My car was an insurance write-off. How does scrapping it work?

An insurance write-off is not automatically yours to send to a separate scrap collector. The insurer decides whether the vehicle is a total loss and, after settlement, will usually control the salvage and arrange disposal. Before booking Blackburn Scrap Yard, confirm the write-off category and get written confirmation of who owns the vehicle.

Understand the write-off category

GOV.UK lists four current categories. Category A vehicles cannot be repaired and the entire vehicle has to be crushed. Category B vehicles cannot return to the road; the body shell has to be crushed, although some parts may be salvaged. Category S vehicles have structural damage but can be repaired and used again if made roadworthy. Category N vehicles have non-structural damage and can also return to use after suitable repairs.

The category affects what can legally happen next, but it does not by itself tell you who owns the salvage. The insurer's settlement and correspondence should make that clear.

If the insurer keeps the salvage

Your insurer will usually arrange collection and scrapping. Follow its V5C and DVLA instructions rather than creating a second disposal booking. GOV.UK says to apply to retain a private registration before disposal if you want to keep it, send the V5C to the insurer while retaining the current yellow motor-trade section, and tell DVLA that the vehicle has been written off.

Do not hand the car to another collector while the insurer owns it or while recovery is already arranged. That can create competing instructions, payment disputes and an incorrect keeper or salvage record.

If you retain category S or N salvage

For category S or N, the insurer may allow you to keep the vehicle by selling the salvage back to you. Obtain that agreement in writing and check the V5C steps. GOV.UK says a retained category S vehicle requires a free duplicate V5C application using form V62, while the category is recorded on the replacement document.

If you later decide not to repair retained salvage, Blackburn Scrap Yard can assess it once you can prove disposal authority. Tell us the category, damage, missing parts, whether airbags have deployed, whether the vehicle rolls and steers and what access the recovery vehicle has.

Transfer and destruction records

Where we collect retained salvage, we complete the DVLA motor-trade transfer notification with the registered keeper's consent. The receiving ATF separately records destruction if the vehicle is completely scrapped. Category A and B treatment must follow the insurer and ATF route; never describe a repairable category S or N vehicle as already destroyed.

If you want to retain the registration number, read the private number plate guide before handover.

Check the current GOV.UK insurance write-off guidance.