Question 1

How much does it cost to scrap a car in London?

Accepted Answer

Nothing — you get paid instead. Collection, DVLA notification and the Certificate of Destruction are all free, and most vehicles are quoted at £100 or more depending on weight, condition and salvageable parts. Payment is by bank transfer on collection. Paying cash for scrap metal is illegal in England, so nobody reputable will offer it.

Question 2

How does scrapcar.london work?

Accepted Answer

Simple: you tell us about your car, we give you a price, we come and collect it, and we pay you on the spot. The whole process — including DVLA notification — is handled by us. You don't need to arrange anything beyond agreeing a collection time.

Question 3

What types of car do you accept?

Accepted Answer

All makes and models. Running or not, MOT pass or fail, accident damaged, fire or flood damaged — we assess each vehicle individually. If you're not sure whether we'd take yours, call us and ask. The answer is usually yes.

Question 4

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover all 32 London boroughs and extend across the South East including Brighton, Epsom, East Grinstead, and Eastbourne. If you're within that area, we can collect.

Question 5

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

From first contact to collection, typically 24-48 hours. We can sometimes do same-day collection for vehicles in straightforward locations. The actual collection itself takes 20-30 minutes.

Question 6

Do I need to bring the car anywhere?

Accepted Answer

No. We come to you. Whether it's on your driveway, in a car park, at an insurance compound, or in a garage — we'll collect it from where it is.

Question 7

What information do I need to get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Your car's registration plate, an honest description of its condition, and your location. We'll look up the vehicle details and give you a price. The more accurate your description, the more accurate the quote.

Question 8

How is the price for my scrap car calculated?

Accepted Answer

Scrap car prices have two components: base metal value (determined by the vehicle's weight and current scrap metal prices) and parts value (what working components are worth on the used parts market). The final price reflects both. We're transparent about how we arrive at it.

Question 9

How do you pay me?

Accepted Answer

Bank transfer on collection. We don't pay cash — the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 prohibits cash payments for scrap metal. Payment is made when we collect, and you'll see it in your account typically within a few hours depending on your bank.

Question 10

Are there any hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No. The price we quote is the price we pay, as long as the car matches the description. Collection is free. DVLA notification is included. There are no administration fees, no fuel surcharges, and no deductions on the day.

Question 11

Will the price change when you arrive?

Accepted Answer

Only if the car is significantly different from what was described. If you've told us the catalytic converter is missing and it's missing, no change. If you said the car was in good condition but it's actually a non-runner with significant damage, we'll need to discuss. We'd rather have an accurate description upfront — it avoids awkwardness on the day.

Question 12

My catalytic converter has been stolen. Does that affect the price?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the catalytic converter contains platinum group metals with significant value. A missing converter reduces the scrap price, typically by £100-£400 depending on the vehicle. Please tell us upfront when you enquire so we can quote accurately.

Question 13

Can I get a price guarantee in writing?

Accepted Answer

We'll provide a written quote with a validity period. Scrap metal prices fluctuate, so quotes are typically valid for 7 days. If you need longer, let us know and we'll discuss what we can offer.

Question 14

Do you collect non-running vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use flatbed recovery vehicles as standard equipment. Non-starters, cars that won't move, vehicles with seized brakes or flat tyres — we collect them all. Just let us know when you book so we bring the right equipment.

Question 15

Is same-day collection available?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, particularly for straightforward collections in central and inner London. It depends on our schedule and your location. Call us in the morning and we'll tell you whether same-day is possible.

Question 16

What documents do I need on collection day?

Accepted Answer

Your V5C (logbook) and a form of ID. The V5C is needed to complete the DVLA notification correctly. If you don't have the V5C, we can still proceed but we'll need to use the V62 process — call us to discuss before the collection.

Question 17

What if I don't have the car keys?

Accepted Answer

We can work without keys in many situations, particularly for non-runners where the car will be loaded onto a flatbed anyway. It may affect the logistics of collection — discuss this when you book.

Question 18

Can you collect from a car park or restricted access area?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, though we need enough access for our recovery vehicle. Let us know the specifics — whether it's a multi-storey, a tight residential street, or a private estate — and we'll tell you whether we can do it and how.

Question 19

Will you cancel if the car is in worse condition than described?

Accepted Answer

We won't cancel — we'll discuss the price. If there are significant differences between the description and the actual condition, we'll explain what's changed and why, and agree a revised price. You're not obligated to accept the revised quote, but we'll always complete the collection at a mutually agreed price.

Question 20

Do you notify the DVLA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always. DVLA notification is a legal requirement when scrapping a vehicle, and it's included as standard with every collection. We complete the transfer notification on your behalf and you receive confirmation once the DVLA records are updated.

Question 21

What is a Certificate of Destruction?

Accepted Answer

The Certificate of Destruction (CoD) is the formal document confirming your vehicle has been legally scrapped. It's issued through the DVLA's system by the ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility). You'll receive this within 7 days of collection. Keep it — it's your proof that liability for the vehicle has ended.

Question 22

I've lost my V5C. Can I still scrap my car?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You'll need to complete a V62 form to notify the DVLA of the change of keeper without a V5C. We can guide you through this process. Do not apply for a replacement V5C just to sell or scrap the car — the V62 is the correct route.

Question 23

What if there is outstanding finance on the car?

Accepted Answer

If there is outstanding finance (PCP, HP, or other secured finance) on the vehicle, you do not legally own it outright and cannot sell or scrap it without settling the finance first. Contact your finance provider to get a settlement figure. We cannot collect a vehicle with unresolved finance — it creates significant legal complications for all parties.

Question 24

Can I cancel my car insurance immediately after scrapping?

Accepted Answer

You can notify your insurer as soon as the vehicle is collected. We'd recommend not cancelling the policy in advance of collection in case of delays. Once the car is gone and you have the Certificate of Destruction, contact your insurer to cancel and request a refund of any unused premium.

Question 25

Is scrapcar.london an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All scrap cars collected by scrapcar.london are processed through ATF-licensed facilities regulated by the Environment Agency. This is a legal requirement for end-of-life vehicle processing, and we comply with all relevant regulations.

Question 26

What happens to my car after you collect it?

Accepted Answer

It goes to our ATF-licensed facility for depollution (draining all fluids, removing hazardous materials), followed by parts salvage where working components are removed for reuse. The remaining shell is then shredded, with metals separated and sent for recycling. Nothing goes to landfill.

Question 27

How much of a scrapped car is actually recycled?

Accepted Answer

The ELV Regulations require a minimum 85% recovery rate and 80% recycling rate for end-of-life vehicles. Modern vehicles are largely steel and aluminium, both of which are efficiently recyclable. Working parts that are reused rather than scrapped also contribute to the vehicle's overall material recovery.

Question 28

What is an Authorised Treatment Facility?

Accepted Answer

An ATF is a vehicle processing site licensed by the Environment Agency to legally handle end-of-life vehicles. The licence requires specific equipment for fluid recovery, approved storage for hazardous materials, and compliance with environmental regulations for disposal. Not all scrap dealers are ATFs — always check.

Question 29

What happens to the fluids from my car?

Accepted Answer

All fluids are drained during the depollution stage. Engine oil, gearbox oil, coolant, brake fluid, and fuel are all recovered separately and either recycled (oils are re-refined) or disposed of safely as hazardous waste. None is allowed to enter the drainage system or ground.

Question 30

Are electric car batteries recycled?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though the process is more complex than conventional scrap. EV traction batteries are classed as hazardous waste and require specialist facilities. Recoverable materials — lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese — are extracted through specialist hydrometallurgical processes. Many EV batteries also qualify for 'second life' reuse in stationary storage applications before they need to be recycled.

Question 31

Can I drive my car to the scrapyard without an MOT?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes, but only if you're driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test or to a pre-arranged appointment at an ATF. Driving an un-MOT'd car for any other purpose — including 'just popping to the scrapyard' — is illegal and risks a fine of up to £1,000 plus penalty points. The simplest solution: let us collect it. We bring a flatbed, so your car doesn't need to be roadworthy.

Question 32

What is the difference between salvage and scrap?

Accepted Answer

Scrapping means the vehicle is processed as an end-of-life vehicle (ELV) — it's depolluted, stripped of usable parts, and the shell is shredded for metal recycling. You receive a Certificate of Destruction and the car ceases to exist on DVLA records. Salvage means the vehicle has repairable damage — it retains its identity and can potentially be rebuilt and re-registered. Salvage vehicles typically fetch a higher price because they have residual value beyond scrap metal weight.

Question 33

How much does it cost to scrap a car in the UK?

Accepted Answer

It shouldn't cost you anything — in fact, you should be paid. Legitimate ATFs don't charge for collection or processing. If someone is asking you to pay to scrap your car, that's a red flag. With scrapcar.london, collection is free, DVLA notification is included, and you receive payment on collection. The amount you receive depends on the vehicle's weight, current metal prices, and the value of any salvageable parts.

Question 34

Can I keep my private number plate when scrapping my car?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you must apply to the DVLA to retain the registration before the car is scrapped. Use the DVLA's online 'Retain a vehicle registration number' service (V317 form). The fee is £80. Once the retention certificate is issued, you have 10 years to assign the plate to another vehicle. Important: you cannot retain a plate after a Certificate of Destruction has been issued — do this before collection day.

Question 35

What are the environmental benefits of scrapping your car properly?

Accepted Answer

Proper scrapping through an ATF ensures hazardous materials (oil, coolant, brake fluid, battery acid, airbag propellant) are safely contained rather than leaking into soil and waterways. Steel and aluminium recycling uses 60-95% less energy than mining and refining virgin ore. Working parts are salvaged for reuse, reducing manufacturing demand. UK law requires at least 85% of each vehicle's weight to be recovered. Abandoning a car or using an unlicensed operator risks contamination and a £5,000 fine.

Question 36

What is an End of Life Vehicle (ELV)?

Accepted Answer

An ELV is the formal classification for a vehicle that is being permanently taken off the road for scrapping. Once classified as an ELV, the vehicle must be processed by an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) and a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) must be issued. The ELV Directive sets strict recycling targets: 95% recovery rate and 85% recycling/reuse rate by weight. This classification triggers specific legal obligations for both the last owner and the processing facility.

Question 37

Is there a tax on scrapping cars in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no specific tax on scrapping a car. Payment you receive for a scrap car is not subject to income tax for private individuals — it's the disposal of a personal asset. You may be entitled to a refund on any remaining vehicle tax (car tax/VED) and unused insurance premium. The DVLA automatically cancels VED when the CoD is processed, and any refund is sent to you by cheque. Contact your insurer separately to cancel your policy.

Question 38

Can I scrap a car with no keys, no logbook, and no wheels?

Accepted Answer

Yes to all three. No keys: we can winch or roll the vehicle onto our flatbed. No logbook (V5C): you'll need to complete a V62 form — we can guide you through this. No wheels: we can still collect using our flatbed and specialist equipment. The only thing we cannot do is collect a vehicle you don't have legal authority to dispose of. Bring proof of identity and any documentation you do have.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to scrap a car in London?

Getting Started

Pricing

Collection

Legal

Environmental

Still got questions?