Certificate of Destruction
Everything you need to know about CODs - and why you might not need one.
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What is a Certificate of Destruction?
A Certificate of Destruction (COD) is an official document that confirms a vehicle has been legally destroyed at a licensed Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).
When issued, the ATF electronically notifies the DVLA that the vehicle no longer exists, permanently removing it from the road and cancelling its registration.
When You Need a COD
- • Cat A write-offs (must be crushed entirely)
- • Cat B write-offs (shell must be crushed)
- • Truly end-of-life vehicles
- • Insurance claims requiring proof of destruction
- • When a vehicle is beyond any salvage
When You Don't Need a COD
- • Car sold for parts value (not destroyed)
- • Repairable vehicles (Cat S, Cat N)
- • Vehicles being refurbished
- • Private sales or trade-ins
- • Most 2014+ vehicles we buy
You Might Get More Without a COD
If your car is from 2014 onwards and has salvageable parts, you'll likely get significantly more money selling it for parts value rather than scrapping it for a Certificate of Destruction.
Example: A 2018 Ford Focus might get £300 scrap value (with COD), but £1,500-£3,500 for parts value (no COD needed, standard sale).
How the COD Process Works
Vehicle Collected
The vehicle is collected and taken to a licensed ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility)
Depollution
Hazardous materials (oil, fuel, coolant, batteries) are safely removed and disposed of
Parts Removed
Any usable parts may be removed for recycling or resale before destruction
Vehicle Destroyed
The remaining shell is crushed and the metal is recycled
COD Issued
The ATF issues the Certificate of Destruction and notifies the DVLA electronically