Scrap car values reach record levels
Mon, 10 Jan 2022
Scrap car prices reached record levels in 2021 with the average value increasing by 50 per cent (from £160 in 2020 to £240), and December's price reaching more than £260, according to car recycling network CarTakeBack.
These figures were despite drivers holding onto their cars longer - the average age of vehicles being scrapped rose from 15 years in 2020 to 16 years in 2021.
More Ford vehicles were scrapped in 2021 than any other make, with Vauxhall and Peugeot the second and third most common cars to scrap, respectively.
Rebecca Currier, marketing manager at CarTakeBack, said: “Although 2021 was another unsettled year due to Covid we were pleased to see scrap prices continue to steadily rise.
"Many factors can contribute to the price of scrap, the rocketing price of catalytic converters as well as the increased value of used cars as a whole, certainly had an impact throughout the year.
"Changes to driving habits due to the introduction of Clean Air Zones throughout some cities and with more people now working from home, many car owners may take advantage of these record scrap car prices and get rid of their old vehicles.”
Top five models scrapped in 2021
| Vehicle | Average scrap value | Average age |
| 1. Ford Focus | £243 | 16 |
| 2. Vauxhall Corsa | £224 | 15 |
| 3. Ford Fiesta | £214 | 16 |
| 4. Vauxhall Astra | £237 | 15 |
| 5. Renault Clio | £197 | 17 |
More silver cars (27 per cent) were scrapped than any other colour vehicle, with blue (22 per cent) the second most popular colour and black (17 per cent) third.
There was a 4 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of diesels being scrapped. About a third (33 per cent) of the vehicles scrapped in 2021 were diesel and 67 per cent were petrol.
There was a four per cent year-on-year increase in the number of diesels being scrapped. About a third (33 per cent) of the vehicles scrapped in 2021 were diesel and 67 per cent were petrol.
How do I scrap my car?
You must scrap your vehicle at an authorised treatment facility (ATF), also known as a scrapyard or breaker’s yard.
You can either scrap your vehicle without keeping any parts or take parts from it before you send it be scrapped.
In both cases you need to inform the DVLA you've taken it to an ATF or you risk being fined up to £1,000.
If you want to keep the vehicle's registration number you will need to apply online or by post. It costs £80.
If you intend to remove parts you must first tell the DVLA the vehicle is off the road and it must be kept in a garage, on a drive or on private land.
The ATF may charge a fee if you take essential parts, such as the engine, gearbox, bodywork or wheels.
Give the ATF your vehicle log book (V5C). They should give you the completed yellow ‘sell, transfer or part-exchange’ section from it for you to send to the DVLA.
What happens if my car is an insurance write-off?
If your vehicle is an insurance write-off, your insurer will typically get the vehicle scrapped for you.
If you want to keep your vehicle's registration number you will need to apply online or by post. It costs £80.
You should send the vehicle log book (V5C) to your insurance company, but keep the completed yellow ‘sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to the motor trade’ section from it to send to the DVLA.
If you don't inform the DVLA your car has been written you could be fined up to £1,000.
How much is my car worth?
If you're thinking of selling your car rather than scrapping it you can get a free car valuation using our tool here.
