What documents do I need to sell my damaged car?

You will normally need the vehicle registration certificate (logbook), your South African ID or passport, and proof of ownership. If the logbook is missing you can provide a sworn affidavit and Sell Your Damaged Car will guide you through replacement documentation.

My car still has a finance bond or outstanding loan - can you buy it?

Sell Your Damaged Car can purchase vehicles with outstanding finance, but the bond holder must be settled before ownership can transfer. We can obtain settlement figures and coordinate payment to the lender as part of the sale process.

How do you handle transfer of ownership and deregistration for non-running or written-off vehicles?

We prepare and submit the required transfer forms, collect the necessary signatures, and lodge paperwork with the relevant licensing authority (eNaTIS or municipal licensing office) to complete transfer and, where applicable, deregistration. You will receive written confirmation of the transfer and payment once the process is complete.

Are there tax or VAT obligations I should be aware of when selling my damaged car?

Private sellers are generally not required to charge VAT on a single private vehicle sale, but businesses or VAT-registered sellers must account for VAT. For income tax or capital gains considerations, consult a tax advisor for advice specific to your circumstances.

What happens if my car is part of an insurance claim or a police case?

If the vehicle is subject to an insurance claim or police investigation we will require written clearance from the insurer or police before transfer can proceed. Disclose any open claims or cases up-front so we can advise on the documents needed to lawfully complete the sale.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Car Sales in South Africa

Answers to frequently asked questions about selling scrap cars in South Africa: valuation, paperwork, vehicles under finance, free towing and how the process works.

Published:December 8, 2025

5 min read

What Is a Scrap Car?

A vehicle with damage or defects where salvage or parts value may exceed repair logic.

Paperwork & Deregistration

Buyers should help with transfer, deregistration and provide payment receipts.

Maximise Your Offer

Provide clear photos, VIN, service records and honest damage descriptions.

Overview: common questions about scrap car sales

Frequently asked questions about scrap car sales cover what a scrap car is, how offers are calculated, and what you must do to transfer ownership. Whether your vehicle is accident-damaged, non-running, flood-affected or written off, understanding the basics helps you decide if selling for scrap or salvage is the right choice. This FAQ uses South African examples and currency (R) and explains how Sell Your Damaged Car makes selling simpler with free towing, paperwork assistance and nationwide collection.

When should I sell a scrap car instead of repairing it?

If estimated repair costs exceed a significant portion of the vehicle's market value, or the car is declared an insurer write-off, selling as scrap is often faster and lower risk. Consider time, storage costs and whether replacement parts are hard to source. For help assessing options, see our company process on the About / How it works page.

How do buyers value a scrap car?

Buyers typically consider the vehicle's make, model, year, salvageable parts, the extent of damage, and prevailing demand in the local salvage market. Location affects logistics costs; nationwide services that offer free towing reduce the seller's expense. Offers are transparent and based on the vehicle data and photos you provide.

Repair cost vs value retained

Typical repair estimate (R)	Approx. value retained after repair	When selling scrap may be better
R10,000	+R8,000 (depends on demand)	If repair cost >40% of pre-damage value
R40,000	+R20,000 (model dependent)	When vehicle is written off or parts scarce

Damage types and typical offer impact

Damage type	Typical impact on offers
Structural/frame damage	Significantly reduces offers; some buyers will only salvage parts
Minor cosmetic damage	Smaller impact; higher offers if mechanicals intact
Flood or fire damage	Often large negative impact; parts market dictates value

Practical note: providing clear photos of the engine bay, VIN, interior and all damaged areas speeds up valuation. For details on selling damaged cars, review our page on Sell Damaged Cars.

How the scrap car sale process works (step-by-step)

A standard, reputable process reduces delays and risk. Typical steps are: submit vehicle details and photos, receive an obligation-free offer, accept or decline, and arrange collection. Services that handle paperwork and provide free towing across South Africa simplify the sale for owners in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and surrounding regions.

What information buyers usually need

Make, model, year and current mileage
Description of damage and photos
VIN/chassis number and proof of ownership

If you have questions about non-running cars, our dedicated explanation on selling non-running vehicles gives extra context: Sell Non-Running Car.

Legal & paperwork in South Africa

Common legal questions include how to transfer ownership, deregister a vehicle, and what to do if the car is under finance. In South Africa, you must provide a completed change-of-ownership or written sale agreement and notify the relevant registering authority. Reputable buyers will assist with deregistration and provide documentation proving payment and collection.

Vehicles under finance or with outstanding loans

If your vehicle has outstanding finance, inform the buyer early. Many buyers can coordinate settlement with the lender as part of the sale, but procedures vary. Always get written confirmation showing the lender has been paid and the debt settled before finalising the transaction.

Tips to maximise your scrap car offer

Supply clear, recent photos (interior, engine, VIN and damage areas).
Provide service records and spare keys if available; these can increase offers.
Be honest about damage and missing parts to avoid offer withdrawal later.

What happens after collection?

After the vehicle is collected, the buyer typically completes the paperwork (including transfer or deregistration) and reconciles payment. Expect a written receipt and confirmation of payment. For services that manage the entire process and aim to release near-instant payment upon verification, see the main site for process details: Sell Your Damaged Car homepage.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Accepting an offer without written terms - insist on clear paperwork and payment proof.
Failing to provide VIN or ownership documents - this delays deregistration.
Not checking buyer credentials - verify reviews and company details.

Example scenario: A Cape Town owner with a mechanically written-off hatchback provides photos and service history, accepts a competitive cash offer, schedules free towing, and receives payment after collection and paperwork completion. This avoids storage costs and repair uncertainty.

What else should I know about the salvage market in SA?

Salvage demand varies by region and vehicle type; parts for popular models often fetch higher prices. Nationwide services remove regional friction by offering free collection and centralised valuation. Offers depend on condition, market demand and transport costs.

Sources

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