Many parts of motoring become second nature over time - but, there are a few tasks that drivers tend to do so infrequently that are often a bit of a mystery - even if you've got decades of car ownership to your name.

Scrapping a car is one of those things. In fact, it's something that many drivers won't ever do - so, it's useful to have some guidance if you find yourself hoping to get a good price for an old or accident damaged vehicle.

Here, we'll walk you through the steps involved with scrapping a car - and highlight a few pitfalls you'll want to avoid.

Using the right kind of scrap yard

Since the law surrounding the handling of scrap metals became more robust, scrap yards have been required to prove that they adhere to these rules. As a result, the scrap dealers and dismantlers who do are now referred to as 'ATFs' - or Authorised Treatment Facilities.

It's important to make sure that you're scrapping your car with an ATF. Although the environmental aspects of making sure a scrap car is handled properly are important, they're also the only type of scrap yard who can issue the correct paperwork to prove your car has been recycled - ensuring you're no longer legally responsible for the car.

Some traders may masquerade as scrap yards - only to patch an unsafe vehicle up and sell it on. To be sure you're dealing with an ATF, use a scrapping service on a site like Car.co.uk, which will ensure you're dealing with a reputable dealer.

Remove your personalised plate

If you've got a private number plate on your car, it's crucial that you officially remove it before your car is scrapped. It's simple to do so using the DVLA's official service - and can be done instantly online. Failing to do so can make it difficult (or sometimes impossible) to get your cherished registration back - so make sure you don't lose it!

Find a good valuation

Don't be fooled into thinking that a damaged or old car is worthless. Even if your vehicle has seen better days, it's got a scrap value - and that value is likely to change depending on where you look for quotes.

Call around some scrap yards locally - the people you talk to will know what to ask about your car - and as long as you answer accurately, they'll often be able to offer an estimate over the phone. It's worth having a look for comparison services online too - the best ones have scrap dealer networks that cover all of the UK.

Arrange a collection

Virtually all vehicles that are ready for dismantling are not suitable for use on the road - so make sure the quotes you receive include the collection of your car. It is against the law to drive a car that doesn't have tax, an MOT, or insurance - and driving it to a scrap yard is no exception.

Complete your paperwork

As the current registered keeper of the car, it's your responsibility to make sure the DVLA is informed of any changes to the vehicle's ownership.

Luckily, this is quickly done by completing, tearing out and returning section 9 of the V5C log book document. The section you're looking for is yellow - and is marked V5C/3. On this slip, you'll need to complete the date of the transfer to a scrap dealer, as well as the name and address of the company you're selling the car to. This then needs to be signed by yourself and the person collecting your car.

Don't worry if you don't have the vehicle's log book - you don't need to replace it, and any scrap dealer who tells you that you do is just looking to knock your price down! As an alternative, a letter to the DVLA laying out the same information as you'd complete on the log book slip is an acceptable alternative - and means you can confidently wave your old car off to the scrap yard without worrying about any reminders or fines from the DVLA or the police.

Promoted by Tom H. - 1 Feb 2019