FAQs

Have questions about scrapping your car? We’ve got you covered! Here are the answers to the most common questions we get. Whether you’re unsure about paperwork, payment, or the car recycling process, this is the place to start

General

An End of Life Vehicle (ELV) is a vehicle that’s no longer roadworthy, cost-effective to repair, or environmentally suitable to continue using. Cars that have failed an MOT, been in an accident, or simply reached the end of their mechanical life are classified as ELVs. Under UK law, these vehicles must be dismantled and recycled at an authorised treatment facility (ATF) to ensure proper handling of potentially hazardous materials, like oil and fuel. 

We buy all kinds of vehicles, from insurance write-offs and MOT failures to non-runners and even flood-damaged cars. Whether it’s an abandoned vehicle, an old fleet car, or just a car that’s too expensive to keep fixing, we’ll take it off your hands. Visit our Types of Cars We Buy page for a full list of vehicles we accept.

Yes, we can scrap cars that are registered outside the UK. However, you will need to inform the relevant authorities in the country where your vehicle is registered. In some cases, additional paperwork may be required. Contact us for more details, and we’ll guide you through the process.

Once your car is collected, it goes through a careful recycling process. First, we remove any hazardous materials, then we salvage usable parts, and finally, the remaining metal is shredded and recycled. Every step of the process is done in accordance with Environment Agency regulations to ensure minimal environmental impact. 

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 made it illegal for scrap yards to pay cash for scrap cars. This law was introduced to prevent the sale of stolen vehicles for quick cash. To keep things above board, all payments must be made electronically, either through bank transfer or PayPal. This protects both you and us from any legal issues. For more details on how payment works, visit our How It Works page.

Payment

We pay via instant bank transfer (BACS or FPS), so you get your money directly into your account as soon as we collect your car. No waiting around! We don’t deal in cash due to UK laws, which makes bank transfer the safest and most secure option. If you’d like to know more about this, head to our How It Works page.

Yes, we’ll still offer you a fair price even if your car has missing parts. However, because the value of a scrap car is often based on its weight, the price may be adjusted depending on what parts are missing. Let us know in advance if any parts have been removed so we can give you an accurate quote.

When you scrap your car, the DVLA automatically issues a refund for any unused months of road tax. You can help speed up this process by notifying the DVLA that your car has been scrapped. This is usually done by completing Section 9 (or Section 4 for post-2019 V5Cs) of the V5C logbook and sending it to the DVLA. You can learn more about the tax refund process on the DVLA website.

Yes, you should cancel your car insurance as soon as your vehicle has been scrapped and collected. You may even be eligible for a refund on your remaining policy term. Just make sure not to cancel it before collection – driving an uninsured vehicle is illegal, even if it’s on its way to be scrapped.

Collection

We offer same-day collection in many areas, and we’re happy to work around your schedule. Once you’ve accepted our quote, you can choose a time and date for collection that works for you. Visit our How It Works page for more information about arranging a collection.

No, you don’t necessarily have to be present. As long as someone is there to hand over the keys and provide ID and proof of address, we can collect your car without you. Just let us know if someone else will be handling the collection, and we’ll make sure everything runs smoothly.

Unfortunately, we don’t have the equipment to collect cars without wheels. However, if your car has other issues, such as flat tyres or is a non-runner, we can still collect it. Check with us directly if you’re unsure whether we can collect your vehicle.

No worries! We collect non-runners all the time. Just let us know your car’s condition when you request a quote, and we’ll ensure we’re equipped to handle the collection. Our team can collect vehicles from your driveway, the roadside, or even a garage.

Documentation

It’s helpful if you have the V5C, as this acts as proof of ownership, but it’s not essential. If you don’t have the logbook, we’ll need to see proof of ID and address when collecting your car. You should also notify the DVLA in writing that your car has been scrapped. 

You need to inform the DVLA that your car has been scrapped by completing and sending off Section 9 (or Section 4 for newer V5Cs) of the logbook. If you don’t do this, you may still be liable for road tax or other penalties. You can also notify the DVLA online, which is the quickest way. You’ll receive confirmation once the records have been updated.

When we come to collect your car, you’ll need to provide proof of ownership, such as the V5C logbook. If you don’t have the V5C, bring photo ID and proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement from the last three months). This helps us verify that the car is legally yours to scrap.

Yes, you can! If you want to keep your personalised number plate, you’ll need to apply to retain it through the DVLA before your car is collected. The DVLA will issue you a retention certificate, allowing you to transfer the plate to another vehicle in the future.

Environmental

Yes, scrapping your car is an environmentally responsible decision. At Norfolk Scrap Car Collection, we ensure that every vehicle is depolluted and recycled according to strict Environment Agency guidelines. From removing hazardous materials to recycling metals and salvaging parts, the process minimises waste and environmental impact. 

Any parts that are still in good condition, like engines, tyres, or even electronics, are removed and refurbished for reuse. This helps keep other cars on the road longer, reducing the need for new parts and lowering the demand for raw materials. Salvaging parts is a key part of the recycling process and benefits both the environment and the automotive industry.

Yes, we can recycle electric vehicles (EVs) in a responsible way. EVs contain lithium-ion batteries that require special handling to prevent environmental damage. We ensure that all hazardous components are safely removed and that the rest of the vehicle is recycled just like any other car.