Can I Scrap a Car Without Keys?

Scrapping Without The Keys

Yes, you can scrap a car without the keys, but it may pose a few problems – but don’t worry, we’ve streamlined our process to make them easy to put right! The main issues here are getting the vehicle loaded onto the tow truck, along with proving that you are indeed the owner of the car.

Some specialised equipment could be required to get your car onto a tow truck which can then move it, but there could also be some complications from a legal point of view. The collector will need proof that the vehicle is yours before they can scrap it (as part of the Scrap Dealers Act 2013) – this is to ensure the vehicle isn’t stolen. If you don’t have keys, almost all collectors we work with would insist on photo ID and a V5C log book, to ensure you’re the registered owner. Learn more about what to do if you’ve lost your V5C log book here.

What You Need To Know

The first step in understanding whether you can scrap a car without keys is to understand exactly how the scrap process works. Usually, scrapping a car involved the following steps:

1. You secure a quote for scrapping your car, informing our sales team that you do not have the keys (we have a quick and easy scrap car value tool you can try for free)
2. You arrange collection with a scrap dealer that has suitable equipment to remove a car without keys
3. They come to the collection address and you supply the necessary paperwork (proof of address, ID) 
4. Using a recovery truck, the dealer will winch or tow your vehicle to their scrap yard
5. If the car can be repaired, they may choose to fix it up for salvage. If it’s beyond repair, or not worth fixing up, they’ll break the parts down for either reuse or recycling

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Does The Car Need To Be Unlocked To Be Scrapped?

For your car to be winched onto a recovery truck, the front wheels need to be straight. Without the key, turning the steering wheel will put the steering lock on so the wheels don’t turn. Some collectors can just drag the car on, but would usually need a more specialist vehicle to do it, which is more costly.

Retaining The Value Without Keys

If you’re simply scrapping the car, and the dealer is able to tow your vehicle, then you may be able to secure a similar quote with or without your keys, although in some cases it may be lower owing to the additional expense of specialist equipment. 

If, however, you’re selling a working car for salvage, it’s a different picture. The issue here is, without the keys none of the parts are able to be tested or seen running, which means cars will need to be priced as non-running. Needless to say, this is likely to be a much, much lower quote than if you had the keys. 

Securing keys can be a hassle for dealers so generally they will always pay less for a car without keys than one that just doesn’t run.

What To Do If You’ve Lost Your Car Keys? 

While some collectors may be willing to use specialist equipment to drag their car onto the recovery vehicle, others could opt for car skates. These are just like you’d imagine – wheeled ‘skates’ that sit under your front wheels so your car can be rolled. This is, again, a specialist piece of kit and not all dealers will be willing to use these. 

The most sensible course of action is to alert dealers to the fact that you don’t have the car’s keys when you apply for a quote. You’ll then be able to discuss further to see if collection will be possible. 

If you’re unable to find a dealer who’ll collect your car, then unfortunately you might need to look into getting replacement keys. Some insurance policies cover these costs, so check your contract. If your insurer won’t pay for the replacement, then you’ll most likely need to contact your car brand’s dealership or an auto locksmith for new keys. Depending on the technology used for your car, you could expect costs of anywhere from around £140 to thousands of pounds.