Do you need insurance to drive a car to a scrap yard?

Why Insurance Is Still Required

Even if you’re only taking the car on a short final journey, the same laws apply as they would for any other drive. UK law requires all vehicles on public roads to have valid insurance. It doesn’t matter that the car is heading for the scrap heap - if you’re behind the wheel and using public roads, you must be covered.

If the vehicle is uninsured and you get stopped by the authorities, you could face a fine, penalty points, or even have the car seized before it ever makes it to the scrap yard. That’s hardly an ideal way to round off the car’s final chapter.

What If the Car Isn’t Roadworthy?

Here’s where things get tricky. If the car is no longer roadworthy - maybe it’s got no MOT, faulty brakes, or it just won’t start reliably - it’s not legal to drive it on public roads, even with insurance. In this case, your best bet is to arrange an alternative way to transport it.

Alternatives to Driving It Yourself

If your car isn’t insured or roadworthy, or if you simply don’t want to risk driving it, there are other ways to get it to the scrap yard safely and legally.

1. Have the Scrap Yard Collect It

Many scrap yards and authorised treatment facilities (ATFs) offer a collection service. They might pick up the vehicle for free, or there could be a small charge depending on its condition and location. This is often the simplest and safest option, especially for non-runners.

2. Use a Vehicle Recovery Service

If your chosen scrap yard doesn’t offer collection, you could arrange for a breakdown recovery or vehicle transport company to take it for you. This might involve a cost, but it saves the hassle of trying to drive an unroadworthy car.

3. Hire a Trailer or Tow It

If you have access to a car trailer or know someone with a suitable tow vehicle, you could transport the car yourself. However, if you’re towing, be aware of the legal requirements, including the need for an appropriate towing vehicle and knowledge of safe towing practices.

What About SORN Vehicles?

If your car has been declared off the road (SORN), it cannot be driven on public roads at all - not even to a scrap yard. The only way to legally move a SORN vehicle is by towing or arranging for collection. If you drive a SORN car on public roads, you could face fines or even prosecution.

Do You Need Road Tax to Drive to the Scrap Yard?

Yes, road tax is required if you’re driving the car yourself. Road tax doesn’t transfer with ownership, so if you recently bought the car to scrap it, you’ll need to tax it before taking it onto public roads. However, if you’ve declared the car SORN, you cannot legally drive it and must arrange for collection instead.

Can You Get Temporary Insurance Just to Drive It to the Scrap Yard?

If your car is roadworthy but uninsured, you might be able to take out temporary insurance to cover the short trip to the scrap yard. This could be a viable option if the car is still drivable and you prefer to handle the process yourself.

However, some policies might have restrictions, such as requiring a valid MOT. If your car has already failed its MOT or has a known mechanical fault that makes it unsafe to drive, insurance alone won’t make it legal to take it on the road.

Final Steps Before Scrapping

Before waving goodbye to your car, there are a few important things to do:

• Remove personal belongings: You’d be surprised what people leave behind - sat navs, CDs, sunglasses, and even house keys!
• Sort out the paperwork: Make sure you notify the DVLA that the car is being scrapped so you’re no longer responsible for it.
• Keep any valuable parts: If your car has a new battery, aftermarket wheels, or other valuable parts, you might want to remove and sell them separately.

The Takeaway Message:

If you’re driving your car to a scrap yard, make sure it’s still insured, taxed, and roadworthy. If not, look into collection services or other legal transport options. Sorting out the details in advance could help you avoid fines, penalties, or unexpected issues on the way to the car’s final destination.

Need insurance for a short trip to the scrap yard? Click below to find out more and, provided that it is still taxed and roadworthy with a current MOT, get a quote.