How to Scrap a Car in Quebec
Six steps, about 45 minutes of your time, and you get paid — typically same day in Montreal and Laval. Quebec has its own rules around the SAAQ and the certificat d'immatriculation. Here's exactly what to do.
The short version
- 1Get at least two quotes from licensed Quebec recycleurs automobiles.
- 2Find your certificat d'immatriculation (issued by SAAQ).
- 3Remove your licence plates.
- 4Confirm towing is free and payment is at pickup.
- 5Transfer Part 2 of the certificat to the yard at pickup.
- 6Return plates to an SAAQ service centre and cancel your registration.
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 Quebec scrap yards or recyclers (recycleurs automobiles). Quebec metal prices are slightly below Ontario due to longer transport distances to export terminals, but the Montreal market has strong competition among buyers, which helps prices.
Tell each yard whether the catalytic converter is OEM (original factory). OEM cats from trucks and full-size SUVs are worth $150–$210 — mentioning this upfront often results in a better total offer.
Locate your vehicle registration (certificat d'immatriculation)
5 minutesIn Quebec, vehicle ownership is proven through the certificat d'immatriculation, issued by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). This two-part document serves as both your registration and proof of ownership. You'll need to complete the transfer section when signing the vehicle over to the scrap yard. If you've lost it, you can get a replacement at any SAAQ service centre for a small fee.
Quebec uses a two-part certificat: Part 1 stays with you after the transfer; Part 2 goes to the buyer (the scrap yard). Make sure the yard completes their portion of the transfer correctly — this is what formally removes the vehicle from your name in the SAAQ system.
Remove your licence plates
2 minutesIn Quebec, licence plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle. Remove your plates before the tow truck arrives. You can return them to an SAAQ service centre to cancel the registration and get a refund on any unused portion of your registration fees. If you're buying a replacement vehicle, you can transfer the plates to the new car.
Do not leave plates on the car. If the vehicle is towed with your plates and a ticket or toll violation is recorded, you could be held responsible.
Cancel your vehicle insurance
10 minutesQuebec has a two-tier insurance system: basic civil liability is handled by the SAAQ (built into your registration fees), while collision and comprehensive coverage is purchased from a private insurer. Contact your private insurer to cancel your optional coverage once pickup is confirmed. Your SAAQ basic coverage cancels automatically when you return the plates and cancel the registration.
Cancel optional insurance after pickup is confirmed and scheduled, not before. You need coverage until the car is formally transferred.
Confirm towing and payment before pickup day
5 minutesCall the yard the day before pickup to confirm: (1) the agreed price is still valid, (2) towing is included at no charge, and (3) how you'll be paid — cash or virement Interac, at pickup. Most Quebec yards pay on the spot. Never release the vehicle before payment.
Ask directly: "Le remorquage est-il inclus dans le prix?" (Is towing included in the price?) Some yards quote a total and then subtract a tow fee — confirm this before pickup.
Complete the SAAQ transfer at pickup
5 minutesWhen the tow truck arrives, complete the transfer of the certificat d'immatriculation. Give Part 2 to the yard and keep Part 1 for your records. The licensed recycler will then notify the SAAQ of the transfer. Keep any receipt or documentation the yard provides — this is your proof that the vehicle was legally transferred and removes your liability for it going forward.
Write "VENDU POUR RECYCLAGE" (sold for recycling) and the date on the document before signing. This creates a clear paper trail even before the SAAQ system updates.
Documents checklist
What to have ready before the tow truck arrives in Quebec.
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Certificat d'immatriculation (Part 2) | Required |
| Government-issued ID | Required |
| Licence plates (removed) | Required |
| Lien release (if applicable) | Optional |
| Keys | Optional |
Quebec regulations
Quebec scrap yards must hold a licence as a recycleur de véhicules hors d'usage under Quebec's environmental regulations. Licensed recyclers are required to depollute vehicles before processing — draining all fluids, removing the battery, and extracting the catalytic converter. Vehicle registration transfers are managed by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).
Always use a licensed Quebec recycler. Unlicensed buyers give you no SAAQ paper trail and typically pay less.
Frequently asked questions
Can I scrap a car in Quebec without the certificat d'immatriculation?
Licensed Quebec recyclers (recycleurs automobiles) are required to verify ownership before accepting a vehicle. Without the certificat d'immatriculation, most yards will decline the vehicle or require additional verification. If you've lost yours, get a replacement at any SAAQ service centre — it's the cleanest solution before booking pickup.
How do I notify the SAAQ when I scrap a car?
The licensed recycler notifies the SAAQ of the transfer after you complete the certificat d'immatriculation transfer at pickup. To complete your side: return your licence plates to an SAAQ service centre and cancel your registration. This removes the vehicle from your name and stops future registration fees.
What happens to my licence plates in Quebec when I scrap my car?
Licence plates in Quebec belong to the owner, not the vehicle. Remove them before pickup and return them to any SAAQ service centre. You'll receive a prorated refund on unused registration fees. If you're buying a replacement vehicle, you can transfer the plates at the SAAQ.
How much can I get for scrapping a car in Quebec?
Quebec scrap car prices are slightly below Ontario and BC due to longer transport distances to export facilities, but Montreal has strong buyer competition. A running car in fair condition typically fetches $300–$700. A non-running vehicle in decent condition is worth $175–$450 depending on weight and the catalytic converter. Use the ScrapHub calculator for a free estimate specific to your vehicle and Quebec metal prices.
Is free towing available in Quebec for scrap cars?
Yes — most licensed Quebec recyclers include free towing within their service area. In Montreal and Laval, same-day or next-day free pickup is common. In Quebec City and surrounding areas, pickup typically takes 24–48 hours. For more remote areas of Quebec, confirm towing terms with the yard before agreeing on a price.
Can I scrap a car with a lien in Quebec?
You must clear any outstanding lien before the vehicle can be transferred to a recycler. Contact your lender to pay off the balance or obtain a lien release letter. A licensed recycler cannot legally accept a vehicle with an active lien. You can check for liens on your vehicle through the Registre des droits personnels et réels mobiliers (RDPRM) in Quebec.
Do Quebec scrap yards buy cars in any condition?
Yes — all licensed Quebec recycleurs automobiles accept vehicles in any condition, including non-running, flood-damaged, and fire-damaged cars. The condition affects the offer: a running car fetches more than a non-running one, but all vehicles have scrap value based on steel weight and catalytic converter. Free towing is standard for non-running vehicles.
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