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- Great Customers Review
- Fast and Accurate
Scrapped Car Check
Some vehicles sold online or at auctions were officially scrapped, but they’re still turning up for sale. These cars are illegal, unsafe, and nearly impossible to insure or register, and you can avoid them with a scrapped car check.
Don’t Get Stuck With a Scrapped Car!
Once scrapped, a vehicle is meant to be dismantled and not sold back to unsuspecting buyers.
In 2023, over 798,000 cars and vans were scrapped in the UK. That’s more than 2,600 every single day.
The top 3 scrapped models include the Vauxhall Astra, Vauxhall Corsa, and Ford Focus.
Thousands of scrapped vehicles are illegally resold as used cars, putting unsuspecting buyers at serious risk.
Why You Need to Check If a Car Has Been Scrapped?
No one wants to end up with a car they can’t drive. Here are some reasons why you need to be sure a used car has not been scrapped in the past before you make a commitment:
Scrapped Cars Can’t Be Insured
Once a vehicle has been scrapped by the DVLA, it is no longer roadworthy and cannot be legally driven on public roads, insured, or even taxed.
They Pose a Risk to Safety
Scrapped vehicles are generally too damaged to be repaired, and the extent of the damage makes them safety hazards.
Avoid Frauds and Scams
Scrapped vehicles are meant to be destroyed for parts and scraps. If you find one in the market, you are definitely in the middle of a scam.
Avoid Financial Loss
A scrapped car check helps you avoid financial loss and legal trouble. It shows if the car has a Certificate of Destruction (COD), outstanding finance, or has been stolen.
You don’t want to end up failing DVLA inspections and paying fines due to hidden scrap history.
What’s Included in a Scrapped Car Check Report
A scrapped car check provides important information about a vehicle’s history to ensure that it has not been previously scrapped. Here’s what you can find in a scrapped car history report:
Current Scrapped Status
Our reports show the current scrapped status of the vehicle. You’ll know if the car has been officially marked as scrapped by the DVLA.
Certificate of Destruction Check
A report also shows whether a vehicle was issued a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) after being severely damaged and scrapped.
Alongside the scrapped status and CoD, you can also find out other records that may have led to the vehicle being scrapped. With a full car history check, you can easily check the following:
Outstanding finance
Written-off records
Stolen records
High-risk records
Vehicle specifications
Scrapped records
Auction history
Plate/colour change
Ownership records
Imported records
Exported records
Logbook history
MOT history
Road tax
VIC Inspected Records
VIN Number Check
Why Do Cars Get Scrapped?
Cars can be scrapped for a variety of reasons, ranging from age to accident damage to environmental concerns. Some of these reasons are:
Old Age and Wear
As cars age, they may become less reliable, more expensive to maintain, and less safe to drive. Eventually, it becomes impractical to drive, making scrapping the best option.
Severe Accident Damage
Major accident damage, especially when an insurance company declares the car a total loss, often leads to scrappage. Once it fails a DVLA salvage check, it will be scrapped.
High Repair Costs
When repair bills exceed the car’s value or become too frequent, owners often choose scrapping over continued investment
Mechanical Failure
Cars that fail MOT, safety, or emission tests due to mechanical failure may be scrapped since repairing them may be uneconomical.
Environmental Concerns
Older cars with low BHP and high emissions are often scrapped to cut pollution, improve air quality, and help drivers upgrade to cleaner, more efficient models.
Low Resale Value
When a car’s market value drops too low to justify selling, scrapping can be more profitable or convenient. Scrap yards typically pay for scrap metal by weight, so car owners can make some money.
How to Check If a Vehicle Has Been Scrapped?
Our scrapped car checker makes it fast and simple. All you have to do is follow these steps to check if a vehicle has been scrapped:
Enter the VIN
Enter the vehicle registration number (VRM) into the form on this page or search by VIN.
Click “Search”
Click on the “Search” button to initiate the search.
View Report
Instantly access a full vehicle history, including the current scrap status.
This simple step can save you thousands and keep you on the right side of DVLA regulations.
Check Smart Car Check Sample Reports
Tips to Avoid Buying a Scrapped Car
Buying a scrapped car can be a risky decision, and it is not recommended for anyone. To avoid falling victim to scammers and fraudsters with scrapped vehicles, remember these tips:
Always run a full vehicle history check.
Avoid cars with missing MOT or service history.
Check that the V5C matches the VIN and reg.
Buy only from trusted dealers.
Watch out for unusually low prices.
Get a car scrapped check before paying anything.
Who Issues a Scrap Car Certificate of Destruction (CoD)?
A Scrap Car Certificate of Destruction is a legal document that confirms a vehicle has been scrapped and destroyed. The certificate is issued by an authorized treatment facility (ATF) and is required by law in the UK for all vehicles that are scrapped.
What Happens When a Car is Scrapped?
- The vehicle is dismantled by an ATF.
- Hazardous materials (e.g. fuel, batteries) are safely removed.
- The metal body is crushed and recycled.
- Once the process is complete, the CoD is issued.
- This confirms the car is destroyed and can never return to the road.
How Much Does it Cost to Scrap a Vehicle?
The cost to scrap a vehicle can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location, size, and condition of the vehicle. Typically, the cost to scrap a vehicle ranges from £50 to £150 in the UK.
The cost of scrapping a vehicle usually covers the collection of the vehicle, the processing of paperwork, and the disposal of the vehicle. However, additional fees may apply depending on the condition of the vehicle, such as the removal of hazardous materials or the need for extra equipment to move the vehicle.
Types of Car Checks
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can DVLA scrap without V5C?
No, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) cannot scrap a vehicle without the V5C registration document (also known as the logbook). The V5C is proof of ownership and is required to inform the DVLA that the vehicle has been scrapped. If you do not have the V5C, you can still scrap your vehicle, but you will need to obtain a Certificate of Destruction from an authorized treatment facility (ATF) to confirm that the vehicle has been scrapped.
Has my car been scrapped DVLA?
You can find out if your car has been scrapped with a scrapped vehicle check tool. With this tool, you can view the current scrap status and see whether a CoD has been issued or not. Note that you cannot get a DVLA scrapped car check free.
What happens to number plates when a car is scrapped?
When a car is scrapped, the number plates should be removed and returned to the DVLA. This is to prevent the number plates from being used illegally on another vehicle.
You can remove the plates yourself and either keep them or dispose of them, or the authorized treatment facility (ATF) can remove them for you. The ATF will then inform the DVLA that the vehicle has been scrapped, and the registration number will be canceled.
When was my car scrapped?
To find out when your car was scrapped, you can contact the DVLA and request a vehicle history report. This scrap car check report will provide information about the vehicle, including any previous owners, MOT history, and whether the vehicle has been scrapped or written off.
Can you scrap a car with outstanding finance?
Yes, you can scrap a car with outstanding finance, but you will need to obtain permission from the finance company first. The finance company has a legal claim on the vehicle until the finance agreement is paid off, so you cannot scrap the vehicle without their consent.
If the finance company agrees to the scrapping, you will need to provide them with a copy of the Scrap Car Certificate of Destruction as proof that the vehicle has been scrapped.
Buying a scrapped vehicle, what are the benefits?
There may be benefits to buying a scrapped vehicle if you are looking for parts or a project car. Scrapped cars are typically sold at a low price and can provide a source of spare parts for other vehicles.
Additionally, a scrapped car can be used for a project car or as a base for a custom build, allowing you to create a unique vehicle that suits your needs.
How do I notify DVLA of scrapping my car online?
To tell DVLA scrapped car status, you must notify them online or by post once the vehicle has been destroyed at an authorised treatment facility (ATF). This can be done by sending the V5C registration document (logbook) to the DVLA with a letter stating that the vehicle has been scrapped or by using the DVLA’s online notification service. Failure to inform the DVLA can result in fines or other penalties.
When should I scrap my car?
You should consider scrapping your car if it is no longer roadworthy, has significant mechanical problems, or is too expensive to repair. Additionally, if the vehicle is not worth much in its current condition or has high mileage, it may be more cost-effective to scrap the vehicle and purchase a new one.
Do I have to tell the insurer if I scrap my car?
Yes, you should inform your insurer if you scrap your car. If you do not inform the insurer, they may continue to charge you for insurance coverage, even if the vehicle is no longer in use. Additionally, the insurer may require proof of scrapping, such as a Scrap Car Certificate of Destruction, to cancel the insurance policy.
