All You Need to Know About Having Your Car Scrapped in Melbourne
24 January 2020
Having a car scrapped in Melbourne means disposing of a vehicle that is no longer practical or economical to keep. This may include an old, damaged, accident-damaged, non-running or unwanted car.
Instead of leaving the vehicle unused on your property, you can arrange for a car removal service to collect it and send it for recycling or dismantling. Usable components may be recovered, while recyclable materials such as steel and other metals can be processed for reuse.
For many Melbourne car owners, scrapping a vehicle can be a practical option when the cost of repairs, registration or ongoing maintenance is greater than the vehicle’s value.
When Should You Scrap Your Car in Melbourne?
Scrapping may be worth considering when:
- Your car is no longer economical to repair.
- The vehicle has been badly damaged in an accident.
- The car is no longer running.
- Repair costs are higher than the vehicle’s potential value.
- The vehicle has been sitting unused for an extended period.
- You have an unwanted car taking up space.
- The vehicle is old and difficult to maintain.
- You want to recycle the vehicle instead of continuing to store it.
Before deciding, compare the expected repair and ownership costs with the potential value of the vehicle as a whole, for parts or for scrap.
How Does Car Scrapping in Melbourne Work?
The process is generally straightforward:
1. Provide Your Vehicle Details
Give the car removal company basic information such as the make, model, year, condition and location of the vehicle. Photos can also help the buyer understand its condition before providing an estimate.
2. Receive a Quote
The vehicle is assessed based on factors such as its condition, model, age, weight, usable components and current market conditions. Ask whether the quoted amount includes vehicle removal and whether any additional charges apply.
3. Arrange Car Removal
Once you accept the offer, arrange a suitable collection time. If the vehicle is not driveable, a suitable towing or vehicle removal service can collect it from your property.
4. Prepare the Vehicle
Remove your personal belongings and any items you intend to keep before collection. Check the boot, glovebox, under the seats and other storage areas.
5. Complete the Required Registration Steps
In Victoria, VicRoads advises removing the number plates and cancelling the vehicle registration before disposing of the vehicle. Registration cancellation can be completed through a myVicRoads account, subject to the applicable requirements.
6. Hand Over the Vehicle
Once the vehicle is collected, keep relevant paperwork or transaction records for your records.
Can You Scrap a Non-Running Car in Melbourne?
Yes, a non-running car can generally be considered for scrap or vehicle removal. A car does not necessarily need to be mechanically operational to have value.
Its value can depend on factors such as:
- Vehicle weight
- Make and model
- Condition
- Reusable parts
- Metal content
- Demand for components
- Overall completeness of the vehicle
If the car cannot be driven, tell the removal company before arranging collection so they can send the appropriate equipment.
Can You Scrap a Damaged or Accident-Damaged Car?
Yes, damaged and accident-damaged vehicles may still have value for parts and recycling.
The extent of the damage, vehicle model, remaining components and condition can all affect the offer. Rather than spending money repairing a severely damaged vehicle, you can compare the repair cost with its potential scrap or salvage value.
If the vehicle has been written off, check the applicable Victorian registration and insurance requirements before disposal.
Do You Need a Roadworthy Certificate to Scrap a Car?
A roadworthy certificate is generally associated with registering or transferring eligible vehicles rather than simply disposing of an unwanted vehicle.
If your intention is to scrap the vehicle rather than sell it as a roadworthy registered vehicle, discuss the disposal process with the buyer and check the current VicRoads requirements for your specific circumstances.
What Documents Do You Need to Scrap a Car in Melbourne?
The documents and information required can depend on the vehicle and your circumstances.
Before arranging removal, have the following information available where applicable:
- Vehicle registration details
- Proof of ownership or identity
- Vehicle identification details
- Number plates
- Insurance or written-off vehicle documentation, if applicable
- Any relevant purchase, finance or disposal documents
If you are unsure about the registration requirements, check the latest information directly with VicRoads before cancelling or disposing of the vehicle.
How Much Is a Scrapped Car Worth in Melbourne?
There is no single price for every scrap car removal in Melbourne.
The amount offered can vary depending on:
- Make and model
- Vehicle size and weight
- Condition
- Age
- Completeness
- Reusable parts
- Metal value
- Current market conditions
- Location and removal requirements
For this reason, it is better to request a vehicle-specific quote rather than relying on a generic online price.
What Happens to a Car After It Is Scrapped?
A scrapped vehicle can go through several stages of recycling and dismantling.
Depending on the vehicle and facility, reusable components may be removed first. Materials such as steel, aluminium and other recyclable metals can then be separated and processed.
This helps recover useful materials from end-of-life vehicles instead of allowing them to remain unused or sending recyclable components unnecessarily to landfill.
How Can You Prepare Your Car for Scrapping?
Before the vehicle is collected:
- Remove all personal belongings.
- Check the glovebox and boot.
- Remove documents you need to keep.
- Take out personal accessories you want to retain.
- Have the vehicle’s registration details available.
- Confirm the pickup address.
- Tell the removal company if the vehicle is non-running or difficult to access.
- Confirm the agreed price and removal arrangements before collection.
Why Choose a Professional Car Removal Service?
Using a professional car removal service can make the disposal process easier, particularly when the vehicle is old, damaged or no longer driveable.
A suitable service can help with:
- Vehicle collection
- Towing or removal
- Vehicle assessment
- Recycling and dismantling
- Disposal arrangements
- Reducing the effort required to transport an unwanted car
Always confirm the services, payment arrangements and any applicable conditions before booking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Scrapping a Car in Melbourne
Avoid these common mistakes when disposing of an unwanted vehicle:
Accepting the First Quote Without Comparing
Different buyers may assess vehicles differently. Comparing quotes can help you understand the potential value of your car.
Forgetting Personal Belongings
Check every storage area before handing over the vehicle.
Not Confirming Removal Costs
Ask whether towing or collection is included in the quoted amount.
Ignoring Registration Requirements
Follow the current VicRoads process for cancelling registration and disposing of your vehicle.
Giving Incomplete Vehicle Information
Providing accurate details about the car’s condition can help the buyer give you a more realistic estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I scrap an old car in Melbourne?
Yes. An old vehicle may be suitable for scrapping if it is no longer economical to repair, maintain or keep registered. Its potential value depends on its condition, parts and recyclable materials.
Can I scrap a car that does not run?
Yes. Non-running vehicles can still have value for parts and recyclable materials. Tell the removal company that the vehicle is non-running when requesting a quote.
Can I scrap a damaged car in Melbourne?
Yes. Damaged and accident-damaged cars may still be suitable for vehicle recycling or dismantling. The vehicle’s condition and remaining components can affect its value.
Do I need to remove my number plates before scrapping my car?
For vehicle disposal in Victoria, VicRoads advises owners to remove the number plates and cancel the registration before disposing of the vehicle. Check the current VicRoads requirements for your circumstances.
How is the value of a scrap car calculated?
The value can depend on the vehicle’s make, model, age, weight, condition, reusable parts, metal content and current market conditions.
Can I get my car removed if it is stuck at home?
If the vehicle is accessible to a suitable removal vehicle, collection may be possible even when the car is not driveable. Provide accurate information about the vehicle’s location and condition when booking.
What happens to my car after it is collected?
Depending on its condition, the vehicle may be dismantled for reusable components and processed for recycling. Recoverable metals and other materials can be separated and sent for further processing.
Is scrapping a car better than repairing it?
It depends on the vehicle’s condition and repair costs. If major repairs are significantly higher than the vehicle’s potential value, getting a scrap or removal quote can help you compare your options.
Ready to Have Your Car Scrapped in Melbourne?
If your unwanted car is no longer worth repairing, getting a professional removal and recycling quote can be a practical next step.
Prestige Car Removal provides car removal services in Melbourne for unwanted, damaged and scrap vehicles. Contact the team with your vehicle details to discuss your options and arrange a quote.
Call Prestige Car Removal at 0423 017490 or complete the online quote form to get started.