Scrap Car Collection: What to Expect on the Day

Scrap car collection is straightforward, but a few minutes of preparation the day before will make it faster and help you avoid any last-minute offer revisions. Here is a complete guide to collection day.

Before collection day: what to prepare

Remove your personal belongings

Check every compartment, door pocket, under the seats and in the boot. Scrap drivers are not responsible for items left in the car and once it leaves your drive you will not recover them. Common things people forget: parking permits, toll tags, sunglasses in the sun visor, USB cables, child seats, spare change in the ashtray and tools in the boot.

Remove the number plates

You are not legally required to do this, but it is good practice. Your registration number is linked to your identity and insurance history. Some people prefer to retain the plates rather than have them circulating on a scrap site. You can snap them off by hand or unscrew them with a Phillips screwdriver.

Have your V5C (logbook) ready

The V5C logbook is the main document that confirms you are the registered keeper. You will need to sign the yellow section (V5C/3) which the ATF retains and sends to the DVLA. If you cannot find your V5C, notify the ATF in advance. They can still collect the car, but the transaction may take slightly longer and some ATFs may offer marginally less without it.

Have photo ID ready

Licensed ATFs are legally required to verify your identity before accepting the vehicle. A driving licence or passport is standard. Some ATFs may also ask for proof of address. This requirement comes from the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, which was introduced to curb metal theft and fraud.

Do not drain the fuel or remove parts

Leave the fuel in the tank. The ATF will drain it as part of the depollution process. Do not remove the battery, wheels or catalytic converter the night before — doing so typically reduces your final offer by more than you would recover selling those parts separately.

What happens when the driver arrives

The process on the day takes around 15 to 30 minutes from arrival to departure, depending on the paperwork involved.

1. The driver inspects the car against the description given at quote time. They will check the major components are present: all four wheels, battery, catalytic converter and that condition matches what was described. If anything differs significantly from the quote description, the driver may revise the offer at this point.
2. Your ID is checked and recorded. The driver will record your name, address and the document reference from your ID. This is a legal requirement and is not optional.
3. You sign over the V5C. You complete and sign the yellow V5C/3 slip. Hand the rest of the logbook to the driver, who will submit it to the DVLA. Do not keep the full logbook yourself after the transaction.
4. You receive a receipt. The driver provides a written or printed receipt confirming the vehicle's registration, date of collection and the ATF's details. Keep this in case of any queries.
5. Payment is arranged. Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, all scrap vehicle payments must be made by bank transfer. No legitimate ATF will pay cash. Payment is typically made on the day of collection or within one working day, directly to your bank account.
6. The car is loaded. If the car is a runner, the driver may drive it onto the transporter. Non-runners are winched or lifted. This takes five to fifteen minutes depending on the vehicle's condition and location.

What you should receive after collection

• A signed receipt confirming the transaction details
• Bank transfer confirmation (same day or next working day)
• Certificate of Destruction by post within seven days (from the ATF once the vehicle is processed)
• DVLA confirmation that you are no longer the registered keeper (this typically arrives by letter within two to four weeks)

What to do immediately after collection

Check your DVLA record

Use the DVLA's free vehicle enquiry service at gov.uk to confirm the vehicle is no longer registered to you. If the record still shows you as keeper more than two weeks after collection, contact the ATF.

Cancel your insurance

Contact your insurer and provide the Certificate of Destruction number once it arrives. You should receive a pro-rata refund for any unused portion of your premium, minus a cancellation fee. See our full guide on scrap car insurance for details.

Claim your road tax refund

If your vehicle excise duty had months remaining, the DVLA will issue an automatic refund by cheque. You do not need to apply separately. See our guide to the scrap car tax refund for how long it takes and what to do if it does not arrive.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be present for collection?

Yes, in most cases. The ATF must verify your identity and obtain your signature on the V5C. If you cannot be present, a trusted person can act on your behalf provided they bring your written authorisation and a copy of your ID. Arrange this with the ATF in advance.

What if the driver tries to lower the price on the day?

A legitimate price revision at collection should only happen if the car's condition differs from the quote description. If the car is exactly as described and the driver tries to lower the offer without justification, you are not obliged to accept. You can decline and re-quote with another ATF. Keep a copy of your original quote confirmation.

How much notice do ATFs need for collection?

Most licensed ATFs can collect within one to three working days of a confirmed quote. In busy periods or rural areas it may be up to five working days. Emergency same-day collection is sometimes available at a distance premium.

Will the driver help if the car is in an awkward position?

Most ATF drivers carry basic equipment to move non-runners. If the car is stuck in a garage, behind a gate, or on soft ground, let the ATF know in advance so they can send the right vehicle. Most collections from standard driveways and public roads are straightforward.