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- Fast and Accurate
Scrapped Car Check
Find out if a car has been officially scrapped before you buy it. Our scrapped Car check reveals if a vehicle has a Certificate of Destruction, ensuring you don’t pay for a car unfit for the road.
What is a Scrapped Car Check?
A scrapped car is a vehicle that has been permanently taken off the road, usually because it’s too damaged, unsafe, or costly to repair. Once a car is officially scrapped, the DVLA issues a Certificate of Destruction (COD), confirming that it has been dismantled or recycled and can never legally be driven again.
A scrapped car check helps you find out if a vehicle has ever been marked as scrapped by the DVLA or insurance companies. This check protects you from buying cars that are unsafe, illegal to drive, or falsely put back on sale after destruction.
Why Scrapped Car Check Matters in the UK?
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 car is marked as scrapped by the DVLA, it’s no longer legal to drive, insure, or tax. A DVLA scrapped car check confirms its roadworthiness, helping you avoid wasting money on an uninsurable and unusable vehicle.
They Pose a Risk to Safety
Scrapped cars are often too damaged to safely repair. Driving one could lead to serious accidents, breakdowns, or system failures. A scrapped car check helps confirm if a vehicle is safe or permanently damaged before buying.
Avoid Frauds and Scams
Some sellers illegally try to pass off scrapped cars as roadworthy. These vehicles are meant only for parts or destruction. A scrap car check helps you spot such scams early and protect your money.
Avoid Financial Loss
Buying a scrapped car can cause major financial loss and legal trouble. A scrapped car check reveals if the vehicle has a Certificate of Destruction, outstanding finance, or stolen history before you commit to buying.
How to Check if a Car Has Been Scrapped?
Smart Car Check provides an easy way to check a vehicle history for any scrapped records or other hidden issues. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Enter the Vehicle Registration
Type in the car’s registration number (number plate) into the form above. You can also use the VIN if the registration plate isn’t available.
Step 2: Search for a Free Check
Click “Search” to instantly view basic details like year, make, model, colour, MOT status, tax, and age of the vehicle.
Step 3: Upgrade for a Full Report
For complete details,pay to get the full scrapped car check report. This includes scrapped records, Certificate of Destruction, written-off history, finance, stolen status, and more, giving you confidence in the used car market.
What’s Included in Our 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 by running a car scrap car check:
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 will also find other records that may have led to the vehicle being scrapped. With our full car history check, you can easily check the following:
Scrapped Records
Shows if the car has been officially scrapped and issued a Certificate of Destruction. Scrapped cars cannot legally be driven on UK roads.
Outstanding Finance
Shows if there’s still money owed on the vehicle. Buying a car with active finance could lead to repossession by the finance company.
Written-Off Records
Reveals if the car was ever declared a total loss by insurers due to damage or accident. Check the write off category to avoid unsafe or poorly repaired cars.
Stolen Car Records
Checks if the car has ever been reported stolen. Buying a stolen vehicle means you could lose both the car and your money.
High-Risk Records
Detects if the vehicle has been flagged for fraud, identity issues, or is under investigation. This protects you from buying a risky or illegal car.
Detailed Vehicle Specifications
Confirms the car’s original details, like year, make, model, colour, and engine size, weight, helping you verify what the seller is saying about the car.
Auction History
Shows if the car has been sold at an auction, which could indicate damage, repossession, or previous write-offs.
Plate/Colour Change
Checks if the number plate or colour has ever been changed. Frequent changes can sometimes hide the car’s true history.
Ownership Records
Shows how many owners the car has had. Many previous owners could suggest ongoing issues or frequent reselling.
Exported/Imported Records
Show if a car was brought into or sent out of the UK. It helps confirm the vehicle’s origin, history, and legal import or export status.
Logbook (V5C) History
Verifies the accuracy of the registration document and checks if the information matches DVLA records, confirming the legal owner.
MOT History
Lists all MOT test results, failures, and advisories. This helps you assess how well the car has been maintained.
Road Tax (VED)
Shows if the vehicle is taxed and road-legal. Driving an untaxed car can lead to fines or penalties.
MOT and Tax Status
Instantly confirms if the car has a valid MOT and road tax for free. This is crucial for legal driving in the UK.
VIC Inspected Records
Shows if the vehicle passed the Vehicle Identity Check (VIC), confirming it wasn’t rebuilt from stolen or written-off parts.
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.
Tips to Avoid Buying a Scrapped Car
Buying a scrapped car can be a risky decision, and it is not recommended to go ahead with the purchase. To avoid falling victim to car scrap scams, remember these tips before buying a used car:
- Always run a full car history check to reveal the scrapped status, write off status, and if there are any high-risk records traceable to the car..
- Avoid cars with missing MOT or service history, as this may mean something is not right.
- Check that the V5C matches the vehicle's registration and VIN number.
- Buy only from recommended and trusted dealers and avoid a random purchase.
- Beware of cars with unusually low prices as you may be dealing with a scrapped car.
- Get a car scrap check to know if a certificate of destruction has been issued on the car.
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), which is a licensed scrapyard, 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.
Check if your car is Scrapped Now!
Don’t risk buying a car that’s been scrapped and issued a Certificate of Destruction! Instantly find out if it’s officially scrapped with Smart Car Check’s trusted car check tool.
Get our Smart Car Check Mobile App
Looking for the best car history check in the UK? Download the Smart Car Check App today. With just a registration number, you can instantly detect hidden history, past problems, or issues the seller won’t mention. Make smarter, safer decisions before buying any vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrapped Car Check
Can a scrapped marker be removed?
No, once a car is officially marked as scrapped and given a Certificate of Destruction, the marker cannot be removed. It means the vehicle is permanently destroyed and cannot return to the road.
Can I check if a car has been scrapped for free?
No, you can’t check for scrapped status for free. The free GOV.UK vehicle check doesn’t show this information. With Smart Car Check’s DVLA scrapped car check, you can see if a vehicle has been scrapped, issued a Certificate of Destruction, written off, or marked high-risk, all by simply entering the vehicle registration number.
How long do scrapped car records remain?
Scrapped car records stay on the vehicle’s history permanently. This ensures future buyers and authorities know the car has been destroyed and should not appear for resale or road use again.
Can Scrapped cars be put back on the road?
No, once a car is officially scrapped and issued a Certificate of Destruction, it cannot legally return to UK roads. However, cars written off as a “total loss” but not marked as Category A or B can sometimes be repaired and safely returned to the road.
How Much Does it Cost to Scrap a Vehicle?
The cost to scrap a vehicle in the UK depends on factors like size, condition, and location. It usually ranges from £50 to £400. This covers collection, paperwork, and disposal, though extra fees may apply for damaged or unsafe vehicles.
