Scrap car general FAQs
This page covers everything from how much your car is worth to when it’s best to scrap, what affects its value, and whether it could be sold for salvage instead.
Use the table of contents to quickly find the topics you’re interested in and get clear, straightforward answers from the experts at Scrap Local.
Scrap Car value and timing
Understanding what affects your car’s scrap value can help you decide when to sell it to get the best possible price.
We explain how scrap prices are calculated, what influences them, and when the best time to scrap your car might be, so that you can make an informed choice before booking.
How much is my scrap car worth?
The value of a scrap car isn’t fixed, as it depends on several key factors.
The most important factor is the vehicle’s metal weight; the heavier your vehicle, the more it’s worth. (Do not try to fill it with objects to increase weight; your vehicle will not be accepted.)
Location also plays a role, as scrap prices vary across the UK due to local demand, transport costs, and buyer competition. Additionally, metal prices fluctuate weekly, resulting in varying quotes.
The condition of your vehicle matters as well:
- Complete vehicles with no missing parts usually receive higher quotes.
- Cars missing key components like the wheels, engine, or catalytic converter may be declined, as these parts hold significant value.
If your car is under 10 years old and in good condition, it might qualify as a salvage vehicle, which means you could receive a higher offer than scrap value.
Learn more: How much do you get for scrapping a car?
When is the best time to scrap my car?
Scrap car values rise and fall throughout the year.
Generally, prices are stronger in spring and summer, when the market for reusable metal increases, but it’s best to check current rates before deciding.
At Scrap Local, we track live metal prices and adjust our quotes to reflect real-time values, meaning you’ll always get a fair, up-to-date offer for your area.
If your car’s damaged, unused, or costing more than it’s worth, it’s usually best to scrap it sooner rather than later.
How long does it take to scrap a car?
Scrapping your car is a very quick process.
Once you’ve accepted a quote either online or over the phone, we’ll contact you to confirm a collection time.
Simply pick a date for when you’re available, and we’ll come and collect your vehicle for you.
At the collection, we will just need to see your photo ID and get the logbook and keys from you, and that’s your job done!
Payments are usually made between 5–7 pm on the day of collection and no later than the following working day, provided all details are confirmed and correct.
If bank details aren’t shared in advance, or you have a late collection, payment will typically be issued the next working day.
See also: Scrap Car Collection FAQs
Preparing to Scrap your car
Before scrapping your car, it’s worth knowing what to expect and how to prepare.
These FAQs explain what you should check, what you don’t need to do, and how to make sure your vehicle is ready for a smooth and legal collection.
How do I know if my car is ready to be scrapped?
If your car costs more to repair than it’s worth, struggles to pass its MOT, or has been written off by an insurer, it’s likely time to scrap it.
Other common signs include:
- It’s been sitting unused for months.
- Repair quotes exceed the car’s resale value.
- It’s unsafe, rusty, or too expensive to run.
If you’re unsure whether to repair or scrap, our team can provide a free valuation to help you decide.
Can I scrap a car without an MOT?
A valid MOT is not required to scrap your vehicle.
Many cars are scrapped specifically because they’ve failed or expired MOTs.
Scrap Local can collect non-runners and MOT failures directly from your home or garage at no extra cost.
Related: How to sell an MOT failure car
Do I need to drain fluids or remove parts before scrapping my car?
Please don’t remove parts or drain fluids from your car.
All Scrap Local vehicles are handled by licensed Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs), which are legally responsible for depollution (the safe removal of oils, fluids, and hazardous materials).
Removing major components like wheels, the catalytic converter, or the engine may lower your quote or make the vehicle ineligible for collection.
It’s always best to keep your car complete for the highest price.
How can I increase the value of my scrap car?
- Keep the vehicle complete. Missing parts reduce its weight and value.
- Have your documents ready: valid photo ID, V5C logbook and keys.
- Be honest about the condition. Accurate details help us get you the best possible quote.
If your car qualifies as salvage, we will ask you to send clear photos of it from all angles so that our agents can assess its resale potential and bid accordingly.
Condition & salvage potential
Not every car that’s scrapped is ready for the crusher.
Some vehicles still hold value as salvage, depending on their age, condition, and parts demand.
This section explains how a car’s condition affects its price, what makes a vehicle suitable for salvage, and when it might be worth more than scrap value.
Can I get more if my car is salvageable?
Salvage cars are worth more than scrap value.
Scrap value is based only on metal weight, whereas salvage vehicles are assessed on their condition, resale potential, and parts demand.
Scrap Local usually considers cars under 10 years old for salvage.
If your car meets this criteria, we’ll ask for photos and share them with our trusted buyers, who then place bids.
Once you accept the highest offer, the process is identical to scrapping: free collection, full paperwork, and quick payment.
Learn more: Scrap vs Salvage | What’s the difference?
What happens if my car is still roadworthy?
Even if your car still drives, you can still choose to scrap or sell it for salvage.
Many drivers decide to scrap roadworthy cars to avoid the hassle of selling privately, particularly if the car is outdated, costly to insure, or no longer needed.
If your car is in good condition, our team may offer a salvage quote instead of scrap value, giving you a higher return.
What are the most common reasons to scrap a car?
Common reasons for scrapping a car include:
- Expensive repairs or repeated MOT failures
- Accident or flood damage
- Age, rust, or reliability problems
- Insurance write-offs
- Rising maintenance or fuel costs
Scrapping saves time and stress compared to private selling.
You’ll receive an instant quote, free collection, and guaranteed payment, all handled legally and sustainably.
What are common MOT failures that lead to scrapping?
The top MOT failure issues are:
- Worn brakes and suspension
- Faulty lights and indicators
- Tyre damage or tread wear
- Rusted bodywork or structural corrosion
- High exhaust emissions
Although most can be repaired, costs often exceed the car’s worth, especially on older vehicles.
That’s why many owners choose to scrap their MOT failure instead.
General rules & ownership
Before scrapping a car, it’s important to understand the basic rules around ownership and documentation.
This section covers who can scrap a vehicle, what proof of ID or paperwork you’ll need, and what happens once your car has been officially destroyed.
Can I scrap my car if it’s not in my name?
You can’t legally scrap a vehicle unless you have permission from the registered keeper or can prove ownership.
If the car isn’t in your name, you’ll need:
- Written consent from the registered keeper, or
- The full V5C logbook showing transfer of ownership.
If you’ve recently purchased the car or inherited it, contact the DVLA to update the records before scrapping.
More information: DVLA & Documentation FAQs
What documents or ID do I need to scrap a car?
- Valid Photo ID (driving licence or passport)
- V5C logbook, if available
If your logbook is missing, we can still collect the car as long as you can prove ownership with a valid photo ID.
For full details, see our Scrap Car Collection FAQs
Can I get my car back after it’s been scrapped?
Once your car has been processed at an ATF and issued a Certificate of Destruction (CoD), it’s permanently removed from the DVLA register and cannot be returned or reinstated.
Before collection, ensure you’ve removed all personal belongings and any items you want to keep.
Environmental Impact & Recycling
Here, we look at what happens to your car once it’s collected, how scrapping helps the environment, and why it’s important to choose a licensed recycler.
Is scrapping a car good for the environment?
When you scrap your car through a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), almost every part of it is recycled or reused.
Fluids, oils, and batteries are removed safely, while metal and other materials are processed for reuse in new products.
By choosing Scrap Local, you’re helping reduce waste and supporting the UK’s circular economy, turning old cars into valuable resources instead of landfill.
What happens to my car after it’s recycled?
Once your car has been depolluted, any usable parts, such as engines, tyres, and gearboxes, are removed for reuse.
The rest of the vehicle is shredded, and the metals are separated and melted down for recycling.
It’s a detailed process, but it means around 95% of your car is given a new purpose, helping cut down on waste and reducing the need for new raw materials.
Read more: After Collection Process
Why should I use a licensed recycler?
Only licensed Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) can legally scrap a car in the UK.
These sites follow strict environmental rules to ensure all parts, fluids, and materials are handled safely.
Using an unlicensed scrap dealer could mean your car isn’t disposed of properly , and you could even remain legally responsible for it.
Scrap Local only works with licensed recyclers, so you can be confident your car is dealt with responsibly from start to finish.
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If there’s something we haven’t covered, let us know.
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