Has my car been scrapped?

You might not think to check if your car’s been scrapped. After all, if it’s sitting on your driveway then you’d assume the answer is no. This might not always be the case, however…

You don’t want to buy a used car that was destined for the scrapyard – it can pose danger to you and other road users. So, it can be a good idea to check whether a car has been scrapped.

Cars that have been badly damaged in an accident may well end up being taken off the road for good. However, unscrupulous folks may attempt to make dodgy repairs and try to sell the car. It’s important that a second-hand car that’s too badly damaged for safe repair has been recorded as scrapped, so a future buyer isn’t duped into buying a thinly disguised wreck.

This guide will walk you through how to check if a car has been scrapped, as well as how to know for sure your own car has been recorded as scrapped at the end of its life.

What does it mean when a vehicle has been scrapped

When we talk about a vehicle that has been scrapped, we mean a car that has been damaged beyond repair and has been taken off the road. Alternatively, the same term is used to describe a car that’s taken off the road at the end of its useful life.

If a car is scrapped, it should be registered as such with the DVLA.

Don’t confuse a scrapped car with an insurance write-off. These are cars that are beyond economical repair in the eyes of an insurance company, but which can be fixed to a safe standard if someone is happy to pay for the work.

An insurance write-off is worth less than a car that’s never had serious damage. To find out the value of your car, use Carwow’s Valuation Tool.

How to check if a car has been scrapped

The easiest way to check if a used car has been scrapped is by using an online checking service. As well as telling you if the car’s been recorded as scrapped, you’ll also be able to find out if the car has outstanding finance or has been stolen.

You can make a car check through Carwow. The most basic checks are free, but you can upgrade to a full history check with prices starting from £3.99.

This will tell you if the car has been recorded as scrapped by the DVLA. That way you will know if you are about to buy a car that’s been repaired illegally and shouldn’t be on the road. The car check could save you from making an expensive – and dangerous – mistake.

A carwow car check won’t just tell you if the car has been scrapped. It will also reveal if the car has been stolen or written off. The check will uncover if there’s any outstanding finance owed, as well as showing up any mileage discrepancy. You’ll also be able to check that the VIN or chassis number matches the V5C logbook.

Our car checks are offered in partnership with MotorCheck and use thousands of data sources to make sure the information is up to date.

How to avoid car scrapping scams

Unscrupulous scrapyards and traders may put scrapped cars back on the road. They’ll repair them to the extent that they look safe on the outside and may appear to drive okay on a brief test drive. However, they won’t be safe as under the surface the car will have dangerous faults.

You could be on the opposite end of a scrappage scam. If your own car has been damaged beyond repair and you have the car scrapped for recycling, you may be duped into thinking your vehicle has been disposed of. In fact, it has been put back on the road.

Perhaps you won’t receive the money you were promised by the scrappage company. More worryingly, you may receive speeding and parking fines for a car you thought had been recycled.

So, how do you avoid these scrappage scams? When buying a second-hand car, always carry out a history check to make sure the car hasn’t been scrapped. If you are having your own car scrapped, be sure to use a reputable Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).

How to make sure your own car has been scrapped

When you sell your car for scrap, use an ATF. You can find one by entering your postcode in the relevant part of the gov.uk website. When the car is disposed of, you must inform the DVLA online or by post. Once you’ve done this, you’ll receive confirmation from the DVLA that the car is marked as scrapped.

You may think that’s the end of the story. However, there is something else you can do to make sure the car has been destroyed.

The recycling centre that took your car will be issued with a Certificate of Destruction (COD) once the car has been crushed. While it’s not essential that you have a copy of this, you can request one for extra peace of mind.

Car scrap check FAQs

What documents do I need to scrap my car?

You’ll just need your V5C logbook when scrapping your car. This is how you notify the DVLA that the car has been scrapped.

Where can I scrap a car?

You have to take your car to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) to scrap your car. These businesses must have a licence to deal with hazardous materials such as batteries and engine oil.

A quick search online should reveal your closest ATF.

How long does it take for a car to be registered as scrapped?

You should receive confirmation from the DVLA within four weeks that your car is registered as scrapped once you’ve sent off the paperwork. If you haven’t heard anything after four weeks, contact them again to check that it’s gone through.

Can I check if a car has been scrapped for free?

While you can check certain details about a car for free on the gov.uk website, this won’t tell you if the car has been scrapped. There will be a fee from most services that provide this information, however, it could be worth every penny for the added peace of mind.

What should I do if I buy a car registered as scrapped?

This could prove to be a real headache, so it’s worth checking these things before buying a used car. If you are unlucky enough to buy a car that’s registered as scrapped, your first port of call is the dealer or person you bought it from.

You won’t be able to insure a vehicle that has been scrapped either, as it no longer exists on the DVLA’s database. If you do end up buying such a car, it could end up being a total loss.

Looking to sell your car for a great price? You can now do it through carwow. Simply tell us a bit about your car, upload a few pictures and that’s it. Just sit back and relax as our trusted dealers come back with their best offers.