My car was an insurance write-off – how does scrapping it work?

If your car has been declared a total loss by your insurance company, scrapping it is usually the next step. Whether the write-off is a Category A, B, S or N, understanding how scrapping works and who handles what is essential to staying legally compliant. In most cases, your insurer arranges the scrapping, but you still have responsibilities like removing private plates and notifying the DVLA. At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we often help customers navigate post-write-off scrapping, especially for S and N vehicles returned to the owner.

What Happens When a Car Is Written Off?

A car is written off when it’s been damaged beyond repair or is no longer economical to fix. The insurer will assess the damage and declare the car one of four write-off categories:

Category A: Vehicle must be crushed — no parts salvaged.

Category B: Must be scrapped — some parts may be salvaged, but chassis must be destroyed.

Category S: Structural damage — repairable but insurer chooses to write off.

Category N: Non-structural damage — often minor, repairable write-off.

Categories A and B must be scrapped and can never go back on the road. If your car falls into one of these categories, the insurer will usually arrange scrapping through a salvage partner. If it's Category S or N, you may be allowed to keep the car and either repair or scrap it yourself.

If the Insurer Scraps the Vehicle

For Category A or B vehicles, your insurer will take full control of the scrapping process. They will usually pay you the market value of the car and then send it to a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). You’ll need to send the V5C logbook to the insurer — but retain the yellow section (V5C/3) to inform DVLA that you’ve transferred ownership. In many cases, the insurer will notify DVLA on your behalf, but it’s always wise to confirm. You should also remove your private registration plate beforehand if you want to keep it.

Insurers handle the disposal for Category A or B write-offs.

You’ll receive a pay-out and send the logbook to the insurer.

Keep the yellow slip (V5C/3) and notify DVLA yourself as backup.

Remove your private plate before scrapping.

If You’re Keeping the Car (Category S or N)

In some cases, the insurer may return the vehicle to you after declaring it a write-off — this is common for S and N categories. If you choose not to repair the vehicle, you may opt to scrap it yourself. In this scenario, you’re responsible for arranging collection through a licensed ATF, and for making sure DVLA is notified. You’ll treat this like a standard scrap process — with the additional step of ensuring the vehicle’s write-off status is fully documented with DVLA.

You can choose to keep and scrap the car yourself if it's Category S or N.

Use a licensed ATF to dismantle and remove the vehicle.

Send the V5C slip to DVLA and retain a Certificate of Destruction.

Make sure the DVLA knows the car was written off and scrapped.

Step-by-Step: Scrapping After a Write-Off

Step 1: Insurer assesses damage and declares write-off category.

Step 2: If Category A/B – they scrap it. If S/N – you choose.

Step 3: Apply to retain your number plate if needed.

Step 4: Send V5C to insurer or DVLA depending on who scraps the car.

Step 5: Ensure you (or insurer) inform DVLA. Keep confirmation letters.

What You Get After the Scrap

Whether the car is scrapped by you or the insurer, a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) should be issued once it’s dismantled at an ATF. This document proves the car has been destroyed and the registration has been closed. The DVLA should also send a letter confirming you're no longer the legal keeper. Keep both documents in your records. They serve as legal proof in case of future disputes or DVLA queries.

How We Help with Write-Off Scrapping

At blackburnscrapyard.co.uk, we often help customers with write-off vehicles, especially those returned after a Category S or N claim. We collect directly from your home, ensure DVLA is notified, and issue the proper paperwork — all through licensed ATFs. If you have questions about what category your car falls under, or how to proceed post-claim, our team can guide you through it clearly and quickly.

We help customers scrap returned write-offs (Category S/N).

We’ll guide you through plate retention if needed.

DVLA updates and CoDs are handled via our licensed partners.

Support available even if your insurer already closed the case.

Contact us if your car has been written off and you want to scrap it the right way — no confusion, no risks.

Useful Resources

Need help with an insurance write-off? Speak to our team and we’ll make sure your vehicle is scrapped legally and efficiently — with all paperwork handled properly.

Legal Context

Category A or B write-offs cannot return to the road; Category S or N can, but if the owner opts not to repair, they might scrap. DVLA notification of write-off is required (insurer usually does it). You risk a fine if not notified.

Why This Matters

People sometimes forget to keep their number plate or don’t realise they should inform DVLA – relying on insurer. Double notifying is better than not at all. If you keep a repairable write-off (S/N) and then scrap it, you must follow the standard scrapping steps yourself.

Quick Step-by-Step Summary

  • Insurer assesses damage
  • Declares write-off (A/B = scrap only)
  • Pay-out to you
  • Apply to keep plate (if wanted)
  • Send V5C to insurer (retain yellow slip)
  • Insurer/agent takes car to ATF
  • Notify DVLA (insurer may do online; you can do as backup)
  • Receive CoD/ DVLA letter.

Sources & References

  • DVLA write-off categories info
  • insurer FAQs
  • GOV.UK scrapped vehicle guide

Helpful External Links

  • GOV.UK – Insurance write-offs process
  • ABI guidelines on salvage categories