Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about selling your scrap car on ScrapBid.
Is ScrapBid free for sellers?
Yes. ScrapBid is completely free for sellers. You never pay anything to list your car or accept a bid. ScrapBid charges dealers a commission on won bids — sellers receive the full bid amount directly from the winning dealer.
How do I get paid for my scrap car?
The winning dealer pays you directly by bank transfer. Cash payment for scrap metal is illegal in the UK under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, so all payments are electronic. The dealer arranges payment when they collect the vehicle.
Do I need to log in to get a quote?
No. You can enter your reg plate and get bids without creating an account. We only capture your contact details (name, phone, email, address) when you accept a bid, so the winning dealer can arrange collection.
What is a Certificate of Destruction?
A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) is an official document that proves your vehicle has been destroyed at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). It releases you from future liability for the vehicle — road tax, insurance, and any future offences. ScrapBid issues a CoD for every vehicle collected through the platform.
How long does the auction last?
You choose the auction window when you list your car: 30, 45, or 60 minutes. The default is 45 minutes. You can accept a bid at any time during the auction — you don't have to wait for it to end.
Am I obligated to accept a bid?
No. You are never obligated to accept any bid. If no bid meets your expectations, the auction simply ends with no sale. You can relist the vehicle later if you change your mind.
Are the scrapyards on ScrapBid licensed?
Yes. Every dealer on ScrapBid must hold a valid ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility) licence and a waste carrier licence. Dealers are vetted and approved by ScrapBid admin before they can place bids. This ensures your vehicle is disposed of legally and responsibly.
What information does ScrapBid get from the DVLA?
We use the DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service to auto-fill your vehicle's make, model, year of manufacture, colour, engine size, fuel type, MOT status, and CO2 emissions. We do not access registered keeper details — the DVLA does not provide those through this API for data protection reasons.
What happens to my car after it's collected?
The winning dealer transports your vehicle to their ATF facility. The vehicle is depolluted (hazardous fluids and batteries removed), then crushed and recycled. A Certificate of Destruction is issued and the DVLA is notified that the vehicle has been destroyed.