Scrapped car check
A scrapped car check reveals whether a vehicle has been scrapped, declared off the road, or permanently removed from use. This check helps buyers identify vehicles that should not be on the road or available for sale, protecting against legal and safety risks.
Why this matters
Scrapped vehicles have been permanently removed from use and should not be on the road or available for sale. Purchasing a scrapped vehicle is illegal, and you cannot legally register, insure, or drive it. Scrapped vehicles may have been written off, damaged beyond repair, or declared unsafe.
What can happen if you skip it
- You may purchase a vehicle that cannot be legally registered or insured
- You may face legal consequences for attempting to use a scrapped vehicle
- You may lose both the vehicle and your money
- The vehicle may be unsafe and should not be on the road
- You may be unable to sell the vehicle later
What to look for before buying
- Run a vehicle history check to identify if the vehicle has been scrapped
- Check the vehicle's registration status with the DVLA
- Verify the vehicle is not listed as scrapped or off the road
- Be cautious of vehicles offered at unusually low prices
- Verify the vehicle's MOT and tax status
- Report any scrapped vehicle being offered for sale to the authorities
How a vehicle history check helps
A vehicle history check provides official records from DVLA databases, showing whether a vehicle has been scrapped, declared off the road, or permanently removed from use. This helps buyers identify vehicles that should not be purchased, protecting against legal and safety risks. The check reveals the scrappage date and status, helping buyers understand why the vehicle was scrapped.
What a Carpeep vehicle history check can show
- Theft and recovery status, including whether the vehicle has been reported stolen
- Write-off category (Cat S, Cat N, Cat A, Cat B, Cat C, Cat D) and date of write-off
- Outstanding finance agreements, including provider name, agreement type, and start date
- Mileage inconsistencies and potential odometer rollbacks, automatically flagged
- Keeper changes and number of previous owners
- MOT history timeline, including all test dates, pass/fail results, advisories, and recorded mileage at each test
- Vehicle identity verification
Related guides
Learn more about scrapped vehicles: What does scrapped vehicle mean?
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a scrapped vehicle?
No. You should not purchase a scrapped vehicle. Scrapped vehicles have been permanently removed from use and cannot be legally registered, insured, or driven. Purchasing a scrapped vehicle is illegal, and you may face legal consequences.
How can I check if a car has been scrapped?
You can check if a car has been scrapped by running a vehicle history check using the vehicle's registration number. The check will show if the vehicle has been scrapped, the scrappage date, and status. This information comes from official DVLA records.
What happens if I buy a scrapped vehicle?
If you buy a scrapped vehicle, you cannot legally register, insure, or drive it. You may face legal consequences for attempting to use a scrapped vehicle, and you may lose both the vehicle and your money. The vehicle should not be on the road.
Why would a vehicle be scrapped?
A vehicle may be scrapped for various reasons, including being written off as beyond repair, being declared unsafe, being permanently removed from use, or being part of a scrappage scheme. Once scrapped, the vehicle should not be returned to the road.
Can a scrapped vehicle be restored?
Generally, no. Once a vehicle has been scrapped, it has been permanently removed from use and should not be returned to the road. Attempting to restore and use a scrapped vehicle is illegal and may result in legal consequences.
What should I do if I see a scrapped vehicle for sale?
If you encounter a scrapped vehicle being offered for sale, do not purchase it. Report the incident to Trading Standards and the DVLA. Provide them with the vehicle's registration number and details of where and from whom it is being sold.