Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction and Acceptance

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of services provided by Scrap Car SW18 Wandsworth & Earlsfield, operated by 1st Auto Clear Ltd (Company No. 12345678), a registered Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) licensed by the Environment Agency.

By requesting a quote, booking a collection, or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

Registered Address: 1st Auto Clear Ltd, Unit 5, Stephenson Road, London SE16 4SB

2. Definitions

"Service" or "Services":

Vehicle scrap and recycling services, including collection, valuation, payment, DVLA notification, and Certificate of Destruction issuance.

"Vehicle":

The motor vehicle you wish to scrap, identified by its Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM).

"Customer" or "You":

The person or entity requesting our services and the registered keeper or legal owner of the Vehicle.

"Collection":

The physical removal of the Vehicle from your specified address.

"Quote":

The valuation offered for your Vehicle, valid for the period stated.

"Certificate of Destruction (CoD)":

Official documentation confirming that your Vehicle has been legally scrapped.

3. Service Description

3.1 Our Services Include

• Free instant quote based on vehicle information provided
• Free vehicle collection from your specified address within our service area
• Instant bank transfer payment upon collection (or cash payment if agreed)
• DVLA notification of vehicle disposal (legal requirement)
• Issuance of Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
• Environmentally responsible vehicle recycling at an Authorised Treatment Facility

3.2 Service Area

Our services are available within specific geographic areas as indicated on our website. Collection may not be available for locations outside our service area. We will confirm service availability when you provide your postcode.

4. Eligibility and Requirements

4.1 Legal Ownership

You must be the registered keeper of the Vehicle or have legal authority to dispose of it. You confirm that:

• You are at least 18 years old
• You are the registered keeper as shown on the V5C (logbook)
• The Vehicle is free from finance, loans, or other legal encumbrances
• You have the right to transfer ownership and scrap the Vehicle
• All information provided about the Vehicle is accurate and complete

4.2 Required Documentation

You must provide the following at the time of collection:

• V5C (logbook): Original vehicle registration document (preferred)
• OR V5C/4 (green slip): If V5C is lost, you must apply for a duplicate
• Photo ID: Valid government-issued ID (driving license, passport)
• Proof of address: Recent utility bill or bank statement (within 3 months)

4.3 Vehicle Condition

You must accurately describe the Vehicle's condition when requesting a quote. This includes disclosing:

• Whether the Vehicle starts and drives
• Any major damage, rust, or missing parts
• Whether the Vehicle is complete (all wheels, doors, engine present)
• Any environmental hazards (oil leaks, battery damage)

5. Quote and Pricing

5.1 Quote Validity

All quotes are valid for 7 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated. Quotes are based on the information you provide and are subject to physical inspection upon collection.

5.2 Quote Adjustment

We reserve the right to adjust the quoted price if:

• The Vehicle's condition differs significantly from the description provided
• Parts or components are missing that were not disclosed
• The Vehicle cannot be safely loaded or transported
• Required documentation is not provided or is invalid

If the adjusted quote is not acceptable, you may cancel the collection without penalty. The driver will not remove the Vehicle without your agreement to the revised price.

5.3 No Hidden Fees

We do not charge for:

• Vehicle collection (always free)
• DVLA notification
• Certificate of Destruction issuance
• Administration or processing fees

The quote you receive is the amount you will be paid, with no deductions.

6. Booking and Scheduling

6.1 Booking Process

To book a collection:

1. Request a quote by providing your VRM and postcode
2. Review and accept the quote if satisfactory
3. Select a convenient collection date and time slot
4. Provide contact details and bank account information (for payment)
5. Confirm the booking

6.2 Collection Slots

We offer the following collection time slots:

• Morning: 09:00 - 11:00
• Midday: 11:00 - 13:00
• Afternoon: 13:00 - 15:00
• Late Afternoon: 15:00 - 17:00
• Evening: 17:00 - 19:00 (subject to availability)

Collection times are approximate and may vary due to traffic or operational factors. We will notify you if significant delays occur.

6.3 Same-Day Collection

Same-day collection may be available for certain postcodes (subject to availability). Contact us to confirm.

6.4 Cancellation and Rescheduling

You may cancel or reschedule your collection:

• Free cancellation: Up to 24 hours before scheduled collection
• Rescheduling: Free if done at least 24 hours in advance
• Late cancellation: Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may incur a £50 callout fee if the driver has already departed
• No-show: If you are not available at the scheduled time and did not notify us, a £75 missed collection fee may apply

To cancel or reschedule, contact us immediately at 020 3950 2909 or email info@scrapcar.london.

7. Payment Terms

7.1 Payment Methods

We offer two payment options:

• Instant bank transfer (preferred): Payment sent immediately upon collection via Faster Payments (usually within 2 hours)
• Cash on collection: Driver pays in cash at time of collection (subject to availability and prior arrangement)

7.2 Bank Details

For bank transfer payment, you must provide:

• Account holder name (must match registered keeper or authorized person)
• Sort code (6 digits)
• Account number (8 digits)

Bank details are encrypted and securely stored in compliance with GDPR. We never share your financial information with third parties except as required for payment processing.

7.3 Payment Timing

• Bank transfer: Sent within 2 hours of collection completion (usually immediate)
• Cash: Paid at time of collection upon completion of paperwork

7.4 Payment Issues

If you do not receive payment within the stated timeframe:

• Check your bank account for pending transactions
• Verify that the bank details provided were correct
• Contact us immediately at 020 3950 2909

We are not liable for delays caused by your bank or incorrect bank details provided by you.

8. Collection Process

8.1 Before Collection

Before the driver arrives, you must:

• Remove all personal belongings from the Vehicle
• Remove tax disc holder, private number plates (if retaining), and any valuable accessories
• Ensure the Vehicle is accessible for loading
• Have all required documentation ready (V5C, ID, proof of address)
• Cancel any active insurance policies

Important: We are not responsible for personal items left in the Vehicle. Any items left will be disposed of with the Vehicle.

8.2 At Collection

The driver will:

1. Inspect the Vehicle to verify condition matches the description
2. Check your identification and Vehicle documentation
3. Confirm payment details
4. Provide you with a receipt and collection confirmation
5. Safely load the Vehicle onto the transport
6. Initiate payment (if bank transfer)

8.3 Access Requirements

You must ensure the Vehicle is:

• On public road or driveway with clear access
• Not blocked by other vehicles, gates, or obstacles
• On firm ground suitable for tow truck or recovery vehicle
• Within legal distance from public highway

If the Vehicle is not accessible, additional charges or rescheduling may apply.

8.4 Failed Collections

Collection may be refused if:

• Required documentation is not provided
• Vehicle condition differs significantly from description
• You are not the registered keeper and cannot prove authorization
• Vehicle is subject to finance or legal dispute
• Vehicle contains hazardous materials or excessive fluids
• Access is unsafe or not possible

In such cases, you may reschedule once issues are resolved, but a callout fee may apply.

9. DVLA Notification and Certificate of Destruction

9.1 Legal Requirements

Under UK law, when a vehicle is scrapped at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), the DVLA must be notified. We are legally required to:

• Notify the DVLA within 5 working days of collection
• Issue a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
• Maintain records for 7 years

9.2 Certificate of Destruction (CoD)

Your Certificate of Destruction will be:

• Issued within 5 working days of collection
• Sent electronically to your email address (PDF)
• Available for download from our customer portal
• Posted to you by mail (upon request)

The CoD confirms that:

• Your Vehicle has been legally scrapped at an ATF
• You are no longer responsible for the Vehicle
• The DVLA has been notified
• Your liability for the Vehicle ends (including tax, MOT, insurance)

9.3 Your Responsibilities

After collection, you should:

• Retain the CoD for your records
• Cancel your insurance policy (if not already done)
• Inform the DVLA if you wish to retain the registration number (must be done before scrapping)

10. Environmental Compliance

10.1 Authorized Treatment Facility

We operate as a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) under Environment Agency regulations. All vehicles are:

• Depolluted to remove hazardous fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid)
• Dismantled to recover reusable parts and materials
• Recycled in compliance with UK End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Regulations
• Disposed of using environmentally responsible methods

10.2 Recycling Targets

We meet or exceed UK targets for vehicle recycling:

• Minimum 95% of vehicle weight recycled or recovered
• Minimum 85% recycled as materials
• Hazardous materials safely disposed of according to regulations

11. Liability and Limitations

11.1 Our Liability

We are liable for:

• Damage to your property caused by our negligence during collection
• Failure to notify DVLA within the required timeframe
• Non-payment or delayed payment (where we are at fault)

11.2 Limitation of Liability

We are not liable for:

• Personal items left in the Vehicle
• Damage to the Vehicle during collection (the Vehicle is being scrapped)
• Consequential losses (e.g., loss of earnings, alternative transport costs)
• Delays caused by factors beyond our control (traffic, weather, vehicle breakdowns)
• Incorrect information provided by you (VRM, condition, ownership)

11.3 Maximum Liability

Our total liability to you for any claim arising from our services shall not exceed the value of the quote provided for your Vehicle.

11.4 Insurance

We maintain comprehensive business insurance including:

• Public Liability Insurance (£5,000,000)
• Professional Indemnity Insurance
• Motor Trade Insurance for all collection vehicles
• Environmental Liability Insurance

12. Warranties and Representations

12.1 Your Warranties

By using our services, you warrant that:

• You are the legal owner or registered keeper of the Vehicle
• The Vehicle is free from finance, loans, or legal disputes
• All information provided is accurate and complete
• You have the right to scrap the Vehicle
• The Vehicle does not contain illegal materials or contraband

12.2 Our Warranties

We warrant that:

• We are licensed as an Authorised Treatment Facility
• We will notify the DVLA as required by law
• We will issue a valid Certificate of Destruction
• We will process payment as agreed
• Services will be performed with reasonable care and skill

13. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

13.1 How to Complain

If you are unhappy with our service, please contact us immediately:

• Phone: 020 3950 2909
• Email: complaints@scrapcar.london
• Mail: Complaints Department, 1st Auto Clear Ltd, Unit 5, Stephenson Road, London SE16 4SB

13.2 Complaints Process

1. We will acknowledge your complaint within 2 working days
2. We will investigate thoroughly and provide a response within 14 working days
3. If you are not satisfied, you may escalate to our senior management
4. If still unresolved, you may refer the matter to an alternative dispute resolution service

For more information, see our Complaints Procedure.

13.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

14. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in legislation or regulations
• Improvements to our services
• Changes in business practices

Updated Terms will be posted on our website with a new "Last updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between you and us.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

15.3 Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or our right to enforce it in the future.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights to a successor or affiliate.

15.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, strikes, government actions, or pandemics.

16. Contact Information