Do you have an old car you want to get rid of in Spain?
We constantly hear about people who say they took their car to a garage to have it scrapped, but still find themselves being charged road tax. To the owner’s despair, it turns out that the car has not been scrapped. Or that they have sold the car cheaply to a neighbour and continue to receive road tax bills, or even worse – receive fines. It turns out that the buyer has not registered the car in their name.
Scrapping – documentation
Spain has a good system of approved scrap dealers (CATV – Centros Autorizados de Tratamientos de Vehículos), who take care of scrapping and deregistration.
If the car is not in running condition, they will pick it up with a tow truck.
You must be in possession of the car’s original documents, as well as a copy of your NIE and passport.
The paperwork for deregistration is signed on site, or electronically if they collect the car from you.
Important documents
The authorised centre must provide you with proof that the car has been scrapped and deregistered. With these documents, you can prove that you no longer own or are responsible for the car.
The municipality will not charge you road tax the following year, but if an error occurs, you can present the proof from the authorised scrap dealer. The same applies if the insurance company tries to charge you the premium after your car has been scrapped.
In some cases, the scrap dealer may pay you for the wreck.
The insurance
Don’t forget to cancel your insurance.
Insurance companies do not usually refund anything for the period during which you do not need insurance if you scrap your car. However, if you insure a new car with the same company, they may compensate you for the amount you are owed.
Contact us if you have an old car you want to scrap – we can help you.
