What Is A Certificate Of Destruction?
A Certificate of Destruction, otherwise known as a COD is proof that your car has been scrapped using our service, or by another registered Automotive Treatment Facility (ATF). When we scrap your car, we always produce a Certificate of Destruction which is electronically submitted to DVLA. This informs DVLA that the car has been legally destroyed. If you require a copy of this Certificate for your peace of mind, we are always happy to supply you with this upon your request and at no cost. Please note, this can take up to 2 weeks after we’ve collected your car, or you’ve dropped it off at one of our sites.
Please remember that whenever you transfer ownership of your car, it is your legal responsibility to notify DVLA immediately. You do this by sending DVLA the completed Section 9 (the yellow section) of the V5C (log book/registration document) completed with the name and address of the Authorised Treatment Facility you have used. Alternatively, you can notify DVLA online by visiting their website. Click here for a link to notify the DVLA that you’ve sold your car for scrap.
If you notify the DVLA of change of ownership online this is completed instantly. If you are notifying the DVLA by post this typically takes between 5-7 days.
The Importance Of A Certificate Of Destruction
A Certificate of Destruction is important for many reasons but primarily it absolves you of any responsibility of the car or van, passing responsibility onto us (the new owner). The COD proves that your old car is officially declared as off the road, is no longer registered to you and has been processed in a legal manner.
I Haven’t Received My Certificate Of Destruction
You won’t always receive a Certificate Of Destruction when you scrap your car using our service, or that of another ATF. As previously mentioned, we produce and submit the COD to the DVLA informing them that your car has been sold for scrap. However, that said, we are more than happy to supply you a copy free of charge to keep for your own records.
If you have requested a Certificate of Destruction when using another ATF’s scrap car service and not received it this can prove problematic.
If your car isn’t legally registered as off the road you can still be charged for road tax, even long after your car has been cubed. Worst of all the DVLA comes down hard on those who cannot prove they’re no longer the owner of the vehicle, with fines and legal action as a result. Moreover, you may unknowingly be the owner of a car involved in criminal activities, or that is unsafe to be on the road. Guess who the burden of responsibility lies with? Yes, it’s you!
Certificate Of Destruction Tricks
Unfortunately, there are some rogue scrap dealers who exist within our industry so it’s important to have your wits about you.
Every registered ATF is required to provide you a copy of the Certificate of Destruction if you request it - please allow up to 2 weeks when using our scrap car service. If you are scrapping your car and the scrap car dealer is unable to fulfil this, or uses imitation wording e.g. ‘Certificates of Collection’ or ‘Documents of Destruction’ don’t get caught out! If you’re unsure check the list of registered ATFs for peace of mind that you’re dealing with a trusted vehicle recycler.
Scrap Your Car With Us
With over 90 years’ experience collecting scrap cars, you’re in good hands when you choose us! Our scrap car collection service is fast, friendly and efficient from start to finish. Don’t just take our word for it, check out the reviews button below and see what hundreds of happy customers have to say about us.
To get an instant free online price for your scrap car or van simply click the ‘get quote now’ button below and enter your vehicle registration and postcode to get started.
