How to Scrap a Car in British Columbia
Six steps, about 45 minutes of your time, and you get paid — typically same day. BC has its own rules around ICBC registration and Autoplan insurance. Here's exactly what to do, what documents you need, and how to get the best price.
The short version
- 1Get at least two quotes from licensed BC dismantlers.
- 2Find your Vehicle Registration Certificate (issued by ICBC).
- 3Remove your licence plates.
- 4Confirm towing is free and payment is at pickup.
- 5Sign over the registration when the tow truck arrives.
- 6Return plates to Autoplan broker and cancel your insurance.
Step-by-step guide
Get your estimate and gather quotes
15 minutesUse a scrap car calculator to get a baseline estimate based on your vehicle's weight, catalytic converter, and condition. Then contact at least two licensed BC scrap yards or dismantlers. BC metal prices are among the highest in Canada — the Port of Vancouver's access to Pacific export markets creates stronger demand for scrap steel, copper, and aluminum than you'd find in inland provinces.
Tell each yard whether the catalytic converter is OEM (original factory). OEM cats from trucks and SUVs are worth $150–$210 — yards that know you know this will adjust their offer accordingly.
Locate your Vehicle Registration Certificate
5 minutesIn BC, the document you need is the Vehicle Registration Certificate, issued by ICBC. This is the equivalent of Ontario's "ownership permit." You'll need to sign it over to the licensed dismantler at pickup. If you've lost your registration certificate, you can get a replacement from any Autoplan broker (there are over 900 locations in BC) or directly from an ICBC driver licensing office.
A replacement registration certificate from ICBC costs around $18. You do not need to go in person for every transaction — confirm availability at your nearest Autoplan broker before making the trip.
Remove your licence plates
2 minutesIn BC, licence plates belong to the vehicle owner, not the car. Remove your plates before the tow truck picks up the vehicle. Return the plates to any Autoplan broker — you'll receive a prorated refund on unused ICBC registration fees. If you're getting a new vehicle, you can transfer the plates to it instead.
Do not leave plates on the car. If the vehicle is moved with your plates attached and a violation occurs, you could be held responsible.
Cancel your ICBC Autoplan insurance
10 minutesBC vehicle insurance is handled through ICBC's Autoplan program. Contact your Autoplan broker to cancel your policy once pickup is confirmed and scheduled. You're entitled to a refund on the unused portion of your Autoplan premium. If you're replacing the scrapped vehicle, ask about transferring your coverage to the new car instead — this avoids a gap in your insurance history.
Cancel after pickup is confirmed, not before. You need valid insurance until the vehicle is transferred to the yard.
Confirm towing and payment before pickup day
5 minutesCall the yard the day before pickup to confirm: (1) the agreed price hasn't changed, (2) towing is included at no charge, and (3) how you'll be paid — cash or e-transfer, at pickup. Most licensed BC yards pay on the spot. Do not allow the car to be taken before you receive payment.
Ask directly: "Is the tow included in the price you quoted?" Some yards quote a number and then subtract $75–$150 for the tow driver. Confirm this before pickup day.
Complete the transfer paperwork at pickup
5 minutesWhen the tow truck arrives, you'll sign over the Vehicle Registration Certificate to the yard. The dismantler will have the required ICBC transfer documentation (APV9T form or equivalent). Keep a copy of any transfer documentation the yard provides — this is your proof that the vehicle was legally transferred and removes your liability for it.
Write "SOLD AS SCRAP" and the date on the registration certificate before signing. This provides an extra layer of documentation beyond the ICBC transfer form.
Documents checklist
What to have ready before the tow truck arrives in BC.
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Registration Certificate | Required |
| Government-issued ID | Required |
| Licence plates (removed) | Required |
| Lien release (if applicable) | Optional |
| Keys | Optional |
BC regulations
BC scrap yards and dismantlers must hold a valid licence under the Environmental Management Act and comply with BC's Recycling Regulation for end-of-life vehicles. Licensed dismantlers are required to properly depollute vehicles before processing — draining all fluids, removing batteries, and extracting the catalytic converter. Vehicle registration transfers are managed through ICBC and can be completed at any Autoplan broker location.
Always use a licensed BC dismantler. Unlicensed buyers give you no ICBC paper trail and typically pay less.
Frequently asked questions
Can I scrap a car in BC without the registration certificate?
Licensed BC dismantlers are required to verify ownership before accepting a vehicle for scrap. Without the registration certificate, most yards will decline the vehicle or require additional verification. If you've lost your certificate, get a replacement from any Autoplan broker or ICBC office — it costs around $18 and is the cleanest solution before booking pickup.
Do I need to notify ICBC when I scrap a car in BC?
The licensed dismantler handles the ICBC notification when they register the transfer. Once the vehicle is signed over to the yard, they process the deregistration through ICBC directly. Return your plates to an Autoplan broker and cancel your insurance — that completes your side of the process.
What happens to my licence plates in BC when I scrap my car?
Your plates belong to you, not the car. Remove them before pickup and return them to any Autoplan broker. You'll get a prorated refund on unused ICBC registration fees. If you're getting a replacement vehicle, you can transfer the same plates to your new car at the Autoplan broker.
How much can I get for scrapping a car in BC?
BC scrap car prices are among the highest in Canada. Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby yards benefit from strong competition and proximity to Port of Vancouver export facilities, which drives higher demand for scrap metal. A running car in fair condition typically fetches $350–$800, while a non-running vehicle in good condition is worth $200–$500 depending on weight and the catalytic converter. Use the ScrapHub calculator for a free estimate based on your specific vehicle.
Is free towing included when scrapping a car in BC?
Most licensed BC scrap yards include free towing within their service area. In Metro Vancouver, Victoria, and other urban centres, same-day or next-day free pickup is standard. In more remote areas of BC, a yard may charge a towing fee or limit their service radius — always confirm towing terms before agreeing on a price.
Can I scrap a car with a lien in BC?
You must clear any outstanding lien before the car can be transferred to a scrap yard. Contact your lender to pay off the balance or obtain a lien release letter. A dismantler cannot legally accept a vehicle with an active lien without lender consent. ICBC's personal property registry can confirm whether a lien exists on your vehicle.
How long does scrap car pickup take in BC?
Most licensed yards in Metro Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, and Abbotsford can arrange pickup within 24–48 hours of agreeing on a price. Same-day pickup is available in Vancouver and Surrey. Smaller or more rural communities may take 2–4 business days depending on yard capacity and distance.
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