More Scrap Car FAQs

Who Is Scrap Car Comparison And How Does It Work?

Scrap Car Comparison is an independent service which was founded in XYZ after deciding to do something about the bad reputation scrap yards had.

Putting together a network of the most trusted and reputable Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATF) and specialist scrap and salvage buyers across the UK we are able to provide our users a trusted source which spans nationwide, and we’ve made the process pretty easy too!

All you need to do is enter your vehicle’s details, and we’ll organise everything else! We have a network of specialist scrap and salvage buyers which spans nationwide enabling us provide the most competitive, price comparison service for the industry. What’s more, all of our prices are guaranteed so the price you are quoted, is the price which you will receive. No hidden fees, no nasty surprises, just car scrappage made simple.

Once you have accepted your quote we’ll arrange for the buyer to contact you directly and arrange the collection of your vehicle on a date which is suitable for both parties and when the vehicle’s collected, you’ll be paid!

Why Should I Use Scrap Car Comparison?

Scrap Car Comparison is an impartial service and doesn’t favour any buyer. We simply make the process easier for our users by sourcing the best prices from companies which operate in a customer’s location, and helping to make collection arrangements. We offer impartial advice and always have our users at the forefront of our service, a fact which is proven by our raving customer reviews!

What Is An ATF?

An Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) is a government authorised treatment facility where, following legal guidelines, vehicles go through a depollution process before the parts are disposed of and recycled.

What Is A COD?

A Certificate Of Destruction (COD) is a document that the DVLA has issued when a car has been scrapped at an authorised treatment facility.

This means that a vehicle has been brought to the ATF, dismantled, depolluted, and the materials were then recycled. Legally, all cars which have been recycled at a government authorised treatment facility must have one however you won’t always receive a certificate as it depends on whether you were the last owner before the vehicle was recycled.

A certificate of destruction is only issued for vehicles which have been scrapped and not those which are sold for salvage.

What Is An ELV?

ELV stands for “End of Life Vehicle”. This is a term used to describe vehicles which have naturally reached the end of their life through wear and tear or damaged or broken vehicles which are uneconomical, or too damaged to fix. End of life vehicles will be taken to an authorised treatment facility where the vehicle will be dismantled, depolluted and recycled.

What Is The Scrap Metal Dealers Act?

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act is legislation which was brought into action in 2013 as a way to create accountability amongst the metal trade industry to stop rogue traders from selling stolen materials by banning all cash payments for scrap metal. Read more in our dedicated blog. 

What Is The Difference Between Scrap And Salvage?

Scrap’ and ‘Salvage’ are terms which refer to what happens to a vehicle after it has been sold.

Cars which are bought for ‘Salvage’ will either have their parts replaced to make the vehicle roadworthy again, or will have the parts of that vehicle stripped to fix other vehicles.

Cars which are bought for ‘Scrap’ have either reached the end of their life naturally, or damage or breakages which are uneconomical to repair have forced the vehicle into early retirement. Vehicles which are scrapped will be taken to a government authorised treatment facility (ATF) where, following legal guidelines, the vehicle will go through a depollution process before being disposed of and recycled into something else.

If you’re not sure whether your vehicle is suitable for salvage, one of our experienced advisors will be able to help identify this for you.

How Long Does The Process Of Selling My Car Take?

The quickest quote to collection we’ve ever had was the very same day, however the process usually takes about 2 days. Our buyers work to our user’s requirements so once the quote has been accepted the collection can happen as soon, or as far as the user would like.

How Do Your Online Quotes Work?

Once you have added your vehicle’s details we will enter these into our network which will compare prices amongst an array of trusted and reputable buyers who operate in your area. The prices are generated via an array of factors including scrap metal prices and market fluctuations, whether the vehicle is being bought for scrap or salvage purposes and how in demand that vehicle is. We will then advise you of the best quotes which we have received so that you can pick the option which is most suitable for you.

How Many Quotes Can I Make A Day?

You can make up to three quotes a day. If you would like to do more than this we recommend that you call on 03333 449950 as our website doesn’t allow more quotes than this due to spam prevention measures.

If you are disposing of fleet vehicles, please call and we’ll be able to either enable more submissions or go through the details over the phone with you.

I Had A Bad Experience With Another Company, Why Should I Use You?

We’re sorry to hear that. Unfortunately we cannot comment on another company’s practices but we can reassure you that we have you at the forefront at all that we do. We have created an easy to use website which, once you have added the details, compares prices for vehicles across the UK by searching through our network of the most trusted and reputable authorised treatment facilities and specialist scrap and salvage buyers, in the industry.

We’ve vetted all of the buyers on our network to ensure that only the most knowledgeable and trusted are represented by our service so that no matter which buyer you choose to purchase your vehicle, you are in good hands.

But we won’t try to convince you, instead you can see what real users of our service have said, here.

How Do I Send Photos?

There are a multitude of ways that you can send photos of your vehicle to us.
You can either:
Email them to [email protected] with your vehicle registration as the subject line.
Send them to us through Whatsapp by messaging us on: 07763464508.
Upload them at the relevant part of completing the online quote request forms. Find out more in our guide to taking photos for scrap and salvage. 

What Format Do Photos Need To Be In?

You can send us photos of your vehicles in the following formats:
PDF
PNG
JPG
JPEG
GIF

I Don’t Have A Camera, What Can I Do?

In the event that we request photos of your vehicle you can either use a phone or a camera to take the images. This can either belong to you, or a family member or friend if you have their permission to do so. All we ask is that the images are clear, not blurry and that you include the vehicle’s registration number so that we know whose photos they are!

Can I Use Stock Photos?

No. If we have asked for photos of your vehicle, it means we need to see the condition of your vehicle in order to proceed with our valuations of your vehicle. In order to be able to do this effectively we will need images of your car, as it is on the day of the quote and not photos which were taken months before.

What If I Miss Important Information?

If you think you missed anything when providing details about your vehicle, or if anything has changed since you provided us with your vehicle’s details, please let us know as soon as possible as it may affect the quote which you were given.

Can I Scrap More Than One Vehicle At A Time?

Yes as long as you have relevant paperwork. If you need to dispose of multiple vehicles you may also be interested in our fleet disposal services.

Need to know what documents you need to scrap your car? We’ve put together a handy guide here.

How Do I Make A Complaint?

If you unhappy with anything, at any point, please get in contact as soon as possible so that we can rectify this. You can contact us by calling 03333 44 99 50 or by emailing [email protected]

Am I Entering A Contract By Selling My Car Through Scrap Car Comparison?

Yes. Once you have accepted your quote our in-house team will go through our verbal contract with you. The contract is a sales agreement between the collector and the buyer explaining that ‘X’ price will be paid for ‘X’ vehicle upon receipt of the vehicle, subject to checks. This contract is in place to protect both the seller, to ensure that they receive their guaranteed price, and the buyer, to ensure that the vehicle is as it was described when the quote was generated.

I Don’t Have Photo ID.

Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act all of our buyers are required to verify a person’s identity when collecting the vehicle. In the event that you do not have photo ID then proof of address and a birth certificate will suffice as verification.

I Don’t Have A Utility Bill.

Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act all of our buyers are required to verify a person’s identity when collecting the vehicle. Ideally a utility bill is preferred to accompany photo ID but if you don’t have one then a bank statement or council tax letter will suffice.

My Quote Expired But I Want To Accept.

We can only hold quotes for 24 hours so unfortunately if this time period has gone past than your guaranteed quote price has lapsed. However your vehicle may still be worth the same amount, please speak to one of our advisors to receive another guaranteed quote.

The Vehicle Isn’t Registered To Me, Can I Still Scrap It?

Yes. If you have the registered keeper’s permission, and a signed note to state this, in addition to photo ID and a recent utility bill.

I’m A Motor Trader And Have Several Cars To Sell, Can You Help?

We sure can! You’re more than welcome to fill out the vehicle’s details using the above form, or alternatively if you’re looking for a more time-effective option you can speak to one of our team on 03333 449950.

How Do I Apply To Join Your Network Of Trusted Buyers?

We’re glad you asked! We actually have a page dedicated to that process, which you can find here.

Do You Take A Copy Of My Utility Bill And ID?

No. Our buyers need these documents to verify an identity but will not take your documents or copies of your documents.

Do You Charge An Admin Fee On Charity Donations?

No. All funds raised for our listed charities are given directly to those charities.

Will The Charity Contact Me After My Donation?

As part of our service you have the option to donate to one of our listed charities. This donation is optional and we are one of the only services which enables you to choose how much of your funds you wish to donate, so whether you want to donate 10% or 100%, you have both options available!

100% of the funds raised for our listed charities, go directly to the charities. As I’m sure you’re aware, charities are increasingly busy and unfortunately as a result they cannot contact everybody who makes a donation through our service. We can however pass your details on to the charity at your request.

I Help Run A Charity, How Do I Get Involved In Your Charitable Scheme?

If you would like to get in contact regarding our featured charities please send an email to [email protected]

What Is The Most Scrapped Car Through Your Service?

So far the Ford Focus is holding the title with the Ford KA coming in at second place.

What Does ‘Subject To Inspection’ Mean?

When quotes are generated they are done so on the good faith that the vehicle has been described accurately. Subject to inspection means that if our buyer buys a vehicle which is described as a complete, running, vehicle with minor damage and they arrive to find a non runner with no wheels and significant damage to the framework, they reserve the right to change their price or reject the car.

I Can’t Find My Car On Your Website?

We have every model under 25 years old listed on our site, however if you’re experiencing any difficulty please do call on 03333 449950 where one of our dedicated customer service advisors will be on hand to help.

My Car Has Added Extras, Will It Affect My Quote?

Sometimes. It depends on the make, model and year. We generally find that added extras don’t typically make a huge amount of difference when it comes to scrap vehicles, unless those added extras are alloy wheels. However, in the salvage market added extras do receive more, as it means more parts can be sold.

Why Do You Need My Number / Email Address?

We need your contact details in order to contact you regarding your quote or if we have any further questions regarding your vehicle. We will never share your details with anyone else unless you have accepted a buyers offer, in which case we will share your contact details with the collector so that they can call you to arrange collection.

Why Do You Need My Postcode To Run A Quote?

Because our network of buyers spans across nationwide we need your postcode in order to identify which buyers are available, and operate, in your area. This in turn helps us to compare quotes and get you the best price for your vehicle.

How Often Will You Contact Me?

We’ll only contact you when it’s necessary to proceed with your quote or gather more details. If we don’t hear from you in 7 days we will message you to let you know that we are removing your details from our system and you won’t hear from us again unless you contact us.

What Does ‘Complete Vehicle’ Mean?

A complete vehicle refers to a vehicle which has not had any parts removed.

I Have A Hearing Disability And Can’t Use The Phone, Can I Still Use Your Service?

Yes. We understand that each person has individual needs and so there are a multitude of visual methods we can use to communicate. If you have access to a text-relay phone we can use that or alternatively we can communicate via text message or email, whichever is most suitable for you.

What Standard Of Service Can I Expect?

The best! We’ve used years of experience in the industry to make our service as simple and hassle-free as possible. All you need to do is enter your vehicle’s details and we’ll take care of everything else!

All of the buyers listed on our nationwide network are trusted, reputable and have years of knowledge and expertise in the industry so you’re in safe hands from start to finish. And you don’t have to take our word for it – here’s what our customers have been saying for themselves!

Where Do I Go For Press Information?

If you’re looking for general press information you can find out more on our dedicated press page. However if you have a specific enquiry you can contact our marketing team on [email protected]

How Can I Give Feedback?

If you would like to provide feedback about our services you can get in contact with our team by calling 03333 449950 or by emailing on: [email protected] at any time. If you’d like to provide a review for Scrap Car Comparison a link will be emailed out to all verified users once their vehicle has been collected.

Can I Buy A Car From You?

No, here at Scrap Car Comparison, we do not sell vehicles to the public – we only partner with registered Authorised Treatment Facilities.

Do You Sell Scrap Cars?

No, Scrap Car Comparison does not sell scrap cars to the general public. We instead work with registered scrap and salvage buyers.

Do You Sell Spare Parts?

No, we do not sell individual spare parts.