For many of us, our car is more than just a vehicle — it’s a companion on road trips, a school-run workhorse, or simply the thing that gets us from A to B. But eventually, every car reaches the end of its road. Whether it’s down to wear and tear, a failed MOT, or damage from an accident, scrapping your car is a responsible and often financially sensible option. But what happens when you scrap a car — and what should you know before you do?

Here are some surprising facts about vehicle scrapping that might change your look at your old motor.

Cash for Scrap? Not Anymore

Once upon a time, it was common to be handed a wad of notes when scrapping your car. However, since introducing the Scrap Metal Dealers Act in 2013, cash payments for scrap vehicles have been made illegal in the UK. This legislation was designed to reduce metal theft and unregulated scrap trading.

Today, if you're scrapping your car, your payment will be via bank transfer or a non-transferable cheque. It’s not just the law — it’s a safer and more traceable way to complete the transaction, offering peace of mind for both buyers and sellers.

Forgot to Tell the DVLA? That Could Cost You

If your vehicle is written off or scrapped and you forget to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), you could face a hefty fine of up to £1,000. This may surprise some drivers, but it's legally required to notify the DVLA whenever a car changes ownership, including when it's sent to be scrapped.

If your car has been declared a write-off by your insurance provider, complete Section 9 (V5C/3) of your logbook and send it to the DVLA, or complete the process online. You’ll need to provide your insurer’s name and postcode, the vehicle registration number, and the 11-digit reference number from the logbook.

You Can Scrap a Foreign Vehicle in the UK — But There’s a Catch

Not all cars scrapped in the UK are registered here. If your vehicle is registered in another country but has reached the end of its life in the UK, you can still dispose of it legally through an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). However, you must inform the original registration authority in your vehicle’s home country that the car has been dismantled and scrapped.

This is an important step—failing to update the vehicle’s status abroad could lead to complications down the line, particularly if the car is still listed as active on their database.

Why You Should Always Use an ATF

Scrapping a car isn’t as simple as sending it to any old scrapyard. Only Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) are legally permitted to dismantle and recycle vehicles in the UK. These centres are licensed by the Environment Agency and follow strict processes for depolluting cars, disposing of hazardous materials, and recycling valuable parts and metals.

When your car is scrapped at an ATF, you’ll also be issued with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD). This confirms that your vehicle has been dismantled and is no longer legally your responsibility.

A Seamless Way to Scrap

Many people put off scrapping their car because they think it will be a hassle. But with services like Motorwise, it couldn’t be easier. You can get an instant online quote by entering your registration, and if you’re happy with the price, a licensed agent will collect the vehicle from your chosen address — often within 48 hours.

You won’t need to arrange transport, chase payments, or worry about paperwork. The team will guide you through the process, and your payment will be made swiftly and securely.

Ready to Scrap Your Car Responsibly?

Whether your vehicle has been written off, failed its MOT, or is simply past its prime, scrapping it is a sensible and sustainable option. At Motorwise, we make the process quick, easy, and fully compliant with UK law. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote.