The world of car scrapping is full of industry-specific terms and phrases that can be tough to get your head around. That is why we’ve decided to put together a quick and easy scrap car glossary with 10 key terms you should know to avoid any misunderstandings when scrapping your car. Let’s dive in!
1. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
A vehicle identification number, sometimes called a chassis number, is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code used to identify vehicles. Your car’s VIN is assigned to it at the time of production and this code is then used for registration, insurance and tracking vehicle history.
2. Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
A Certificate of Destruction is a document issued by the DVLA to an Authorised Treatment Facility, confirming a vehicle has been legally scrapped. This document proves that the car is no longer registered to the previous owner.
3. Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF)
An Authorised Treatment Facility is a licensed scrapyard that is responsible for dismantling, recycling, and disposing of vehicles in a way that meets environmental and safety standards – like us at A&L!
4. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
The DVLA is the UK government agency responsible for registering and licensing drivers and vehicles.
5. Depollution
Depollution, sometimes referred to as decontamination, is the process of removing pollutants and harmful substances from a specific area or environment. This is done to ensure sustainability as well as human and environmental health and safety.
6. Scrap Value
Scrap value is the estimated price you can get for a vehicle that is no-longer road worthy and is being scrapped . This value is typically based on the weight of the materials the current scrap metal market value.
7. End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV)
An end-of-life vehicle is a motor vehicle that is intended to be discarded and classified a waste, usually due to age or damage.
8. Car Depreciation
Car depreciation refers to the difference between the price you pay when you buy your car, and its current market value.
9. Write-off
A write-off refers to when a car is ‘written off’ by an insurance company as a total loss. This happens when the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds its current market value or the damage is so extensive that the car is no longer safe to drive. In these cases, instead of repairing the vehicle, the insurance company will pay out the vehicle’s value.
10. Vehicle Log Book (V5C)
A V5C or vehicle log book is an official document issued by the DVLA that proves a vehicle is registered. Its primary purpose is to serve as a registration certificate and provide the details of the vehicle and its registered keeper.
If you have any questions about any of these terms, please don’t hesitate to contact us and a member of our team will be happy to help.
If you’re curious to know how much you can get for your old car, use our free no-obligation quote generator by clicking the button below.
Get a FREE Quote
