Abandoned Vehicle Removal

Removing an abandoned vehicle from your property requires following specific legal steps. Below is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide through the process, including approximate timeframes for each stage.
As soon as you identify an abandoned vehicle on your private land, instruct our Abandoned Vehicle Removal service to start the process. We will handle all necessary legal steps on your behalf.

Stage 1: Warning notice and background checks

Within 24 hours of instruction we will:

1) Place an initial 48 hour warning notice on the vehicle, informing the owner that the vehicle is presumed abandoned and must be removed. We will take photographs of the vehicle and record its VIN number (vehicle identification number).

2) Verify whether there is any outstanding finance on the vehicle and if so contact the finance or leasing company to arrange removal with them.

3) Contact the police to ascertain if the vehicle has been reported stolen.

4) Check the vehicle’s MOT, and tax status.

5) Contact DVLA to obtain the registered keeper’s details, which can take 2 to 4 weeks.

Stage 2: Torts Notice

Once we have the registered keeper’s details from DVLA we will serve a 14-day notice under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977. This is a formal legal notice informing the owner that if they do not collect the vehicle within 14 days, it will be removed and disposed of without further notice.

A copy of the Torts Notice will be sent by post and a copy placed on the vehicle. The notice clearly states who we are, how to contact us, and that we are acting on behalf of the landowner.

Stage 3 – Removal and Disposal
If 14 days pass with no response or claim from the owner, we will immediately arrange for the vehicle to be removed and disposed of. We will schedule a collection with professional, licensed removal contractors, ensuring the vehicle is removed from your property safely, using appropriate equipment.

After removal, the vehicle will be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner and a certificate of destruction obtained if the vehicle is scrapped.

If there is any residual value in the vehicle, the balance will be sent to the landlord after deduction of all costs. However most abandoned cars have only scrap value which will be used towards removal costs.

We will notify you once the vehicle has been successfully removed and the process is complete.

Your property will finally be free of the abandoned vehicle.