If your car has been written off, you may be thinking about how to raise some cash to help with the purchase of a new vehicle or what the next steps should be. One of the questions we often get is whether you can keep parts when deciding to scrap your vehicle. Here are some considerations to think about before making any hasty decisions.
Why Keep Vehicle Parts?
Some people like to remove certain car parts before scrapping their vehicle. This could be for a number of reasons, including if you’ve previously spent money upgrading the exhaust or buying a special wheel rim. You may also want to sell the parts for money, such as a catalytic converter. Some garages also like to remove parts if they can use them to repair other vehicles.
Can You Keep Your Number Plate?
Drivers who have paid for a personalised registration number plate may also wish to use this for a future vehicle. If this is the case, you’ll need to apply to the DVLA to retain your registration so that they can issue you with a V778 Retention Document. You’ll need this to safeguard the plate’s use on another vehicle. You must make sure you go through this process before scrapping your car or changing vehicle ownership, and there’s a fee involved (usually £80).
What to Do Before Removing Any Car Parts
If there are parts you wish to remove before scrapping your vehicle, ring your local scrapyard first to find out more about how this can affect the price of scrapping the vehicle. It may be worth leaving the parts in situ rather than trying to sell them separately. A dismantled vehicle could be worth less to a scrap car dealer than one with all its parts present.
However, always make sure you’re asking an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) so that you know they’re not planning on selling your car and are licensed to scrap your vehicle in-line with UK regulations.
Should You Inform the DVLA?
If you’re going to keep any parts from your vehicle, you’ll need to inform the DVLA that your car is off the road while you go through this process. You’ll need to register the vehicle as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), and this will also mean you’ll get a refund on any full months left of tax remaining on the vehicle. The DVLA will require you to store the car off the road during this time, e.g. in your garage or on your driveway.
After parts are removed, you can then contact an ATF to collect your vehicle before informing the DVLA you’ve scrapped your car.
Looking for a licensed car scrap dealer?
Get in touch with Car Scrap Surrey for a free quote or advice. We provide car scrap services across South London and Surrey locations, coming out to Wallington, West Wickham and Whyteleafe. Get started now by calling 020 8406 4181.
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