Based on checking the website Assingtonautos.co.uk, it appears to be a legitimate and well-structured service for scrapping cars and metals in the UK. The site provides clear information regarding its operations, legal compliance, and customer service. It addresses key concerns consumers might have, such as the illegality of cash payments for scrap cars and the importance of proper documentation for DVLA. The inclusion of numerous positive Google reviews directly on the homepage also adds a significant layer of trustworthiness.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Service Offered: Scrap car and van collection, scrap metal purchase, metal skips & containers, car parts.
- Geographic Coverage: Primarily Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, and UK-wide collection.
- Payment Method: Bank transfer (within 24 hours) or prepaid Mastercard (Bread4Scrap scheme). No cash payments, adhering to UK law.
- Legal Compliance: Environment Agency & DVLA-Approved, Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) certified, able to issue Certificates of Destruction (CoDs).
- Customer Service: Highly rated with numerous positive reviews highlighting friendly staff, efficient collection, and prompt payment.
- Website Transparency: Clear explanation of the scrapping process, legal requirements, and safety considerations.
- Ethical Considerations: The business model appears entirely compliant with UK regulations and does not involve any forbidden or discouraged practices. It promotes responsible recycling and adherence to legal frameworks, which aligns well with ethical principles.
The website successfully addresses the core needs of someone looking to scrap a vehicle. It offers transparency in its process, particularly regarding legal requirements and payment methods, which is a critical aspect for consumers. The emphasis on being an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) and providing Certificates of Destruction (CoDs) is crucial for ensuring proper and legal disposal of vehicles. This level of detail and reassurance is what you’d expect from a trustworthy service.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Best Alternatives for Automotive Disposal and Recycling
While Assington Autos presents a strong case, exploring other reputable options can help you make the best decision for your specific needs. When it comes to responsible vehicle disposal and metal recycling, here are some top alternatives in the UK, focusing on ethical and reliable practices:
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- Key Features: One of the UK’s largest car recycling networks, authorised treatment facilities, instant online quotes, free collection or drop-off, guaranteed prices, issue Certificates of Destruction.
- Average Price: Varies significantly based on vehicle make, model, age, and location. Offers competitive prices for scrap and salvage.
- Pros: Extensive network means wide coverage, highly regulated and compliant, strong focus on environmental responsibility.
- Cons: Price might not always be the absolute highest for every specific vehicle, dependent on network availability.
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- Key Features: Nationwide coverage for scrap car collection, salvage vehicle purchasing, and car recycling. Work with licensed ATFs, provide CoDs, and ensure legal disposal.
- Average Price: Competitive quotes, often providing instant online valuations.
- Pros: Broad service area, user-friendly online quote system, emphasis on compliance and customer satisfaction.
- Cons: As a network, the specific collector might vary, requiring a check of their individual reviews.
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- Key Features: Free collection nationwide, instant online valuation, payments directly to your bank, responsible recycling through authorised facilities. Focus on making the process as smooth as possible.
- Average Price: Quotes are generally competitive, aiming for best market prices.
- Pros: Simple and efficient process, good customer support, commitment to environmental standards.
- Cons: May have less flexibility for collection times compared to local, independent services.
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- Key Features: Connects car owners with local, authorised scrap yards across the UK. Instant quotes, free collection, and support for charities. They ensure all vehicles are processed legally.
- Average Price: Aims to find the best local price through its network of over 300 approved buyers.
- Pros: Supports charity donations with proceeds, vast network for localised pricing, transparent process.
- Cons: Prices depend on the specific local buyer, so variations can occur.
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- Key Features: A comparison service that allows you to get multiple quotes from licensed scrap dealers in your area. Ensures all dealers are ATFs and provide CoDs.
- Average Price: Provides a range of quotes, allowing users to choose the best option.
- Pros: Empowers you to compare and find potentially higher prices, ensures legal compliance, wide selection of local buyers.
- Cons: Requires manual comparison, and some smaller local dealers might not be on their network.
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- Key Features: Buys all types of vehicles for scrap or salvage, regardless of condition. Offers free collection and ensures all legal paperwork is handled correctly, including DVLA notification.
- Average Price: Provides competitive prices for various vehicle types and conditions.
- Pros: Accepts a very wide range of vehicles, including non-runners, accident damaged, and MOT failures. Straightforward process.
- Cons: Online valuation might require follow-up for complex vehicle conditions.
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Local Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs):
- Key Features: Directly contact local scrap yards and recycling centres that are officially authorised. They often offer competitive prices, especially if you can drop off the vehicle yourself.
- Average Price: Can vary significantly by location and specific yard; often negotiable.
- Pros: Direct communication, potential for immediate payment (non-cash), supports local businesses, often best prices for self-delivery.
- Cons: Requires research to find legitimate ATFs, might not offer free collection, less streamlined than online services.
These alternatives provide various approaches to scrapping a vehicle, from broad comparison platforms to direct ATF services. All aim to ensure legal and ethical disposal, which is paramount for consumer protection and environmental responsibility.
Assingtonautos.co.uk Review: A Deep Dive into Their Scrap Car Service
Based on looking at the website, Assingtonautos.co.uk positions itself as a robust and reliable option for anyone in the UK looking to scrap a car or handle scrap metal. In a world where online transactions can often feel like a roll of the dice, a transparent and legally compliant service is gold. Let’s peel back the layers and see what makes them tick, or perhaps, where they might fall short.
Assingtonautos.co.uk Service Overview
The website clearly outlines their core offerings, primarily focusing on vehicle scrapping and metal recycling. They’re not just about taking your old motor off your hands; they’re keen on making the process as smooth and lawful as possible. This is a critical distinction in an industry that has seen its fair share of shady operators.
Scrap My Car & Van Service
Assington Autos provides a straightforward process for scrapping cars and vans. The website details a four-step method:
- Enter Your Reg & Postcode: This is the first hurdle. They use your vehicle registration to look up its details, providing an instant quote. This immediate feedback loop is pretty handy.
- Enter Personal Details: Once you’re happy with the price, you input basic contact information. This is standard stuff, but it’s where some less reputable sites might try to harvest data without offering real value.
- Accept the Price Offered: They present the price, and if it’s acceptable, you proceed. No hidden fees or last-minute haggling, which is a massive relief for anyone who’s dealt with lowballers in the past.
- We Collect for Free: This is a major perk. Free collection, arranged at your convenience, takes a significant chunk of hassle out of the process.
- You Get Paid on Collection: Funds are typically wired to your account within 24 hours of the vehicle arriving at their yard. They also mention the “Bread4Scrap” scheme, offering a prepaid Mastercard, which is an interesting alternative to direct bank transfer.
Scrap Metal & Car Parts
Beyond vehicles, they also deal in general scrap metal. This diversifies their business and provides an outlet for those with other metallic waste. The mention of “Metal Skips & Containers” indicates they cater to larger quantities, possibly for commercial clients or extensive clear-outs. Selling car parts suggests a recycling-focused approach, where usable components are salvaged before the rest of the vehicle is scrapped. This hints at a more sustainable, resource-efficient operation.
Legal & Ethical Compliance: The Foundation of Trust
In the scrap industry, compliance isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s non-negotiable. Assington Autos goes to lengths to highlight its adherence to regulations, which is a green flag for anyone looking for an honest transaction.
Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) Status
The website proudly states they are an “Environment Agency & DVLA-Approved” Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) with permit number EPR-EB3800UW-T001. This is the gold standard. An ATF is legally permitted to depollute and dismantle end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in an environmentally sound manner. This ensures hazardous materials like oils, coolants, and batteries are handled properly, preventing pollution. It’s a huge step up from rogue scrap dealers who might just dump vehicles or strip them irresponsibly.
The “No Cash” Policy and Its Importance
“Why Don’t I Get Cash in My Hand for My Scrapped Car? :(” they ask directly on the homepage. Their answer is clear: “it is illegal.” Since the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, paying cash for scrap metal (including vehicles) has been prohibited in the UK. This measure was introduced to combat metal theft. Any company offering cash is operating outside the law, and dealing with them could put you at risk. Assington Autos’ strict adherence to bank transfers or prepaid cards signals their commitment to legal and transparent dealings.
Documentation and DVLA Notifications
They provide detailed instructions on the crucial paperwork:
- V5C Information: They explain that the tear-off section of the V5C (logbook) needs to be sent to the DVLA to transfer ownership. This is vital to avoid fines for untaxed vehicles.
- Certificate of Destruction (CoD): As an ATF, they are authorised to issue a CoD when a vehicle is permanently destroyed. This document officially removes the vehicle from the DVLA’s records and prevents you from being liable for future road tax or penalties. Not getting a CoD can lead to fines of up to £1,000.
- Proof of Identity: They remind users that proof of identity (like a photo driving licence) and proof of address (utility bill) are legally required for scrapping a car since 2013. This enhanced traceability adds another layer of security against illicit activities.
This comprehensive approach to legal compliance is a strong indicator of an ethical and trustworthy business. They’re not just taking your car; they’re ensuring the entire process is by the book, protecting both you and the environment.
Customer Experience and Reviews
One of the most compelling features on the Assington Autos homepage is the extensive section dedicated to Google reviews. This isn’t just a handful of testimonials; it’s a seemingly endless scroll of genuine, dated feedback from customers. Linensonline.co.uk Review
High Volume of Positive Feedback
The sheer volume of positive reviews is striking. Many reviewers commend the “brilliant service,” “friendly and helpful” staff, “quick and efficient” collection, and “prompt payment.” Phrases like “very straight forward,” “hassle-free,” and “highly recommend” appear frequently. This consistent feedback paints a picture of a company that prioritises customer satisfaction.
Specific Examples of Excellent Service
- Prompt Collection & Payment: Jodie Bond mentioned funds arriving “even within 24 hours,” while others like Sally Tokeley and Luke also highlighted quick payment.
- Professional Drivers: Many reviews praise the drivers for being “friendly,” “professional,” “knowledgeable,” and “efficient” even in tricky situations (e.g., Nadeem Younis’s locked steering, Anne Taylor’s 60-year-old Bedford van).
- Clear Communication: Customers like Rosa, Charlotte, and Tara in the office are frequently named for their helpfulness and clear explanations of the process.
- Best Price Paid: Several reviewers, including Oliver Schoenenberger and Ben Parrish, explicitly state that Assington Autos offered the best price compared to competitors.
Addressing Concerns (Indirectly)
While the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, the company’s direct address of the “no cash” policy and the illegality of it acts as a subtle counterpoint to any potential customer expectation, reinforcing their legitimate stance. The depth and specificity of these reviews suggest an authentic representation of customer experience, which is a powerful trust signal.
Geographic Reach and Logistics
Assington Autos appears to have a robust logistical setup that allows them to service a wide area beyond their immediate Colchester base.
Regional Focus vs. UK Wide
They state they “scrap cars across Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk and the UK.” This indicates a strong local presence in the East of England, where their operations are likely most efficient, while still having the capacity for nationwide collection. This balance suggests they can offer both competitive local service and the reach required for broader market appeal.
24-Hour Service Mention
The claim of offering “expert 24 hour scrap car and scrap van collection and recycling service” is a bold one. While this might imply a 24/7 collection availability, it more likely refers to the capability to process requests or arrange collections around the clock, offering flexibility to customers. For individuals with busy schedules, this flexibility can be a significant advantage.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The key differentiator for many in the scrap car market is price. Assington Autos is very clear about its commitment to offering competitive rates.
“Best Price Paid” Claim
They boldly claim to offer “some of the best prices for scrap cars” and are mentioned by multiple reviewers as having given the best quote. Their methodology for calculating quotes involves a “vehicle database lookup” and considers “a number of elements to enable us to accurately price your scrap car and offer a great price.” This suggests a systematic approach rather than arbitrary estimations.
Transparency in Pricing Factors
While they don’t list specific prices on the site (which is understandable given the fluctuating nature of metal prices and vehicle conditions), they hint at factors like vehicle make, model, age, and overall condition contributing to the quote. This transparency, coupled with the commitment to not haggle on collection, builds confidence. For example, if a company offers a high quote initially but then tries to reduce it upon collection due to minor defects, it erodes trust. Assington Autos’ system seems designed to avoid this.
Website Design and User Experience
A website’s usability significantly impacts a user’s perception of a company. Assington Autos’ site is functional, if not groundbreaking.
Navigability and Information Accessibility
The site is easy to navigate with clear menu options: Home, Scrap My Car, Scrap Metal, Car Parts, Donate My Car, About Us, Vacancies, Contact Us. The “How it Works” section for scrapping a car is prominent and clear. Essential contact information (phone number, email) is displayed at the top. The “Recent Articles” section provides useful information on legal requirements, road tax refunds, and preparation tips, positioning them as an informative resource. Buyagift.co.uk Review
Mobile Responsiveness
While not explicitly stated, a modern UK website should be responsive across devices. The design appears clean and simple, which usually translates well to mobile.
Missing Elements (Minor Observations)
While robust, a few elements that could enhance trust or user experience, though not deal-breakers, might be:
- Physical Address: While contact details and general service areas are listed, a specific physical address for their yard (if applicable for customer visits) might add another layer of transparency for those who prefer to know exactly where the business is located.
- Certifications/Awards Logos: Beyond the EA Permit number, if they have any industry awards or additional certifications (e.g., ISO standards for environmental management), displaying these prominently could further bolster credibility.
- Clearer “24-Hour Service” Explanation: While they state “24-hour service,” clarifying if this means 24/7 operations, round-the-clock quoting, or just flexible scheduling would manage customer expectations better.
Overall, the website is highly effective at conveying legitimacy, ease of use, and a customer-centric approach, which are critical for an online service in this sector.
FAQ
What is Assingtonautos.co.uk?
Assingtonautos.co.uk is a UK-based authorised treatment facility (ATF) that specialises in scrapping cars and vans, purchasing scrap metal, and selling car parts. They offer free vehicle collection and provide official Certificates of Destruction (CoDs).
Is Assingtonautos.co.uk a legitimate company?
Yes, based on the information on their website, Assingtonautos.co.uk appears to be a legitimate and legally compliant company. They are Environment Agency and DVLA-approved and operate as an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), adhering to UK regulations for vehicle scrapping.
How does the car scrapping process work with Assingtonautos.co.uk?
The process involves four main steps: entering your vehicle’s registration and postcode for an instant quote, providing personal details, accepting the offered price, and then arranging a free collection of your vehicle. Payment is typically made via bank transfer within 24 hours of collection.
Do I get paid in cash for my scrap car from Assingtonautos.co.uk?
No, Assingtonautos.co.uk does not pay cash for scrap cars. According to UK law (Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013), paying for scrap metal in cash is illegal. They provide payment via bank transfer or a prepaid Mastercard through the Bread4Scrap scheme.
What is an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF)?
An Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) is a site licensed by the Environment Agency (or equivalent) to depollute and dismantle end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in an environmentally responsible manner. Assingtonautos.co.uk states it is an ATF.
Will Assingtonautos.co.uk provide a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)?
Yes, as an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), Assingtonautos.co.uk is legally permitted to issue an official Certificate of Destruction (CoD) for vehicles that are permanently scrapped. This document is essential for informing the DVLA and avoiding future liabilities. Artisandelimarket.co.uk Review
What documents do I need to scrap my car with Assingtonautos.co.uk?
You will typically need your V5C registration document (logbook). Since 2013, you also need to provide proof of identity (such as a photo driving licence) and proof of address (like a utility bill) when scrapping a car.
What if I don’t have my V5C registration document?
While the V5C is preferred, Assingtonautos.co.uk states that the DVLA will accept simple written confirmation if you have mislaid it. However, you still need to provide proof of identity and address as per legal requirements.
How quickly does Assingtonautos.co.uk collect vehicles?
The website indicates they offer free vehicle collection at an arranged time, and many customer reviews highlight quick collection, often within a few days or even the next day after arranging.
How fast is payment after collection?
Assingtonautos.co.uk states that money is typically wired to your account within 24 hours of the vehicle arriving at their yard. Numerous customer reviews confirm prompt payment, often within the same day or the next.
What areas does Assingtonautos.co.uk cover for car collection?
Assingtonautos.co.uk primarily focuses on Hertfordshire, Essex, and Suffolk, but they also offer UK-wide scrap car collection services.
Does Assingtonautos.co.uk only scrap cars, or other metals too?
No, in addition to scrapping cars and vans, Assingtonautos.co.uk also purchases other types of scrap metal and offers metal skips and containers for larger quantities. They also sell car parts.
Are the prices offered by Assingtonautos.co.uk competitive?
The website claims to offer “some of the best prices for scrap cars,” and many customer reviews corroborate this, stating that Assington Autos gave them the best quote compared to other services.
How do they calculate the scrap car price?
Assingtonautos.co.uk uses a vehicle database lookup system that considers various elements, such as the vehicle’s make, model, age, and condition, to accurately price your scrap car.
What is the “Bread4Scrap” scheme mentioned by Assingtonautos.co.uk?
The Bread4Scrap scheme allows Assingtonautos.co.uk to pay you for your scrap vehicle with a prepaid Mastercard, offering an alternative to direct bank transfer.
Do they handle the DVLA paperwork for me?
Assingtonautos.co.uk guides you through the necessary DVLA paperwork, particularly the V5C. As an ATF, they are responsible for notifying the DVLA of the vehicle’s destruction by issuing a Certificate of Destruction (CoD). Giatravel.co.uk Review
Can I donate my car to charity through Assingtonautos.co.uk?
Yes, the website has a “Donate My Car” section, indicating they facilitate car donations to charity.
What are the safety and legal considerations when scrapping a car?
Assingtonautos.co.uk advises cancelling your motor insurance policy, providing proof of identity and address, and ensuring you receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) to officially remove the vehicle from DVLA records.
What kind of customer service can I expect from Assingtonautos.co.uk?
Customer reviews frequently praise Assingtonautos.co.uk for its “friendly staff,” “excellent communication,” and “professional service,” with many mentioning specific individuals in the office and collection drivers for their helpfulness.
Does Assingtonautos.co.uk offer services for purchasing used car parts?
Yes, in addition to scrapping vehicles, Assingtonautos.co.uk also lists “Car Parts” as one of their services, indicating that usable components are salvaged and made available for purchase.
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