Scrap Yard Prices for Written-Off Cars in South Africa - What to Expect

Overview: Scrap Yard Offers for Written-Off Cars

When your car is declared a write-off after an accident or severe damage, selling it to a scrap yard is a common route for South African owners. Scrap yards and salvage buyers assess these vehicles for parting out, recycling, or potential resale as salvage. This guide breaks down how pricing works, which factors matter most, and how services like Sell Your Damaged Car compare to traditional scrapyards.

How Scrap Yard Pricing Works

Scrap yards usually offer prices based on the weight of reusable metals and, in some cases, the potential value of working components. For written-off cars, especially late models or those with salvageable parts, the offer may be higher than pure scrap value. However, pricing is still typically well below book value.

Figures are approximate and depend on market demand for metals and parts. (Estimates as of 2024.)

Key Factors That Influence Scrap Yard Prices

• Extent/nature of the damage (major accident, fire, flood, theft recovery, etc.)
• Age and make of the car (newer or sought-after models fetch more)
• Current demand for specific parts or metals (copper, aluminium, catalytic converters)
• Presence and condition of reusable items (engine, gearbox, wheels, electronics)
• Logistics and whether the car can be collected easily

Written-off cars that have valuable undamaged components often yield significantly higher prices than those that are stripped, burnt out, or badly rusted. Scrap yards will also deduct from their offer if towing or removal is needed.

Typical Damage Types and Offer Impacts

Comparing Scrap Yards and Specialist Damaged Car Buyers

It's important to weigh up your options. While scrap yards often offer cash on the spot for written-off vehicles, the process can be less transparent, and you'll likely need to handle towing and paperwork yourself. Specialist services like Sell Your Damaged Car provide online quotes, free nationwide towing, paperwork (including deregistration), and fast payment directly to your account.

• No towing or logistic costs - collection is free, wherever you are in South Africa.
• Offers provided upfront and based on real salvage demand.
• Experienced handling of the deregistration process and vehicles under finance.

South African Legal & Administrative Considerations

• Deregistration: When a car is written-off, you must inform the licensing authority and deregister it as "demolished" or "permanently unfit." Professional buyers handle this for you.
• NATIS & Proof of Ownership: Always keep documentation ready - without it, both scrap yards and licensed buyers may be unable to complete the transaction legally.
• Outstanding Finance: Vehicles still under finance must be settled with your bank before sale. Services like Sell Your Damaged Car can assist with these processes when needed.

How to Maximise Your Offer

• Supply clear, detailed images of all car angles and any undamaged parts.
• Gather all keys, documentation and service records for verification.
• Be transparent about accident history and any recently replaced components.
• Request an itemised breakdown if you get a quote from a scrapyard or salvage buyer.

After Your Car is Collected

When selling to a traditional scrap yard, they may immediately strip, crush, or recycle the vehicle. With specialist buyers, after deregistration and payment, vehicles are assessed for parts removal, salvage resale or responsible disposal in accordance with South African law.

Further Resources

• Sell Damaged Cars - Full Process Guide
• About Us - How it Works (Sell Your Damaged Car)
• Deregistering Your Vehicle in SA (Gov.za)

Sources

• South African government: Deregistration process for demolished vehicles
• Sell Your Damaged Car - Guide to Selling Damaged Cars
• Insurance Gateway: What is a written-off vehicle?
• AutoTrader South Africa: Buying and selling written-off vehicles
• SARS: Ad valorem excise on scrap metal