Once you’ve made your mind up and you know that you’re getting your car ready for one last journey – a one way trip to the scrapyard – it can feel quite daunting, because once that trip is made, there’s no turning back. You also want to make sure it is a stress and hassle-free process, because the calmer and simpler you make things, the less likely it is that important things will get missed, and the more alert you are to getting the best deal possible.
Get Correct Documentation
One of the easiest bits of preparation you can do is to make sure you have all of the correct paperwork and documentation to hand so your handover process is as smooth as possible. To begin with, make sure that you have proof of identification with you, otherwise the collection agent will not be allowed to pick up your car. To be in line with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, all collectors must verify the identity of the person they are collecting the car from, to ensure that you are legally allowed to be selling the car, and you’re not trying to offload a stolen vehicle.
You’ll also want to make sure you’ve got your V5C log book with you, as both you and the collector will need to complete section 9 before the process can be completed. If it isn’t done then you could be fined up to £1,000 and still be liable for any penalties that the vehicle accrues after it has been taken away. Once you have completed the form you will then need to send it off to the DVLA, and if it has been sold for scrap then you should receive a Certificate of Destruction within a week so you have proof that your car has been disposed of in line with legal regulations.
Finally, if you have informed the buyer that your car has full service and MOT history, then make sure these are present, too. Without them you could find a renegotiation of the price you have agreed, as without the proof, the buyer has no reason to believe you were being honest about the car’s history.
Remove Personal Belongings
Remember, a trip to the scrap yard is only going to go one way, and if you’ve left your favourite old mix tape tucked at the back of your glove box, or you keep your hiking boots in your car’s own boot to avoid forgetting them, you’ll want to make sure you don’t forget to remove them before the car is taken away. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, and you don’t want to see any of your possessions, whether prized or otherwise, crumpled up into a cube of metal in a scrapyard somewhere.
Think of it like doing that final sweep of a hotel room before you check out. Check everywhere, even places you’re certain you’ve never been before. You never know, you might find a few coins lying around, too!
Remove the number plate (if you want to keep it)
If you’ve become attached to your number plate over the years of service your car has provided, or perhaps if you’ve got a personalised plate already on there, then you’re going to want to get the plate removed before you send the car away for the final time. Providing there are no marks on your V5C to say that the number plate cannot be transferred, then it is simply a case of applying to the DVLA to put the registration number on retention. Retaining a number plate is not a difficult task, but it does feature a handful of paperwork, and isn’t free, either.
You will need to complete a V317 form from the DVLA in order to remove the number plate from the car, while you’ll then need to fill out a V778 form in order to place the registration number on retention. Alternatively, you can also apply to have it placed on another car at the same time. The entire process will cost you £80, but you’ll be safe in the knowledge that your cherished plate lives on.
Choose a scrap car service
Keeping track of everything that you need to do before your car is sent off for scrap can feel like a minefield of forgettable items, so rather than going it alone and running the risk of forgetting something or costing yourself more money by not taking certain items of paperwork into account, let someone else take care of it all for you. Scrap Cars For Cash provides you with this exact service, doing all the hard work for you, leaving you to just simply wait for the car to leave and for the cash to appear in your bank account.
All you need to get started with Scrap Cars For Cash is to provide your postcode and car registration number, and we’ll do the rest. With our nationwide network of scrap and salvage specialists waiting to buy your car, we’re best placed to get you the very best price possible for your old vehicle. Not only can we get you an unbeatable price on your car, but we can also get you a free collection as part of our service, no matter where you live.
To find out just how much your old car could be worth as scrap, simply use the quote generator at the top of this page, or give one of our friendly advisors a call on 08443 761 020 and get your quote in a matter of moments.