Old and unwanted cars
Scrapping an old or unwanted car
Sometimes there’s nothing wrong except age. A car that has done its job, isn’t worth selling privately and is costing money to keep can be scrapped simply and responsibly.
Old and unwanted cars
When it's time
Insurance, tax, servicing and parking all cost money, even for a car that rarely moves. An older car can also fall foul of clean air and low emission zones in some cities.
Scrapping it ends those costs, returns any full months of vehicle tax through the DVLA, and makes sure the car is recycled rather than left to deteriorate.
Paperwork that helps
- The V5C logbook, or proof of ownership
- Any private number plate dealt with first
- Personal items removed
- Insurance cancelled after collection
Reasons people scrap older cars
You're not the only one
- 01
Changing cars
A part-exchange offer is low, or the dealer doesn't want it.
- 02
Clean air zones
The car doesn't meet the standard for a zone you drive through.
- 03
Estates
Clearing the car of a relative who has died or moved into care.
- 04
Space
Freeing up a drive or garage after a move.
How it works
The full circle
Four stages take an unwanted car from your drive to a new life as recycled material. Here’s what happens at each one.
- 1
Value
Enter the registration and the postcode where the car is parked. The details go to a licensed buyer who covers that area, and they come back with an offer.
- 2
Collect
Agree the offer and pick a day. The car is collected free of charge from a drive, a street, a car park or a garage, wherever it happens to be.
- 3
Scrap
The car goes to an Authorised Treatment Facility, where fluids, the battery and hazardous parts are removed safely and the paperwork is completed.
- 4
Recycle
Reusable parts are recovered, and the shell is shredded so the steel, aluminium and other materials can be made into something new.
Questions
Old and unwanted cars: questions
Straight answers to what people ask before scrapping a car.
Can’t see your question? Read every answer or call 0800 058 8087.
Can I scrap a car on behalf of a relative?
Usually, yes. Explain the situation when the buyer calls; the paperwork depends on who the registered keeper is and the circumstances.
Is an older car worth anything?
Most are, because of their metal and parts. The make, model, age and condition all shape the offer.
Is there a charge for collection?
No. Collection is free wherever the car is in the UK, there are no admin or hidden fees, and turning down an offer costs nothing.
How quickly will I hear back?
Usually within about an hour of your details reaching the buyer. If you haven't heard by then, call us and we'll follow it up.
What we scrap
Other situations we handle
Choose the situation closest to yours for what to expect.
Ready to scrap your car?
Get an offer from a licensed local buyer in minutes, with free collection whenever suits you.