How to Scrap a Car in Saskatchewan
Six steps, about 45 minutes of your time, and you get paid — typically within 24–48 hours in Regina and Saskatoon. Saskatchewan uses SGI motor licence issuers instead of a central government office, which keeps the process straightforward. Here's exactly what to do.
The short version
To scrap a car in Saskatchewan: get at least two quotes from licensed auto recyclers, sign your SGI Vehicle Registration over to the yard at pickup, remove your licence plates and return them to any SGI motor licence issuer for a prorated refund, and cancel your insurance after pickup is confirmed. The licensed recycler handles the transfer notification with SGI. Most people in Regina and Saskatoon complete the process within 24–48 hours and receive cash or Interac e-transfer at pickup.
- 1Get at least two quotes from licensed Saskatchewan auto recyclers.
- 2Locate your SGI Vehicle Registration.
- 3Remove your licence plates.
- 4Confirm towing is free and payment is at pickup.
- 5Sign over the SGI registration when the tow truck arrives.
- 6Return plates to an SGI motor licence issuer 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 type, and condition. Then contact at least two licensed Saskatchewan scrap yards or auto recyclers in Regina or Saskatoon. Saskatchewan scrap prices run 6–8% below Ontario due to the province's distance from export terminals, but the agricultural truck market means heavier vehicles command solid steel payouts.
Mention whether the catalytic converter is OEM (original factory). Trucks and full-size SUVs common in Saskatchewan agriculture have large OEM catalytic converters worth $150–$200. Most yards in Regina and Saskatoon know exactly what these are worth.
Locate your SGI vehicle registration
5 minutesIn Saskatchewan, vehicle registration is issued by SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) through its network of motor licence issuers. This document serves as proof of ownership and must be signed over to the scrap yard at pickup. If you've lost your registration, you can obtain a replacement at any SGI motor licence issuer location — there are locations across Regina, Saskatoon, and throughout the province.
A replacement SGI registration costs approximately $15–$20 at any motor licence issuer. Bring a piece of government-issued ID when applying for the replacement.
Remove your licence plates
2 minutesIn Saskatchewan, licence plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle. Remove your plates before the tow truck arrives. Return them to any SGI motor licence issuer to cancel your registration and receive a prorated refund on unused registration fees. If you're buying a replacement vehicle, you can transfer the plates.
Do not leave plates on the vehicle. If the car is moved with your plates and a fine or toll is incurred, you may be held liable.
Cancel your vehicle insurance
10 minutesSaskatchewan vehicle insurance is provided by private insurers (basic coverage is not through SGI for auto insurance — Saskatchewan uses private insurers for most vehicle insurance). Contact your insurance provider to cancel once pickup is confirmed and scheduled. You're entitled to a prorated refund on unused premium. If replacing your vehicle, ask about a policy transfer to preserve your driving history.
Cancel insurance after the pickup is confirmed, not before. The vehicle should remain insured until it leaves your property.
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 additional charge, and (3) how payment will be made — cash or Interac e-transfer at pickup. Most Saskatchewan yards pay on the spot. Never allow the car to be taken before receiving payment.
Saskatchewan distances are significant — some rural pickups may involve a tow charge that gets deducted from the offer. Confirm this clearly before agreeing to a price if you're outside Regina or Saskatoon.
Sign over the SGI registration at pickup
5 minutesWhen the tow truck arrives, sign over your SGI Vehicle Registration to the yard. The licensed recycler will process the transfer notification. Keep any receipt the yard provides — this confirms the vehicle was legally transferred and removes your future liability for it.
Write "SOLD AS SCRAP" and the date on the registration before signing. This creates a clear paper record on your end independent of the SGI system update.
Documents checklist
What to have ready before the tow truck arrives in Saskatchewan.
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| SGI Vehicle Registration | Required |
| Government-issued ID | Required |
| Licence plates (removed) | Required |
| Lien release (if applicable) | Optional |
| Keys | Optional |
Saskatchewan regulations
Saskatchewan auto recyclers must hold a valid business licence and comply with provincial environmental regulations for end-of-life vehicles under the Environmental Management and Protection Act. Licensed recyclers are required to depollute vehicles before processing — draining all fluids and removing the battery and catalytic converter. Vehicle registration transfers in Saskatchewan are handled through SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) motor licence issuers.
Always use a licensed Saskatchewan auto recycler. Unlicensed buyers give you no 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.
- 3Remove your licence plates. In Saskatchewan, return plates to any SGI motor licence issuer for a prorated registration refund.
- 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.
- 7Write down the VIN from the dashboard for your records before the car leaves.
Frequently asked questions
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