Vehicle scrapping is a great way to earn some more cash, but how can you confirm what’s happened to your old car? For anyone wondering ‘has my old car been scrapped?’, here’s everything you need to know about what to do next.
Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs)
If you haven’t sold your car for scrap yet, it’s important to only use a car scrap dealer who confirms their partnership with an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). This is the easiest way to avoid car scrap scams, which could see your car end up back on the road in some form.
If your car remains on the road after it’s been written off or used for illegal activity, its previous owner (you) could be liable for any traffic offence penalties and tax.
Scrapping your car anywhere else is an offence.
What Happens to Scrap Cars?
An ATF has been approved by the Environment Agency to scrap cars, meeting all the required quality and safety standards for ELVs (End of Life Vehicles). It’s the only type of licensed organisation permitted to legally scrap cars in the UK.
When you scrap your car, your vehicle is taken to a facility where it will be processed, including the removal of hazardous materials which could contaminate the environment and any parts which can be recycled. The rest of your vehicle is then crushed.
What Paperwork Should You Receive?
When a reputable dealer scraps your car, you should always receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD). This is a document which is issued by the DVLA to any ATF, and it’s legally required when you hand over your car for scrap with your chosen company. You should receive it within 7 days.
Your dealer will produce a CoD for scrapping any cars, light vans and three-wheeled motor vehicles. It’s proof that your vehicle has been handed over for scrap, and you’re no longer responsible for what happens to it.
Don’t Forget to Inform the DVLA
Always tell the DVLA that you’re no longer responsible for a vehicle, whether you’ve sold or transferred it. If you don’t inform them, you could be liable for a £1,000 fine, so it’s vital to do this as soon as possible after your dealer takes away your vehicle, confirming you’re not the registered owner anymore.
If you’ve lost your V5C logbook, don’t panic. You can write to them with details of your name and address, car make and model, vehicle registration, the date of the sale, and importantly, the name and address of the car scrap company used.
While it’s difficult to know if your car has truly been scrapped, as long as you followed the process above, you can be sure it’s most likely not still on the road.
Are you looking for a registered car scrap company?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Car Scrap Surrey. We cover a wide area across Croydon, Wimbledon and surrounding locations, including Merton, Norwood and Raynes Park. Contact us now to get started.
