £300, while a larger 4x4 or van could get you £400 to £600 or more, even if it’s totally undrivable.
Can I sell my damaged car today?
You can, but timing matters. If you want same-day collection, your best bet is to get your quote and book early in the morning. That gives you the best shot at grabbing a collection slot later that day.
If you leave it too late in the afternoon, most local yards have already filled their pickup runs. That said, if same-day doesn’t work out, we’ll usually have next-day options available
Is it legal to sell a flood-damaged car in the UK?
Yep, selling a flood-damaged car is completely legal as long as you’re honest about it. If you try to mask the damage or withhold that information, it constitutes misrepresentation and fraud.
Most flood-damaged cars fall under the Category N write-off classification. That means there’s no structural damage, just electrical or cosmetic issues. These cars can go back on the road without needing to be re-registered with the DVLA.
Where can I sell my broken car quickly?
Car.co.uk is hands down the fastest way to get rid of a broken car. Just enter your reg and postcode, pick your preferred offer and we’ll sort out collection within 24-48 hours. Payment goes to your bank as soon as the car’s picked up.
Compare that to the private market, where it can take weeks to find a buyer (especially for non-runners), and you’ll probably still end up answering questions, arranging viewings, and frustrating yourself left and right with lowball offers.
Can I sell a car that’s been written off?
It depends on the write-off category.
If it's a Cat N (non-structural damage), you can sell the car as soon as you repair it. If it's Cat S (structural), it’ll need to be properly repaired and re-registered before it goes back on the road. If it’s Cat A or Cat B, you legally cannot do anything but scrap it.
Can I sell a crashed car without insurance?
No, you can’t legally sell a car in the UK if it’s not insured. Insurance needs to be in place right up until the point of sale or collection, even if it’s not being driven. Once the deal’s done and the car’s collected, then you can cancel the policy.
Can I sell a damaged car privately?
You can, with a few extra nuances. Selling a damaged car privately means being completely transparent about the condition with potential buyers. Some buyers will be interested if it’s repairable or if they want it for parts.
Also keep in mind: if the car’s a write-off or not roadworthy, that limits your buyer pool even more. And legally, you’re on the hook for disclosing any known faults.
Will I get more selling privately or to a buyer?
If your car’s lightly damaged and still runs, you’ll probably squeeze more out of a private sale, but you’ve got to factor in time, hassle and the risk of no-shows and hagglers. If the car’s heavily damaged or undrivable, you’re better off selling to a scrap or salvage buyer. Then, you get paid without all the back-and-forth.
Do I need to tell the DVLA when I sell a damaged car?
Yes, not doing so can result in a £1,000 fine. Even after you’ve completed the transaction and the buyer fulfils their end of the bargain, you still have to carry out the notification using the online service or by post using the V5C logbook.
Is MOT required to sell a damaged car?
Nope. You can sell a damaged car without an MOT. In fact, cars that have failed their MOT are some of the most common ones we deal with. If you’re trying to sell it privately, no MOT will put some buyers off because they won’t be able to drive it right away. But if you’re scrapping, that doesn’t matter.
How do I sell my damaged car near me?
Easiest way? Just enter your reg number and postcode on our site. We’ll show you real offers from scrap yards near you, right now. From there, arrange a pickup time, date and location, then our system coordinates the rest.
The price you get is based on your exact location and the type of vehicle you’ve got, so you’re not getting some generic lowball offer. It’s all location-based and tailored to what the yards in your area are actually paying right now.
Can I sell an accident damaged car?
Definitely. In fact, accident-damaged cars are the most common vehicles we help people sell. Whether it’s a write-off, has structural damage or just took a knock that’s not worth fixing, there’s still value in it and we can help you unlock that value without lifting a finger.
You don’t need to repair it first. You don’t need to trailer it anywhere. Just pop in your reg and postcode and we’ll show you exactly what local scrap yards are willing to pay. Even if it’s completely undriveable or missing panels, doors or wheels, we can still get it collected for free and get the payment sorted the same day.
Can I sell my damaged car if it’s not drivable?
We deal with non-runners all the time: cars with engine failure, crash damage or ones that have just been sitting for too long. You don’t need to worry about moving it yourself. Once you accept an offer, we’ll arrange free collection from wherever it’s parked.
How can I sell my damaged car without a V5C?
You can sell a car without a V5C logbook, but the DVLA strongly advises against buying one. The V5C is the proof you actually you’re actually legally responsible for the car. If you somehow do find a buyer, you’ll get much lower price if you don’t have it.
If you decide to sell your car without a V5C, you have to write the DVLA yourself to let them know you’ve sold the car. In that letter, include the reg number, make and model, date of sale, your name and address and the name and address of the buyer or scrap yard.
Just keep in mind you’re fully responsible for telling the DVLA in this case. Normally, when we handle the collection and the buyer has the V5C, they’ll take care of that for you. Without it, it’s extra admin on your part, and there’s always a bit more risk involved
Can I sell my broken car for parts?
You can sell your broken car for parts if it’s got high-value parts like a catalytic converter, alloys or a nearly-new engine or gearbox. Those can fetch decent money on their own.
But here’s the thing: unless you’re mechanically inclined and have the tools, space and time to strip it down yourself, it’s a lot of work. Plus, once you’ve removed the valuable stuff, the rest of the car becomes harder to sell and most scrap yards will offer you less because it’s incomplete.
If you don’t already have buyers lined up for the parts, you're better off scrapping the whole thing in one go and getting a guaranteed payout.
Is it worth selling a faulty car?
Absolutely. Even if the car’s faulty, there’s almost always someone willing to buy it for parts or scrap. Letting it sit around just means it’s taking up space. If it’s got minor faults, you might find a private buyer, but serious issues like a blown head gasket or gearbox failure? You’re better off scrapping it.
Do you buy Category S cars?
Yeah, we do. When you enter the car’s reg number, our system will instantly see it’s a
Category S write-off and quote you the same exact way. Since it’s just for scrap metal, Cat S cars frequently fetch nearly the same amount as its clean-title counterpart would.
What documents do I need to sell a damaged car?
You’ll need three main things: V5C logbook, some form of personal ID (like a driving licence or passport) and proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement.
These are standard requirements and help the buyer or scrap yard update the DVLA and complete the transaction properly. If you're missing the V5C, it’s still possible—but the process is longer and not every buyer will accept the car.
How do I transfer ownership of a damaged car?
It depends who you’re selling to.
If you’re selling the car to a private individual, you’ll need to fill out Section 6 of the V5C logbook (the “new keeper” section), sign it and give the green slip (Section 10) to the buyer. Then you send the completed logbook to the DVLA or update the change of ownership online.
If you’re selling the car to a motor trader, you fill out Section 9 of the V5C (or Section 4 on newer logbooks), which covers sales to traders, dismantlers and insurers. You then send Section 4/9 to the DVLA online or notify them using the online service.
How do you value a damaged car?
We use live pricing info from local scrap yards. When you enter your reg and postcode, our system checks what they’re willing to pay based on the car’s age, model, engine size and whether it’s likely to be scrapped or salvaged for parts. You can then compare options and pick the best one.
Can I sell a non-running car in the UK?
Yes, definitely. We buy non-runners all the time. Whether it’s an engine failure, electrical fault or it’s just been sat unused for years, there’s always scrap value in it. Depending on the overall condition, you might even be able to sell it privately for more money.
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Car.co.uk, registered in England No. 03143909. Registered Office: New Reg Limited, Unit 5, 117 Liverpool Road, Longton, Preston, PR4 5AA
Car.co.uk is a trading name of New Reg Limited which is Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 626225). New Reg Limited is a loan broker and not a lender. The information contained on this website is for editorial purposes only and not intended as financial advice. New Reg Limited has partnered with Autoguard Group for the purpose of offering car warranties in accordance with the terms and conditions documented on the warranty check-out page.