When your car dies, what do you do with it? Getting rid of your old vehicle is not as easy as it seems. Many people are aware when the time comes, that they do not know how to actually get rid of a vehicle. Sell? Scrap? Or give it away?
In the course of a year in the UK around 6-7 million used cars were sold, and 2 million are disposed of. So, what is the best way to rid yourself of an aging car?
Sell
Autotrader.co.uk is probably the best place to start. You can enter your car registration and mileage for free and the site will suggest an immediate selling price. Advertising on the site costs between £ 9.99 to £ 19.99. Bear in mind that you should factor in how long the existing MOT lasts and whether there is any tax due.
Webuyanycar.com is another option but this site does specify that you need a valid MOT for at least 30 days, as well as 2 sets of keys. The vehicle must also be driven to their site so they are not interested in non-runners.
Scrapping
The good news is that the days when drivers had to trawl round dodgy scrapyards is no more. Now all you need to do is google ‘scrap my car ” and multiple companies appear that state they will pick up your car in a day as well as pay you.
But is this safe? If the quote seems generous and they say they’ll pick up your car within the hour on a Sunday afternoon – this should ring alarm bells. They might not be registered scrap dealers? If they also offer instant cash and have no certificate showing they are registered, then how can you be sure the car will indeed be scrapped?
Rules introduced in 2005 made it a legal requirement that cars sent for scrap must go to an Authorized Treatment Facility. Every scrapyard must have a license issued by the Environment Agency or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to ensure that a used vehicle doesn’t damage the environment and that all vehicles are appropriately recycled. For a reputable Car Scrap Yard Birmingham, visit a site like https://www.birminghamautobreak.com/
What happens next? Find your V5 document, follow the instructions and post off the relevant bits to the DVLA, who will confirm back that you are no longer responsible for the car. Scrap dealers must send a Certificate of Destruction, and also must notify the DVLA you do not have the car anymore.
If the dealer says they will pay you in cash, see this as an alarm bell. According to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, to combat the theft of metal, it is illegal for anyone to pay cash for a used car. Most will issue checks or make payments directly into your bank account. When selling, you must provide proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Remember to claw back road tax or insurance you have on the vehicle.