These days, getting cash for cars that are well and truly on their last legs is pretty easy. Just a few years ago it would have been YOU having to pay to get rid of the thing, but thanks to the UK’s newfound respect for recycling and reusing all available resources, you make a bit by doing your bit.
However, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t possible to get well and truly swindled while trying to do what’s right for all involved. You’d think that scrapping a car was as easy as choosing the first name in the book, but if you’d like to make sure you get the right price and don’t end up with the mother of all headaches, you might want to be a little more proactive with your selection process. 
Best Price Offers
Right off the bat, to get the best possible price when trading scrap cars for cash means taking a look at who’s offering what for which vehicles and reaching something of an average. Just as a price that’s way under the norm isn’t a good idea to go with, a dealer that claims to be offering far more than any other should also set alarm bells ringing. Once you’ve established a fair price and got a good quote then feel free to stick with it, but only if they’re willing to offer it in writing.
Authorised Dealer
It’s not as if anyone with a spare piece of land can open up a website and start calling themselves a professional car recycling service. Instead, it’s essential that those dealing in the industry are fully certified and licensed to do so – those that don’t play by the rules are in no way worth dealing with. Not only might you end up getting ripped off, but chances are they will not be following the EU’s strict guidelines on recycling practices.
Receipts Issued
Like all other industry areas and businesses, dealing cash-in-hand is a big no-no in the scrapping trade. Of course you’ll be looking for a cash payment when going into a cash for cars deal, but this doesn’t mean you should accept any payments and deals unless they are accompanied by the appropriate receipts and documentation. You need to retain proof of the transaction and they of course need to keep records of all purchases made for tax purposes.
Paperwork Sorted
And finally, it’s worth asking yourself prior to sending your car off: “Do I want to scrap my car only for it to come back and bite me in the rear end?” If the answer is no, then you need to be 100% sure that the dealer you are looking to do business with will either take care of all the paperwork or at least help guide you through the process. There’s a fair bit of formality that goes along with scrapping a car and the DVLA doesn’t take kindly to those that ignore the rules…to put it rather mildly.
