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
To scrap a car in British Columbia: get at least two quotes from licensed BC dismantlers, sign your Vehicle Registration Certificate (issued by ICBC) over to the yard at pickup, remove your licence plates and return them to any Autoplan broker for a prorated refund on unused ICBC registration, and cancel your Autoplan insurance after pickup is confirmed. The dismantler handles the ICBC transfer paperwork — your only step is signing the certificate. Most people in Metro Vancouver and Victoria complete the process in under an hour and receive cash or Interac e-transfer at pickup.
- 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.
Before Pickup: Quick Checklist
- 1Remove all personal belongings — glove box, under seats, trunk, sun visor pockets.
- 2Pull out aftermarket accessories you want to keep — stereo head unit, dash cam, winter tires/rims, floor mats, bike rack.
- 3Remove your licence plates. In BC, return plates to any ICBC Autoplan broker to cancel insurance and get a refund on unused registration.
- 4Note whether the catalytic converter is OEM, aftermarket, or missing — this directly affects your offer.
- 5Cancel your insurance after confirming the pickup date, not before.
- 6Drain or siphon excess fuel if the tank is more than ¼ full — yards won't pay for it.
- 7Write down the VIN from the dashboard for your records before the car leaves.
Frequently asked questions
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