Scrap my car in 30 seconds or less
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We buy, no matter the condition
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Scrap your car in 4 simple steps
Step 1Instant online quote
Enter your reg and postcode, then get a no-obligation scrap car quote from our national network in just a few seconds.
Step 2Choose collection date & time
Pick a day and time that works for you. We’ll collect your car from your home, workplace or wherever you have it parked.
Step 3Free collection
No MOT? Doesn’t run? Not a problem. On the day of collection our driver will notify you when they’re on their way and when they have arrived.
Step 4On-the-spot payment
You get paid as soon as the car leaves your drive. Payments happen via secure bank transfer, compliant with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.
We offer you more than just scrap value…
Most online services give you the bare-minimum raw scrap metal price. But unless your car is only fit for scrap, it’s almost definitely worth more. Even non-runners tend to have valuable parts like alloys, batteries, catalytic converters and working electrics we can salvage for resale. On top of that, private number plates can add thousands to your total valuation.
Our sophisticated algorithm analyses our extensive database, as well as that of our sister sites and trader platform. From there, it’s able to give you the best offer because it factors in what can be reused and resold, rather than just the vehicle’s weight in metal.
Car.co.uk
We could offer you £729 for your vehicle today.
Best price in just 20 seconds
Immediate payment
We buy, no matter what the condition
Same day collection available
Our customers love us!
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
Car.co.uk gave me a reasonable price
Car.co.uk gave me a reasonable price to scrap my car, all the booking online was straightforward and they were able to collect it the next working day. The driver let me know exactly when he was coming and 2 minutes after he had arrived, the car was gone with no issues. He was very polite and friendly. No complaints :)
⏤ Christian
Verified11/08/2025
Very easy to deal with instant quote…
Very easy to deal with instant quote given and simple steps to arrange collection.Kept informed from start to finish great communication from Paul the collection driver car picked up on time Paul was very helpful and explained everything.Prompt payment would definitely recommend car.co.uk.
⏤ Dave Sheppard
Verified30/07/2025
Quick, easy, great service, decent price.
Organised it to be collected, driver (Tony) was in contact throughout the collection day to keep me posted. 10 minutes and I was paid and he was gone! Great service, Tony was very friendly and efficient. Definitely will use this service again in the future, been with WeBuyAnyCar a few times and for convenience, this blows them out of the water (all circumstantial of course). Couldn’t have asked for more, really helpful.
⏤ Kyle Williams
Verified12/08/2025
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
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
Car.co.uk gave me a reasonable price
Car.co.uk gave me a reasonable price to scrap my car, all the booking online was straightforward and they were able to collect it the next working day. The driver let me know exactly when he was coming and 2 minutes after he had arrived, the car was gone with no issues. He was very polite and friendly. No complaints :)
⏤ Christian
Verified11/08/2025
From quote to collection, it’s completely hands-off.
Our booking, collection and payment systems are fully connected, so once you accept a quote, everything runs like clockwork. You choose a time, and then we send a vetted and approved member of our collection team.
We offer free same-day or next-day collection anywhere in the UK. You’ll get text updates on collection day, including when your driver is on the way and how long they’ll take. And since we only work with licensed Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs), you can be 100% sure your car’s being scrapped legally and responsibly.
Free nationwide collection
Instant online price
Quick cash payment
Official paperwork sorted
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Related guides: breaker’s yards and scrap vehicles
Get the best scrap price for your car in 30 seconds
Immediate payment
We buy, no matter the condition
Same day collection available
Did you know we scrap ANY kind of car?
Yep, it’s true. Flood-damaged cars, MOT failures, non-runners and total write-offs — they’re all welcome here. We even take fleet vehicles, part-exchange cars and foreign cars not registered in the UK. Local scrap yards and breakers will buy it, and our price comparison service gets you the best possible offers, plain and simple. If it’s a car, we’ll get it collected and scrapped legally, safely and for a price that actually reflects its value.
The price we offer is the price we pay.
A lot of scrap my car services quote a high number just to hook you in, then knock money off for “collection costs” or “admin fees” they deliberately omitted. In addition to having the most simple, instant, and favourable valuation process, the quote you see upfront is what we’re prepared to pay upon collection, assuming you’ve described the car accurately.
Since we can tap into our UK-wide network of garages and auto traders in addition to our scrap and breaker’s yards, we’re able to offer more than the standard scrap car tonnage prices that many scrapyards offer. No matter the condition your car’s in, you’ll maximise its end-of-life value with us.
Scrap car trends across the UK
See how scrap prices, car types and collection trends vary across the UK and what that means for your quote.
Updated August, 2025
We analysed 132,090 scrapped vehicles across the UK and found Vauxhall (21,878) and Ford (19,022) were the most commonly scrapped, followed by Volkswagen (11,068), Peugeot (9,741) and Renault (7,557). These popular makes are widely driven across the UK, which often leads to a steady flow of vehicles being scrapped as they reach the end of their lifespan.
[{"tab":"Top 5 car makes scrapped","summary":"We analysed 132,090 scrapped vehicles across the UK and found Vauxhall (21,878) and Ford (19,022) were the most commonly scrapped, followed by Volkswagen (11,068), Peugeot (9,741) and Renault (7,557). These popular makes are widely driven across the UK, which often leads to a steady flow of vehicles being scrapped as they reach the end of their lifespan.","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":"The most commonly scrapped car models in the UK were the Vauxhall Corsa (3,796), Ford Focus (3,564), Volkswagen Golf (2,005), Peugeot 207 (2,815) and Renault Clio (3,155). These well-known models have been everyday favourites for years, so it’s no surprise they top the scrappage charts as they reach the end of their road after long service.","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":"The most common ages for cars scrapped in the UK were between 16 and 20 years old, with 18-year-old vehicles leading at 18,197. This shows many drivers keep their cars for nearly two decades before scrapping, often when repairs become too expensive or MOT failures make it no longer worthwhile to keep them on the road.","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":"The most common MOT failures among scrapped cars were minor but persistent issues. Oil leaks were the most frequent with 17,315 cases, followed by worn tyres on the front nearside (9,217), offside (9,157), and rear nearside (5,754). Worn brake discs (5,491) also featured heavily. These recurring faults often signal the tipping point toward scrapping.","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":"Most cars were scrapped with high mileage, with 53,418 having over 125,000 miles and another 32,909 between 100,000 and 125,000. This highlights that many vehicles are driven until they’ve covered well over six figures before owners decide that ongoing maintenance or repairs no longer make financial sense.","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 made up the majority of vehicles scrapped, with 75,233 compared to 56,331 diesel. This reflects the long-term popularity of petrol cars on UK roads. However, diesel still accounts for a significant share, especially among older models. As fuel regulations and low-emission zones expand, the balance of what gets scrapped may continue to shift.","data":[{"name":"Petrol","value":75233},{"name":"Diesel","value":56331},{"name":"Other","value":526}]}]
Scrap car statistics across the UK
The average mileage of vehicles scrapped in the UK was 120,580 miles. This shows most cars are kept on the road until well past 100,000 miles before being scrapped.
The highest mileage vehicle scrapped in the UK was a Rover 75 with 983,389 miles. It shows that with care, some cars can last decades before eventually being scrapped.
The youngest car scrapped in the UK was a 2023 Ford Fiesta, just 2 years old. Some vehicles are written off early due to accidents, faults or insurance decisions beyond repair.
Petrol cars made up 56.96% of scrapped vehicles, with diesel at 42.65%. This shows petrol vehicles still dominate older UK stock, though diesel remains significant as older models are phased out.
Can we help?
Scrap my car FAQs
What makes Car.co.uk different from other processors and scrapyards?
It comes down to our policies, valuation methods and proprietary logistics software.
We buy any car in any condition, even if it’s a non-starter, MOT failure or a complete dilapidated wreck. And rather than penalise you on price for your car being “scrap”, we reward you for additional higher-value criteria, such as having aluminum wheels and other components that increase its value.
And it’s not only the price we’re able to maximise through our green car parts recycling and specialist knowledge of high-value components, but also our logistics software which is the very best in the scrap car recycling industry.
Because of this, we’re loved by our scrap and breaker partners and highly rated (4.9 on Trustpilot) by those who choose to sell their cars with us. It’s by far the best way to scrap your car quickly and without risk.
Can I scrap a car that’s been written off by my insurer?
If your car’s been written off by your insurer, you can absolutely scrap it through us. What matters is whether you still legally own the car. If your insurer has paid out and taken ownership, then it’s their responsibility, not yours. But if they’ve written it off and left it with you, you’re free to scrap it and pocket the payment.
In fact, sometimes you’re legally obliged to scrap a car once it’s been written off. If it’s a Category A or B write-off, you legally cannot repair it and bring it back to the road.
What happens to my car after it’s scrapped?
First, it goes to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). These are the only yards legally allowed to scrap vehicles in the UK, and they’re required to follow strict environmental rules when doing so to guarantee it’s all done properly and safely.
Once the car makes it to the ATF, it’s de-polluted first. That means the oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid and other fluids are drained and disposed of. Then they strip out engines, gearboxes, wheels, batteries, catalytic converters and other reusable or valuable parts. Those can be sold on or recycled.
After that, the shell of the car is crushed and recycled as scrap metal. By the end of the process, we’re able guarantee that at least 95% of your vehicle’s mass will be recycled.
You’ll also get a Certificate of Destruction once the car’s fully scrapped. This is the official DVLA confirmation that the vehicle no longer exists and isn’t your responsibility anymore.
Can I choose which scrapyard my car goes to?
We give you multiple quotes from licensed scrapyards in your area, so you can compare and pick the one that works best for you, whether that’s the highest offer or the fastest collection.
That said, how many options you get depends on where you’re based. If you're in Central London, for example, you’ll likely see more quotes because there are loads of ATFs nearby. But if you’re in a more rural area, the number of options will normally be a bit more limited.
Do I need to SORN my vehicle before scrapping?
No, you don’t need to SORN your vehicle before scrapping it, so long as you’re scrapping the entire vehicle. Once we collect your car and it’s scrapped by one of our licensed ATFs, we notify the DVLA for you. That includes deregistering the vehicle and issuing a Certificate of Destruction.
The only time you’re required to SORN the vehicle is if you’re parting the car out yourself. Then, you’d put the off-road notification on the car, sell the parts you want to sell and finally tell the DVLA once you’ve scrapped the rest.
Can I scrap a car that’s failed its MOT?
If your car’s failed its MOT, you can still scrap it with us. In fact, we scrap MOT failures every single day.
Whether it’s got a long list of issues, is no longer roadworthy, or just isn’t worth the cost of repairs, we’ll take it off your hands and get you paid. And because collection is completely free, you don’t need to worry about driving an unroadworthy vehicle or arranging transport.
Do you provide a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)?
If your car is being scrapped and destroyed through our service, you will be issued a Certificate of Destruction (CoD).
Once your vehicle reaches one of our licensed ATFs and is officially scrapped, the ATF notifies the DVLA and generates the CoD. You’ll usually get the certificate within a few days of the car being processed.
Now just to be clear: You only get a CoD if the car is actually scrapped. If the car is being salvaged for parts or repaired and sold on, you won’t get a CoD because in that case, the vehicle isn’t being destroyed.
Will the collection driver help me with paperwork?
All our collection drivers are fully vetted and approved, so you can expect a professional and secure handover from start to finish.
When they arrive, they’ll help you fill out the correct section of the logbook (Section 9 on older V5Cs or Section 4 on newer versions) and then let you know exactly what needs to be sent to the DVLA.
If you don’t have the V5C, they’ll explain the alternative process and make sure you still have all the info you need to notify the DVLA properly.
Can I scrap my car on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can scrap a car on behalf of someone else, but you’ll need to prove you’re authorised to do so. If the car belonged to a friend, relative or someone else, we’ll need some legal evidence that you’ve got permission to scrap it.
That usually means (a) a signed letter from the registered keeper giving you consent, (b) a copy of their photo ID and (c) proof of your own ID and address.
If the registered owner has passed away, things are slightly different. You’ll need to show proof of executorship or a grant of probate to confirm you have the legal right to dispose of the vehicle on their behalf.
Can I delay the collection date if needed?
You certainly can delay the collection date if needed. Just give us a bit of notice via our online system and we’re happy to send someone for your pickup at a day and time that suits you better.
Do you work with authorised scrap dealers (ATF-licensed)?
We work exclusively with ATF-licensed (Authorised Treatment Facility) scrap dealers. That’s non-negotiable.
Every scrapyard we partner with is fully approved by the Environment Agency and DVLA. This means they follow strict legal and environmental standards when processing vehicles, including safe disposal of fluids, proper recycling and issuing Certificates of Destruction where applicable.
What documents do I need to scrap my car?
To scrap your car, you’ll need your V5C logbook. This is what proves you’re the registered keeper of the car (and therefore have the legal right to scrap it). You’ll also need to show proof of ID (like a driving licence or passport) and something to confirm your address (like a utility bill).
Will scrapping my car affect my no-claims bonus?
Scrapping your car on its own doesn’t affect your no-claims bonus. If you’re just getting rid of the vehicle, say it failed its MOT or isn’t worth repairing, you’re not making a claim on your insurance. You’re just choosing to scrap it, and that has nothing to do with your no-claims.
Now, if your car was written off and you made an insurance claim, that’s a different story. In that case, it can impact your no-claims bonus, depending on your policy.
If you’ve got protected no-claims, you might be fine because you can make a certain number of claims within a certain timeframe while retaining your bonus. If not, it could be reduced or reset depending on how the insurer treats the accident.
Is it safe to scrap my car online?
Scrapping your car online with us is actually safer than doing it the old-school way.
For one, you know you’re dealing directly with licensed ATFs, so there’s nothing to worry about from a legal standpoint. .
Plus, everything’s tracked through our platform from the quote to the collection to the final DVLA paperwork. There’s no room for error. You don’t have to post anything or figure it out yourself. We manage it all, and you stay fully in the loop the whole time.
How is the scrap value of my car calculated?
Instead of a flat tonnage rate like most yards offer, we’re uniquely positioned to bring you higher, more data-driven quotes that reflect actual market demand.
Our platform uses a smart algorithm that doesn’t just look at your car as dead weight. It also assesses the potential value of the car’s parts; things like the engine, wheels, electronics and even specific components buyers are actively looking for.
We also reference your number plates to see if there's any additional value in your registration. You’d be surprised how many people send their cars for scrap with high-value registration combinations attached. For example, L454 GNE (which looks like "lasagne") would be worth about £15,000, yet becomes worthless when you scrap your car with it.
We get you more value by plugging into a wider value chain through our sister sites: Garage.co.uk, where garages are often looking for usable parts, and Trader.co.uk, our trading platform where motor traders and dismantlers bid on vehicles. This network means your car is priced for its real potential, as opposed to just scrap.
Can I scrap a car that’s still on finance?
The short answer: no, you can’t scrap a car that’s still on finance.
With most types of car finance, including hire purchase, PCP and lease agreements, you don’t legally own the vehicle until the finance is fully paid off. That means you cannot legally sell it or scrap it because it still belongs to the finance company.
There’s one small exception: if you took out a personal loan that wasn’t tied directly to the car (so not secured against the vehicle), then technically you own the car. In that case, you could scrap it. But that’s pretty rare, and you’d still be responsible for repaying the loan regardless of what happens to the vehicle.
If you do want to sell or scrap your car, the first step is to contact your finance provider and ask for a settlement figure. Just be aware that if you’re still early into a long-term contract, there’ll probably be additional fees or interest charges for settling early.
What if my logbook (V5C) is missing?
The DVLA have no problem with drivers scrapping their vehicles without a V5C logbook, but honestly, we don’t recommend doing so unless you absolutely have to.
You’re better off applying for a new V5C. It’s super easy — you do it online, it costs £25 and it shows up within 5 working days. Once you’ve got it, the whole scrappage process is smooth, quick and more secure for everyone involved, including you
If you choose to scrap your car without a V5C, it becomes your responsibility to manually inform the DVLA of the sale and make sure they update their records correctly. That means writing a proper letter with all the information and posting it, which is a lot more of a hassle.
Is there a fee for last-minute cancellations?
Since we offer free pickups to begin with, there’s no fee for last-minute cancellations. All we ask is that you give us a heads-up as soon as you can, so we’re not sending a driver out unnecessarily or booking a spot that someone else could’ve taken.
Can I scrap a campervan or motorhome?
Yes, you can scrap a campervan or motorhome. But most ATFs won’t go for them.
Campervans and motorhomes often contain non-automotive materials like furniture, gas canisters, water tanks, insulation and electrical fittings, which means there’s more waste and extra steps involved in processing them properly. Not all scrap yards are equipped for that, so they need to go to a facility that can handle large or complex vehicles.
Will I be charged if I’m not home at the time of collection?
If the driver arrives and can’t access the car, or no one answers and we haven’t been told in advance, you will need to reschedule. However, there isn’t a fee for doing so since the collection is free to begin with.
Do you scrap non-UK registered vehicles permanently imported here?
Yes, we do scrap non-UK registered vehicles that have been permanently imported, but there are a few extra steps involved. Before scrapping it at an ATF, it has to be formally imported and registered with the DVLA. You also have to tax it.
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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.