Choosing to scrap your van instead of selling or fixing it can be a tough decision to make. However, scrapping is usually the best solution for an end-of-life van, especially if it’s been sitting on your property for a while.
The most important step in the process is to reach out to a reliable scrap van buyer. But you might wonder, “What happens when you have your scrap van collected?”
If you’ve never scrapped a vehicle before, you probably don’t know how it all works. Fortunately, scrapping your vehicle in the UK is a straightforward process.
Confirm The Scrap Van Prices Before It Is Collected
To ensure the van collection goes smoothly, it’s essential to cover all the bases and prepare well. But how can you be certain you’ve done everything right?
First, remember that you can only scrap a vehicle if you provide proof of ownership. Second, you can only scrap a van that still has wheels. Most scrapping companies won’t pick up vehicles without them.
Before the scrap van buyers remove the vehicle from your property, you should confirm a price. Make sure to get an accurate quote from the company, which you can often do via their website. You also need to prepare all the relevant documentation:
ID – a driving license or passport
Vehicle logbook or V5c
MOT History – not mandatory but desirable
If you don’t have a vehicle logbook, that’s not a deal-breaker. You can replace the V5c by visiting the Gov.UK website and applying for the duplicate.
However, you’ll need to provide the van’s registration number, VIN, and postcode registered to the V5c. The replacement isn’t free, however. It costs around £25.
Did You Accept The Scrap Van Quote?
If you accept a quote from the scrap van buyer, the next step is to arrange for collection. There’s no need to wait around – a scrapping company can take the van even if you’re not home.
It’s best to remove all personal belongings from the van, especially if you won’t be there when the buyers arrive. But even if you wait for them, clearing the van before collection is a prudent strategy.
Also, it’s imperative to make sure your van is in a fully accessible location.
If the scrap buyers can’t recover the vehicle and load it onto the truck, they’ll be forced to leave it. Ideally, the van should be on the side of the road or in your driveway.
Furthermore, if the van is in a remote area and challenging to locate, you should provide detailed instructions on how to find it. If you choose to be present during the collection, you can observe the loading and make sure everything goes as planned.
When the van leaves your property, it’s taken directly to the scrapyard. While it might seem simple enough, vehicle recycling is specific and somewhat complicated.
Your van scrap buyer removes the vehicle’s tires, battery, transmission, and engine. If the van still contains petrol, engine coolant, and other fluids, they are drained carefully and safely. After removing the parts, the van is crushed to ensure easier transport in bulk.
What Happens After the Scrap Van Collection?
When the van is collected, owners no longer have to worry about what happens to it. They’ve been paid for their vehicle and can start making plans for the money and the extra space.
However, the scrap van buyer is obligated to send a Certificate of Destruction to the owner. This is an essential legal document issued by the DVLA.
It serves as a guarantee that your van was destroyed safely by a licensed scrapyard. You can only receive the certificate once the scrapping is completed, which may take several weeks.
Remember to ask the scrap van buyer about the Certificate of Destruction and when it will arrive. If they dismiss the need for this document, saying that it’s unnecessary, they’re not in accordance with the law, and you shouldn’t use their services.
Getting the Tax Refund
The Certificate of Destruction may make you eligible for a road tax refund from the government.
If you paid for the whole year but scrapped your car within three months, you can reclaim the rest of the tax. Note that the DVLA will issue a refund for full months only and not partial. For that reason, applying for the tax refund sooner rather than later is the right move.
Apart from getting the road tax back, you can cancel the existing insurance for the van. The Certificate of Destruction is proof enough for the insurer to terminate the policy.
Don’t try cancelling the insurance before the scrapping process is complete, even if the insurer agrees. Driving an uninsured vehicle is illegal, even if you’ve already scheduled a van collection.
Van Scrapping for Charity
Recycling your van has many benefits to the environment as it saves energy and natural resources. But you can also scrap your van for charity.
The best scrapping companies will scrap your van and donate the money to the charity of your choice. They may even cooperate with a wide range of charitable organisations.
How to Choose a Scrap Van Buyer?
Understanding what happens when you have your scrap van collected encourages people to reach out to buyers. When choosing the right service for the job, pay attention to several important details.
The company should offer only non-obligation quotes, provide a hassle-free process with no hidden charges, and have excellent customer service.
Remember to ask about what makes their scrapping process environmentally friendly and whether they’re willing to adapt to your schedule.
Safe and Efficient Van Scrapping
Many warning signs tell you it’s time to scrap your van. Perhaps it’s the constant pricey repairs, or maybe the engine won’t start. Your van could be old and not going anywhere anytime soon. Choosing to scrap your van instead of selling or repairing it can be a welcome decision.
When a scrap van company collects the van, they should ensure the vehicle’s safe and legal destruction. They’re obligated to provide the proof of destruction that you can use to get a road tax refund and cancel the insurance policy. Remember to prepare all the necessary paperwork and clean out your van before it’s collected.
