Essential Guide To Car Scrappage Scheme: Is your car fit for 'Scrap'?

The announcement of the Irish Car Scrappage Scheme has certainly generated a lot of interest from both the industry and the buying public. The opportunity to purchase a new car and save €1,500 doesn't come along often, and now that the dust is starting to settle on the Government's budget speech I thought it would be useful to take a look at the 'fine print' that usually goes with these incentives.

Scrappage Scheme: Benefits for Buyers, But Conditions Apply

There's no doubt that scrappage schemes can offer the buyer a rare opportunity to purchase a new car with a government discount, so it's important to understand any special terms and conditions that may be the difference between your car qualifying as 'Scrap' or remaining on the road for the foreseeable future. Here is a concise overview of the main conditions of the Irish Government's 2009 Car Scrappage Scheme:

General Conditions of the Irish Car Scrappage Scheme

  • Duration: The Car Scrappage Scheme will run from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010.
  • Relief Available: VRT relief of up to €1,500 will be available to qualifying purchasers of new vehicles.
  • Qualifying New Cars: The VRT relief will be provided where a new Category A car is purchased which is emission classified in Bands A or B (i.e. with CO2 emissions of 140g/km or less)
  • Qualifying Scrapped Cars: Things get a little trickier when it comes to the "old" car that must be scrapped, but here are the main conditions. The scrapped car:
    • Must have been registered in the State in the name of the purchaser of the new car for at least 18 months previous to the date of scrappage;
    • Must be 10 years old or more from the date of first registration;
    • Must be scrapped after 9 December 2009;
    • Must be scrapped within 60 days of the date of the new car being registered, OR have been scrapped within the previous 60 days of the date of the new car being registered provided the date of scrappage is after 9 December 2009;
    • Must have a valid NCT certificate of roadworthiness, OR one that has expired no more than 90 days prior to issue of the Certificate of Destruction OR documentation to indicate that it has been presented for and failed an NCT roadworthiness test in the previous 6 months;
    • Must have been insured for use on the road for at least 12 months in the 18 months prior to the issue of the Certificate of Destruction;
    • Being ‘scrapped’ means that the old car has been taken to an official End of Life Vehicles (ELV) authorised treatment facility and a Certificate of Destruction is issued by the facility in respect of the car. Further detailed information on the operation of the scheme will be posted on the Revenue website in the coming days.

Some Common Questions About the Irish Scrappage Scheme

Q. When will the Irish car scrappage scheme start?

A. The Scrappage Scheme will run from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010.

Q. How much of a saving can I make on the purchase of a new car?

A. A discount of €1,500 will be available when you scrap a 10-year-old-or-more car.

Q. Is there any restriction on what car I can buy when availing of the Irish car scrappage scheme?

A. Yes. The VRT relief will be provided where a new Category A car is purchased of emission Bands A or B (i.e. with CO2 emissions of 140g/km or less) and an old car is scrapped.

Q. Does the car being scrapped have to be registered in my name?

A. Yes. The car must have been registered in the Republic of Ireland in the name of the purchaser of the new car for at least 18 months previous to the date of scrappage.

Q. Is there an age restriction on the scrapped car?

A. Yes. The car must be 10 years old or more from the date of first registration.

Q. Can I buy the new car first and scrap my current car afterward?

A. Yes, but your car must be scrapped within 60 days of the date of the new car being registered, or have been scrapped within the previous 60 days of the date of the new car being registered, provided the date of scrappage is after 9 December 2009.

Q. Does the car being scrapped have to have a valid NCT?

A. Yes. The car must have a valid Irish NCT certificate of roadworthiness, or one that has expired no more than 90 days prior to issue of the Certificate of Destruction; or documentation to indicate that it has been presented for and failed an NCT roadworthiness test in the previous 6 months.

Q. Does the car being scrapped have to have valid insurance?

A. Yes. The car must have been insured for use on the road for at least 12 months in the 18 months prior to the issue of the Certificate of Destruction.

Q. Can I 'scrap' the car myself and keep some of its parts?

A. No. Being ‘scrapped’ means that the old car has been taken to an official End of Life Vehicles (ELV) authorised treatment facility and a Certificate of Destruction is issued by the facility in respect of the car.
If you have any questions about the Irish Car Scrappage Scheme pop them in a comment below and we'll do our best to find you the answers.

audrey - December 19, 2009 at 1:03 am
Does the scrappage scheme only apply to brand new cars or also used cars with low emissions?
Admin - December 19, 2009 at 4:53 am
Hi Audrey The scrappage scheme only applies to new cars purchased. Pre-owned cars do not qualify. We hope this helps.
joe conway - January 13, 2011 at 3:22 pm
hi.i want to register a new car this month for a scappage client but her car isnt 10 years old until february.can i do this and scrap her car within 60 days or do i have to wait until the original date of registration?
noel - December 22, 2009 at 3:06 pm
my car is 13 years old,its in my name 6 years,it has been privately taxed, driven on my garage insurance for the past 6 years all in my name,can i use this car for the scrappage scheme,to buy a new car.
Shane Teskey - December 22, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Hi Noel, thanks for your question. If your car has a current NCT or proof of just having failed one I can't see any reason why it won't qualify for the scrappage offer. Out of interest - what are you thinking of buying?
noel - December 23, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Hi shane, Yes it has 2 year NCT. I am buying a renault scenic, thanks for your help. Noel.
Shane Teskey - December 23, 2009 at 12:48 pm
You should be fine so. Best of luck with the new car! Can't say I'm surprised your going for a Renault. There's some great value there at the moment.
jimmy - January 10, 2011 at 8:08 pm
if i avail of the scrapage on my old car, how long before i can sell the new one. im thinking of buying a new car for my friend but he is worried that i wont be able to transfer it into his name straight away.
Fiona - January 12, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Hi, I have noticed that some some garages are advertising the same cars under different scrappage scheme prices, i.e the difference of €300, why is this? Should the same car not be a standard price
Claudia - December 26, 2009 at 1:01 am
Hi, I intended to scrap my Seicento in June. It was first registered in June 2000. Now somebody drove into the side of it. It is driving but the body is a write off. It's with the insurance right now, of course nothing will happen because of holidays. I can't possibly drive it until June. Can I claim the scrappage value off the insurance or at the dealer? It's also taxed until June, can I get a refund of tax? What a mess, spoilt my christmas!
Shane Teskey - December 28, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Hi Claudia, Thanks for your question and commiseration's on the accident. Not a nice thing to happen just before the holidays. From what you write, it appears that as your car isn't yet 10 years old, it doesn't currently qualify for the scrappage allowance. But you still have some options. In order to declare your car a write off, an insurance company will need to conduct an assessment of the vehicle and determine two values. The first is what's known as a 'Pre-Accident Value' (PAV) for your car. This is the value of your car in its 'pre-accident' condition. The second is a 'Salvage Value'. This is the value of the car in its damaged condition today. The choices open to you will depend on the category of write-off that's applied to your car. If it's declared to be a category A or B, it will have to be sent to a registered salvage yard where the vehicle will be scrapped and the logbook destroyed. In this case, you will be able to apply to the department of transport for a refund on the road tax paid up till June. If however, the car is catergorised as a write off under category C or D, you will have the option of keeping the damaged car along with a payout from the insurer equaling its PAV less the Salvage Value. This could be worth doing if your car has a valid NCT up until March 2010 (or ninety days before it's 10 year birthday) and the PAV is less than 1,500 Euro. In this way, your car should still qualify for the 1,500 Euro scrappage allowance even though its technically a 'write off'. But like you've outlined in your comment, what will you drive in the interim? Hope this helps!
Irish Car Scrappage Scheme – all New Cars in Band A that qualify for scrappage VRT allowance – Motorcheck Blog - January 03, 2010 at 8:35 am
[...] for you. (If you’re looking for full details of the Scrappage Scheme criteria check out our Essential Guide To the Irish Car Scrappage Scheme [...]
gerald o donoghue - January 05, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Shane, I believe that there are more restrictions on claiming the VRT than outlined. For example if the car being bought has a VRT rate of 320 euro ( new Renault Clio) then that is all that is repayable - not the 1500 that some individuals expect. Is this correct? Regards, Gerald
Shane Teskey - January 08, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Hi Gerald, Thanks for your comment. I called Renault this morning and confirmed what you've outlined above. The amount of scrappage that can be claimed off the VRT amount is a maximum of 1,500 Euro. This means that if the VRT on the new car is only 320 Euro, unfortunately the scrappage scheme will only mean a reduction of 320 Euro on the final price. Begs the question - Wouldn't it make sense for all cars to be priced showing the VRT separately?
Ann Marie Dorrity - January 08, 2010 at 1:59 am
Hi My car will meet the age criteria in September. If I import a new car from another country can I still scrap my car under the scrappage scheme and claim the €1500 VRT reduction? Also, if my car will be 10 years old at the end of September does this mean that I can purchase a new car at the end of July and then scrap my car when it becomes 10 years old at the end of September? Thanks. Ann Marie
Shane Teskey - January 08, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Hi Ann Marie, Thanks for your question. Unfortunately you'll find it very difficult to import a brand new car in a private capacity. Most countries insist that a car is registered before they will allow it to leave their showrooms at which stage it becomes a 'used' car and as such won't qualify for scrappage. On the dates query, you've got 60 days from the day you purchase your new car to scrap the old one so be sure to work it out carefully on the calender! Hope this helps!
Roger - January 08, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Can I purchase a new car from outside the republic ( europe: uk, france, holland,etc) and bring it in, pay the VRT and then scrap my old car (96, owned for 7 years plus, nct, insurance etc complient) and reclaim 1500 euro back? If yes, what is the way to proceed? Scrap first and resolve when first registering? Will i need extra proof of the emissions for the imported car? thanks
Shane Teskey - January 10, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Hi Roger, I'm pretty sure that the scrappage scheme is available to you regardless of where your new car is first sourced. Just make sure that when it comes to paying the VRT in Ireland that it is in fact a 'New Car'. I.e. one that has not previously been registered in any other country. If your old car is just lying idle I suggest you bring it along to an ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility) and obtain a Certificate of Destruction. You'll need this when claiming your scrappage discount on the VRT of your new car. Be sure that you have your dates carefully worked out though as the car being scrapped must be scrapped within 60 days of the date of the new car being registered, OR have been scrapped within the previous 60 days of the date of the new car being registered provided the date of scrappage is after 9 December 200.
roger - January 15, 2010 at 8:03 pm
thanks Shane - interesting Roger
lindsey - January 09, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Does my car that I want scrapped have to be taxed?
Shane Teskey - January 10, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Hi Lindsey, There's actually no requirement to have tax on the car being scrapped. As long as it has "a current NCT certificate (or the NCT certificate has expired no more than 90 days previously, or the car has failed the test in the six months immediately before the date of scrappage) and it has been insured in your name for at least 12 months in the 18 months immediately before the date of scrappage" you will be fine.
Karen - January 14, 2011 at 7:46 pm
If I buy a new car under the scrappage scheme is there any restriction on selling the new car in the future?
Lisa - January 09, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Hi, I have been registered as the owner of a 96 Opel Astra since last June, and before that was registered as the owner of a 99 Fiat Bravo and drove that for 2 years. Is there any way of scrapping the 2, to meet the 18 month criteria? (The engine's are now gone in both!) I have to buy a new car and don't want to miss out on the savings, particularly since I've been driving cars that are 10years or older!! Thanks.
Shane Teskey - January 10, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Hi Lisa, Unfortunately there isn't currently any way of combining two lesser periods of ownership to take advantage of the scrappage scheme. Have you tried calling some of your local scrap merchants? Maybe you could get something for the cars by scrapping them privately? If you don't have any luck doing that make sure to fill your local dealer in on your predicament. I'm sure they could take your cars off your hands and give you something in exchange. It may not be the full 1,500 euro but then again - in some cases even the scrappage scheme doesn't pay this amount. Best of luck! Shane.
liam leahy - January 11, 2010 at 11:19 am
We have a customer with a 10 year old car registered in his name since 01-08-2008. He got this car from his father in law with same address is there any way he can now scrap this vehicle under the scheme?
Shane Teskey - January 11, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Hi Liam, From the dates you've given me it looks like the car has been registered in your customers name for 18 months which means that he would be entitled to scrap it under the scheme. Just make sure that he satisfies the conditions regarding NCT and Insurance also.
Tim - January 12, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Hi Shane, The car i want to scrap is a 96 toyota carina. The insurace was up on the 12th June 2009 and the nct expired april 2009. If i put my car through the nct by end of January would i qualify for the scrappage scheme or would i have to insure it again?
Shane Teskey - January 12, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Hi Tim, On first glance it looks like you're falling outside the insurance requirement by one month. Why don't you reinsure it and make an adjustment to your policy after you take delivery of your new car? If you're going to drive it to the NCT centre you'll need to have it insured anyway! Hope this helps!
Kieran Horgan - January 12, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Shane, Thanks for very informative answers to date -- my question relates to one of the answers you gave on Dec 28th re classifactions of write off. A person had a skid on icy road on Christmas morning. Minor damage done to two other cars, but own car a technical write off, per assessor. She would like to see if Scrappage Scheme is an option. In your answer, you mentioned that if PAV was less than €1,500 the Scrappage would be worthwhile -- not otherwise. If PAV was €3,500, can you please expand on the issue involved & how the Scrappage might not be best after all.. Two values have to be assigned by assesor -- PAV & Salvage value, is that so ? If one chooses to keep the damaged car, you are paid the PAV - Salvage value?? Many thanks.
Shane Teskey - January 12, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Hi Kieran, If the PAV is less than 1,500 euro this means that the car will be worth more to you in the scrappage scheme than the amount the insurance company is prepared to pay out. If this is the case, I suggest you find out what the current salvage value of the car is and accept a payment from the insurance company that equals the PAV less the salvage. That way you get to keep the crashed car and scrap it against the purchase of a new one. If the PAV is 3,500 euro, again you need to find out what the salvage value is. This is the amount you will deduct from your PAV settlement to retain ownership. Obviously if it's more than 1,500 euro it's not going to be worth your while but if it's less and you're buying a new car it will make sense to scrap it at the dealer and claim your 1,500 VRT rebate. NOTE: Make sure that the new car you're looking at has VRT in excess of 1,500 euro. Some cars don't and the scrappage scheme only pays 'up to' 1,500 euro. Hope this helps!
Paul - January 12, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Hi Shane, I owned an 11 year Punto from mid 2007 till September 2009. Since then me and my dad have swaped cars so it had to be reregistered under his name. He wants to buy a new car and use Punto for scrappage, is this possible? Should I maybe register the old car back to my name then buy a new car and then reregister it to my dad?
Shane Teskey - January 12, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Hi Paul, Did your Dad register the car in his name last September? If so, he's only got till March before it qualifies for the scrappage allowance. If it was me I'd wait until March before getting the new car. It would be a pity to have to add an extra owner to the new car just for the sake of it!
Paul - January 12, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Hi Shane, thanks for the reply. My dad has registered the car in his own name in September 09, so it will only be 6 months in March. I was just wondering if I register the car back to my name would this qualify for scrappage as I will have it for over 18 months but it wont be continuous. (i.e. July 07-September 09 and again January 10). I agree it's not very good to add an extra owner but it's worth in order to get a 1500 discount.
Shane Teskey - January 12, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Hey Paul, Sorry about that, for some reason I was assuming September 08. There's nothing in the rules to say that the ownership has to be in your name for 18 consecutive months but I'd be tempted to say that if you seek clarification from the Revenue directly they could change that. Otherwise someone who owned a vehicle for 18 months in the distant past could buy the car back again years later just to submit it for scrapping purposes. I can't see our cash strapped government letting that one go! The other area you might find difficult is that you have to have insurance in your name for 12 of the preceding 18 months for the car being scrapped. If you haven't insured it in your name while your Dad had it this will be a problem.
Liz - January 14, 2010 at 12:32 pm
My dad has an 11 year old car. Can I buy a new car under his name and qualify for the scrappage scheme and then transfer the new car to my own name by change of ownership? Is there any restrictions in relation to this or a timeframe that the new car should be held in the owners name for?
Shane Teskey - January 14, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Hi Liz, No there aren't any restrictions on how long the owner of the new car has to have it registered in his name. Your Dad could transfer ownership to you anytime.
Kieran O callaghan - January 15, 2010 at 9:53 am
Are there any stipulations on how long the purchaser of the new vehicle has to remain the registered owner ? How soon after purchase can they transfer ownership ?
Shane Teskey - January 15, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Hi Kieran, Liz just asked me a similar question recently about receiving a car from her Dad. As far as I'm aware there aren't any stipulations. The new car can be sold / transferred any time.
Norma - January 15, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Can I scrap an old car 99 reg without having to buy a new car? I upgraded my car last year and one of my daughters was going to take my old one. However, the cost of insurance for her meant that she could not afford it and now I am left with a car with no Tax or NCT, over 10 years old and don't know what I can do with it
Shane Teskey - January 15, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Hi Norma, You could scrap your car with one of the scrappage centres but I doubt you'd get very much for it. Have you valued it on Motorcheck? Perhaps you could advertise it for sale privately or submit it for auction?
Norma - January 15, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Ok Shane, I'll try one of those options. Thanks
helen - January 20, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Hi Shane. I have a 98 car, Taxed to jan 2010, Insured to 15/feb/2010 , NCT to march 2010. My husband is the Registered owner of the car. I am the main insured person and my husband is the other or 2nd person whose driving is covered on the insurance. Q. Does this qualify for the scrappage scheme ?
Shane Teskey - January 22, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Hi Helen, I would have said that as long as you can prove by way of an insurance certificate or letter from your insurance company that your husband was insured on the vehicle for 12 of the previous 18 months, you should qualify. However, I'm just reading Avine's comment below and I'm wondering if there's some kind of confusion. I'll check this first thing Monday morning and let both of you know. S.
Shane Teskey - January 27, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Hi Helen, I've been taking a look at the stipulations around insurance and the scrappage scheme. I can't find any instructions that stipulate the registered owner must be the principle driver on the insurance certificate. Take a look at the documents published by revenue on their website. They are the claim forms that a motor dealer and a private person must complete in order to claim the scrappage rebate on VRT. In both cases, the condition is that "The vehicle has been insured for use on the road for a minimum period of 12 months in the 18 months prior to the issue of the Certificate of Destruction". Notice the form requires proof that The Vehicle was insured and not the registered owner. In my opinion, once you have a certificate of insurance that proves "The Vehicle" was insured for 12 of the past 18 months and all the other conditions are met you should qualify for scrappage. If you're refused, I'd be interested to hear what garage refuses you and the name of the Revenue official that made the ruling on your application.
helen - January 27, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Hi Shane Thanks for your time and input very much appreciated As it stands. This point was raised by a reputable car dealer that we were going to use the scrappage with,and in fairness to them wanted to go ahead without any hassel as our 98 car documents proved tax/nct/insurance for years were in order,but the issue of registered car owner and main insurance names being the same, put a spanner in the works for my husband and I,and the car dealer. Will keep in touch. Regards, Helen.
Avine - January 20, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Hi Shane, My husband and I are exactly the same as helen. Other then we have already paid and taken delivery of a new car only to get a call from the garage saying "the scrappage deal crowd is refusing " because the registered owner is not the main insurance policy holder... this does not make sense to me my husband does not own another car and has never held insurance in his own name, as he has always been a name driver on my policy........
Shane Teskey - January 22, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Hi Avine, I'm looking into this for you. Can you hold on till Monday and I should have some answers.
Tim - January 21, 2010 at 11:23 am
Hi Shane, I have a 96 car that I want to scrap. It was insured until 12 June 09 and nct until April 09. I fell short 1 month of the insurance so I have since insured it again and put it through the nct. My problem is the garage that I want to buy the new car off has said keep my old car for 1 month so that I will have had it insured for 12 out of the 18 months but each month I keep it am I not losing 1 month from before??? So it seems to me that it will always be insured for 11 months out of the last 18. Is there any way out of this??
Shane Teskey - January 22, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Hi Tim, Looks like you're in a bit of a pickle! In order to qualify for scrappage your car has to be insured for 12 out of 18 months. From your dates it appears that your car hasn't been insured for the past seven months which means (unfortunately) that you'll have to start again on a new 12 month stretch. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news :(
Clare - January 27, 2010 at 12:22 am
Hi, I recently had a crash in my car. To repair it would be more than the value of the car, if the parts could be obtained. However, I have only recently taxed the car for the year and would hate to lose it. Is there a scheme to reclaim the tax on scrapped cars? Thanks
Shane Teskey - January 28, 2010 at 12:50 am
Hi Clare, Yep. There's a form called an RF120 that you can fill out to reclaim your tax. Click on the link below to download a copy. https://www.motortax.ie/OMT/pdf/RF120_en.pdf
Del - January 27, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Hi there My wife's sister has a car that is eligible for scrappage. My wife wants to buy a car. Will the scrappage work between siblings? If not is the advice to buy in the sister's name and transfer ownership to my wife? Thanks
Shane Teskey - January 28, 2010 at 12:54 am
Hi Del, I wouldn't like to be giving you any advice that could be construed as taking unfair advantage of the scrappage scheme - but - there's no reason why your wife's sister couldn't buy a new car, avail of the scrappage offer and sell the car on to your wife. Bear in mind your wife will be getting a car with one previous owner on it which may have a depreciating effect and arranging finance for a car that's not in her name will be tricky. Also, what will your sister in law drive after her car gets sent for scrap? Is it worth the hassle?
Joan Johnson - January 27, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Hi Shane I'm in the same boat as Avine and Helen. I bought a new car in 08 and gave my old 97 micra to my daughter but never formally transferred ownership. She has her own insurance on it (paid by me of course!) it's taxed and NCTd . I cannot avail of scrappage because I am only a named driver on her insurance ! To me this is a ridiculous technicality. It's not as if we were trying to offload an old crock that no one was using. If only I'd sent off that change of ownership form...... It's catch 22 she can't scrap it because she's not the owner and I can't because I'm not the main driver!!! Very annoying. This is confirmed in the FAQs on VRT unfortunately. Wish they'd change it.
Shane Teskey - January 28, 2010 at 12:31 am
Hi Joan, I was surprised when I read your note that the rule concerning the registered owner and the insured must be the same was confirmed on the FAQ's. I was pretty sure that I had checked those and found them to be just as neutral as the claim forms. To be sure I made a second check this evening. You're absolutely right the site now says "must have been insured for use on the road in the name of the registered owner for at least 12 months in the 18 months immediately prior to the date of scrappage." However, if you take a look at google's cache of the same page for January 16th you will notice that the same sentence is quite different. Here it reads "must have been insured for use on the road for at least 12 months in the 18 months immediately prior to the date of scrappage". Notice no mention of 'in the name of the registered owner'! I can't be absolutely sure when the change was made to the page but it has to have been within the last week or so. It begs the question - Is it fair that Revenue are changing the conditions of the scheme now?
Tiernan OToole - January 28, 2010 at 1:37 am
In all fairness Shane, who ever thought the Revenue guys were ever fair? I have 2 cars sitting in the drive, one a very old BMW (96) and the other a newer Ford Fiesta. If I where to want to buy a new car, I could scrap neither as 1) the BMW has not had an NCT since September and has been uninsured for a month and a bit, and 2) the Fiesta is in a friends name (the daddy borrowed it as the BMW was out of NCT). So, instead of the BMW getting scrapped properly so i could potentially buy a new "environmentally friendly" car, it has to go to a breakers yard... which probably isn't very environmentally friendly at all...
Shane Teskey - January 28, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Thanks for the comment Tiernan.
Sinead - January 28, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Hi Shane, I was just wondering can I buy a new car under the scrappage deal if the car is registered in my name, the Nct is all up to date but it is insured for the last 18 months in my fathers name. If you could get back to me that would be great thanks. Sinead
Shane Teskey - January 28, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Hi Sinead, The insurance issue is proving to be a problem for a lot of people. If you read some of the previous comments you'll see that Revenue have recently changed the FAQ's on Revenue.ie stating that the vehicle must be insured in the name of the registered owner. I don't think it's particularly fair and have written to my local TD. I suggest you do the same!
Helen Donovan - January 28, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Hi. My Dad is trading in a 97 Megane and is wondering does he have to buy Renault again to avail of the scrappage or is he free to buy any brand. Thanks
Shane Teskey - January 28, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Hi Helen, Your Dad is free to choose any make or model as long as it qualifies under Band A or Band B. You can get a complete list of all the vehicles that are available at the links below. https://www.motorcheck.ie/blog/scrappage-scheme-band-a-cars/ https://www.motorcheck.ie/blog/scrappage-scheme-band-b-cars/
Helen Donovan - January 28, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Thanks for that. I find the whole thing confusing and hes a bit older than me.
Siobhan Mc Donnell - January 29, 2010 at 9:56 am
Hi, I am currently purchasing a new car under the scrappage scheme. The car is ready to be picked up but there is an issue with registering the car as the date of 1st registration is the 18th February - the date at which the car is offically 10 years old. Is there any chance of getting the car registered under the scheme before the 18th? Otherwise, as tax on my current car is up at the end of the month, I will need to re-tax the car for the sake of a few days, when the car is then going to be scrapped. Thanks Siobhan
Shane Teskey - January 29, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Hi Siobhan, There's no requirement for your car to have up-to-date road tax to qualify for scrappage. Are you using it at the moment? If not, perhaps your dealer would take it now and keep it on the premises for you until you collect your new car next month?
Paul - January 30, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Hi Shane, I have a car in my name for 11 years but the insurance policy is in my wifes name with me as a named driver. Can I qualify for scrappage, it is nct tested and taxed also?
Shane Teskey - January 30, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Hi Paul, Are you actually named on the insurance certificate? Is so you might be able to qualify. Have you decided on what new car you'd like? Ask the dealer next time you're in. If you read some of the previous posts you'll see that there's some debate about this at the moment.
Anne O Gara - January 31, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Hi. I was ready to buy new car, had deposit paid and all was good. My old car 13 yrs old, Nct insured still and registerd in my name and new car was to be registerd in my name only to be told because I was a named insured on the policy and not policy holder that it could not go ahead. Why is this? My husband is the policy holder and I'm a named driver but surely they understand that a lot of couples do things this way it does not make sense. Can you help?
Shane Teskey - February 01, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Hi Anne, Was your name actually printed on the insurance certificate?
Tom Gleeson - February 01, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Anne, Try another dealer, the "rules" are currently in flux, Revenue FAQ says one thing (named driver not acceptable, a change added sometime mid-Jan), but everything else, dealer declarations, official VRT manual and the Annex to the Budget setting out the Scrappage Deal in the 1st place, simply say car needs to have been insured, doesn't specify by whom. Actual law to formalise "rules" will not be in place until Finance Bill comes before the Dail. Tom
Tom Gleeson - February 04, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Here's the wording from the Finance Bill 2010 published today (4th Feb); "an approved policy of insurance referred to in section 56(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 was issued to the person in respect of the scrapped vehicle and was in force during a total period of at least 12 months in the period of 18 months immediately..." I would think a "named driver" has been "issued" an approved policy of insurance under the Road Traffic Act http://bit.ly/9J0gK6 certainly worth a try. Tom
Shane Teskey - February 05, 2010 at 10:27 am
Hi Tom, Thanks for that. It's definitely worth a shot. Has anyone availed of the scrappage offer and not been the principle insured? Let us know and we'll make the point that it can be done!
Tom Gleeson - February 05, 2010 at 10:39 am
I have. We availed of the scrappage this Tuesday on one of "our" cars, car in question in my name (as were both our cars) but insured for 13 years in my wife's name with me as "named driver". Tom
Donie - February 01, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Hi Shane, just wondering if a 1998 Toyota Corolla van is eligible for scheme - states that passenger cars are but unsure if this qualifies?
c.m.o.beaglaoi - February 03, 2010 at 9:35 am
My new car is at my house. Scrappage deal complete and insurance transferred. Got new car with my two recent insurance certs, nct forms sent for - no problem there until i came home to look for registration cert. to find it was in my husbands name! What can I do to rectify this? Please answer if you come up with a sollution. Cash has been paid! Go raibh maith agat!
Shane Teskey - February 03, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Hi there, That's a bit of a problem! The scrappage scheme requires that the name of the new car be registered in the name of the old one. Maybe your dealer could reregister the new car in your husband's name? It will be in their interests to make sure that the paperwork is completed properly as they'll be the ones refused the scrappage rebate from the Revenue.
frank grimes - February 03, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Hi Shane, we're going to scrap this year, but I'd like to leave it as late as possible. Is there a final date that I can pick up my new car (ie 31/12/10), or is there a period of grace after that? I think in the uk they had until 31 march? thanks..
Shane Teskey - February 03, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Hi Frank, The current scrappage scheme is guaranteed until the 31st of December 2010. There hasn't been any extension provided yet but who knows what will happen later in the year? I guess it all depends on the success of the scheme this year.
Thomas Marren - February 05, 2010 at 12:11 am
Does the new car have to be insured in the name of the registered owner?
Shane Teskey - February 09, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Hi Thomas, there isn't any requirement for the car to be insured by the registered owner once you've purchased it.
Daniel - February 06, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Hello, My car is suitable for the scrappage and I would like to know, can I also put my wifes name on the registration / log-book of the new car along with my own. Is there anything wrong with doing this as she is named on everything else? Thanks.
Shane Teskey - February 09, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Hi Daniel, I'm looking into this for you and will come back to you tomorrow.
Shane Teskey - February 12, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Hi Daniel, I've checked with a couple of dealers and all have said that you can only put 1 name on the vlc.
Marty Lynch - February 07, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I am currently scrapping a 19 yr old volvo registered, taxed and insured in my name since 1991. What documentation do I need to satisfy the revenue for the €1500 VRT scrappage? Current documents I have are - two years insurance discs plus a letter from the AXA broker confirming the details (i do not have the insurance certificates to hand - took the tax disk out and put it in the window and don't know where the rest of the certificates are!), two years tax disks plus the motor tax online email confirming payment last year - my name and address is printed on this. I have lost the motor log book as I have been paying motor tax online and didn't need it for stamping! Will the revenue official accept this documentation and be satisfied? Is there a number I can ring to speak to an official to clarify? Thanks for your help.
Shane Teskey - February 09, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Hi Marty, Firstly - congratulations on keeping your Volvo on the road for 19 years. You'll miss it when it's gone! Any AXA branch will print off a copy of your insurance certificate while you wait. If you can't get to one just give them a call and they'll post one out to you. I'd expect that you will need to have the logbook replaced. Most of the ATF's (Authorised Treatment Facilities) that scrap cars will require the original logbook before they can issue a certificate of destruction. You can apply for a new logbook using the revenue form RF134 which you can download here
mike sound - February 08, 2010 at 11:30 pm
Hi! My car is a may 01 registration, its engine is knackered and has failed three ncts. Revenue told me today that i can't claim the scrappage because it is still not ten years old, so do i have to keep it for 14 months or what would you recommend me to do? If i drive the car i can get in trouble but i can't get a scrappage allowance???
Shane Teskey - February 09, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Hi Mike, It doesn't sound like your car will last another 14 months! If I were you I'd head to my nearest Renault garage. Their scrappage offer applies to cars that are 8 years old and the discounts on offer are genuinely excellent.
Matt - February 11, 2010 at 3:34 am
Hi If you were seriously thinking of buying a new Megane which one would you lean more towards 1.5 dCi 86 Dynamique or the 1.5 dCi 106 TomTom Edition. Not sure if I would need the sat nav but would like to have the climate control and the extra bhp but not essential. Cheers.
Shane Teskey - February 11, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Hi Gavin, It really depends on what you like in options besides the BHP and climate control. I think the auto lights and wipers and the hands free card that are standard are also nice to have. I spoke with the guys at Airside Renault and asked them which model they would be offering the best trade-in allowance against further down the line. The Tom Tom model was the one that came out on top.
Dee - February 17, 2010 at 12:02 am
Hi Shane can you clarify if a Fiat Bravo Van ('99) qualifies for the scrappage scheme as I'm not sure if this comes under the 'passenger car' requirement, even though our van is a two seater i.e. a passenger seat beside the driver's seat. Thanks. D
Shane Teskey - February 17, 2010 at 11:15 am
Hi Dee, Sorry passenger cars only (back seats needed) for scrappage :(
Rosaleen - February 17, 2010 at 12:43 am
Hi My car is not 10 years old 'til 31 may 2010, so I was looking on some of the car maker websites. Some makers are only giving 1250 on scrappage and then their 250 bonus! (kia for one!). Whats the story?? Is this legit?? Why are some cars given more discounts than others? Nissan Pixo has 1500 while micra has 3000 off. What gives?
Shane Teskey - February 17, 2010 at 11:14 am
Hi Rosaleen, The scrappage scheme on offer from the government will be the same on every car. I.E. Up to 1,500 off the vrt of the car. I say 'up to' because some cars have a vrt amount that's less than 1,500. The different offers you mention above are additional discounts added by the manufacturer. These will differ from car to car so it pays to shop around as you're doing!
David - February 17, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Hi Shane, I know you've probably been asked this a thousand times but i was told at a dealership that it was not possible. If my brother purchases a new car and scraps his old one can he transfer ownership of the new car to my father right after the purchase of the new car or does he have to hold on to the new car for 12 months or so? Dad has a 00 car and it qualifies for scrappage but he would rather keep this one and get my brothers scrapped and this is the reason my brother is looking at scrapping his car and buying the new one in his name. Any info would be great! Regards Dave
Shane Teskey - February 19, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Hi David, You're brother is entitled to sell his car whenever he likes! Of course he will be the first registered owner of it but he doesn't have to keep it for any minimum of time. Hope this helps!
David - February 20, 2010 at 11:54 am
Thanks Shane, Will effect the warranty on the new car when my brother transfers the new car to my father? Regards Dave
Shane Teskey - February 20, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Nope. Warranty stays with the car irrespective of the owner.
Michael - February 17, 2010 at 11:10 pm
I have a 1992 Nissan Sunny which we have owned for almost 18 years. It is been taxed and insured since then and has current NCT. I want to scrap it but find I am ineligible. When I purchased the car in 1992 and went to insure it, PMPA as it was then would not allow me to insure 2 cars (we run two cars) so my wife had to insure it in her name While I have always been a named driver, I am ineligible for scrappage as I have not personally insured it for 18 months. This is crazy as the car has been in the family at the same address for 18 years and still not eligible for scrappage. The bank will accept a untility bill in my name for my wife when she goes to open an account. Why not revenue. I am really really annoyed.
Shane Teskey - February 19, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Hi Michael, Take a look at Brian's comments also. I'm thinking of petitioning Revenue on this!
Brian - February 18, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Hi Shane, I have the same scrappage problem as Paul and Anne -this nonsense about the Insurance Policy. I am the registered owner of a car which is 13 years old, fully taxed and insured and valid NCT to Dec 2010. Did a deal on 19th January and paid deposit. Produced all documents and garage advised that car qualified. Am awaiting delivery as I ordered a colour that was not in stock. Now find I am in no-mans land because goal posts appear to have moved. I am specifically named on the insurance policies as named driver ( I was previously the principal driver but changed that to my wife for family reasons to ensure compliance with law in relation to insurance policy!). Have been on to Revenue Commissioners who have simply stated that car does not qualify but cannot explain why this stipulation about insurance has been included. I would be interested in joining a group of similar affected people to challenge this. Have started to email TD's and Ministers as they have power to change before they vote on Finance Bill in April. Suggest everyone else does the same.
Shane Teskey - February 19, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Hi Brian, You're not alone on this one. It looks like there may be many people in the same position as you. What do you think - should we start a petition and try to lobby Revenue for a change in the rules?
Michael - February 19, 2010 at 7:27 pm
A small amendment to the Finance bill would sort out the problem. The anomaly arises largely due to the fact that a person could only insure a single vehicle - don't know if this is still the case or if it was actually a legal requirements. I have already contacted some TDs on this but we need to do more. Why not try to get the SIMI to get on the case? They pushed hard for the scrappage scheme. I emailed them but did not even get a reply. The rule clearly discriminates against families who own more than one car - this might be an agrument against the present situation. I always understood that under our Constitution, the family is a unit and most financial transactions accept this. Again, this might be an argument for a derogation in the case of family owned vehicles.
catherine - February 21, 2010 at 12:42 pm
What insurance documents need to be presented in order to qualify for the scrappage scheme? Do you need to get an up to date insurance letter from the insurance company confirming insurance cover was operational or will certificate issued at start of insurance year (i.e. 1.3.09 to 28.2.10) suffice? What other documents are required and do you have to organise scappage documents yourself and present to garage or does the garage that you are dealing with do this for you?
Shane Teskey - February 23, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Hi Catherine, The insurance certificate should be fine for confirming the name on the policy. Your dealership will handle all of the other paperwork for you but you'll need to bring along the vehicle licensing certificate and the NCT certificate (if applicable).
Paddy Comyn - February 22, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Hi guys - Paddy Comyn here from The Irish Times Motors. I would like to talk to anyone who has had problems with the scrappage in terms of the terms and conditions. Paddy
Michael - February 24, 2010 at 10:09 am
Annex F of the 2010 Budget speech sets out the details of the scrappage scheme. They are as outlined on the top of this page. The insurance stipulation states: 'Must have been insured for use on the road for at least 12 months in the 18 months prior to the issue of the Certificate of Destruction'. Someone someplace amended this to include the restrictions included in the version on the Revenue web site ! We need to get back to the original conditions immediately - one presumes that this is what the Minister indented.
Paddy Comyn - February 25, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Hi guys - got this today from the Dept of Finance - "Since the inception of the scrappage scheme on I January 2010, it has become clear that many vehicles are acquired for use as 'family vehicles' and are frequently registered for VRT purposes in the name of one spouse, but insured in the name of the other spouse. Accordingly, the scope of the scheme under Section 102 of the Bill, has been extended by providing that any reference to a "person" in the relevant subsection of the section may in the application of those provisions be construed by the Revenue Commisioners as a reference to either the person concerned, or to that person's spouse. Consequently documentation in the name of one spouse is to be taken into account for the purposes of the other qualifying under the scheme. Following this change, documents relating to vehicle ownership and vehicle insurance can be presented in the name of either spouse in order to qualify for the repayment of VRT."
Joan Johnson - February 25, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Hi Paddy, That's good news for the married couples but unfortunately it does not help the parent/ child "family car" situation ( or the partners one!). Any chance they might move another inch ?
Paddy Comyn - February 25, 2010 at 6:54 pm
That I don't know yet, but I have asked. The answers take a while
Odel - February 27, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Hi My husband has a Citroen Berlingo (VAN) 1999. I was wondering if this would qualify for the scrappage scheme?
Shane Teskey - March 02, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Hi Odel, Unfortunately not. Scrappage only applies to passenger cars.
Mary C - February 28, 2010 at 8:23 pm
I want to buy a car and I'm not eligible for the scappage scheme, so I'm wondering if it would it be possible for a friend to purchase a new car under this scheme, thereby getting rid of her old Micra by scrappage. Then some time after the purchase was made, I would swap/sell my 6 yr old car with/to her , as she doesn't need a new car these days. She would benefit from the swap by getting my newer car ultimately, and I would drive the brand new one. Of course we'd have to work out the finances between us. But does this fit with the terms and conditions?
Shane Teskey - March 02, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Hi Mary, Thanks for your comment. Short answer is yes. If your friends car qualifies for scrappage there's nothing to stop her purchasing the new car and selling it on to you afterwards.
sara - March 02, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Hello I wonder can you shed any light. I have been insured on my partners 99 Clio for 3 years. He transferred it to my name last August so I could build up my own insurance history. He owned and was insured on the car from 1999 to August 2009. Is there any way either of us would qualify for the scrappage scheme? I so badly want to avail of it. Many Thanks Sara
Shane Teskey - March 03, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Hi Sarah, If the ownership of the car was transferred to your name last August you're going to have to wait until 18 months have elapsed before it qualifies for scrappage. Hope this helps!
helen - March 03, 2010 at 1:02 am
hi...I have a 97 fiesta which has been registered in my name for 2 weeks...I have however had it for a year but had not re-registered it until now as it was a family friend who sold it to me...I have a valid nct but have not yet been insured (only learning on private ground) I have ordered a new car will I not be able to avail of the scrappage scheme???
Shane Teskey - March 03, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Hi Helen, unfortunately not. Your car doesn't qualify as it hasn't been registered in your name for the required duration nor do you have an insurable interest in it for the required 12 months. Sorry!
Shane Teskey - March 04, 2010 at 2:58 pm
New blog post about latest changes to scrappage scheme and how one 'spouse' can qualify on behalf of another https://www.motorcheck.ie/blog/car-dealers-to-check-marital-status-for-scrappage-discount/
Matt - March 05, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Hi Shane, I've a 98 ford fiesta that cost 700euro and was crashed. It has front damage and the garage say its going to cost over a thousand euro to repair, so i was thinking of getting rid of it by scrapping it for cash. Can I do that?
Shane Teskey - March 09, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Hi Matt, Getting any kind of cash for scrap at the moment is difficult. You could try calling one or two of your local scrapyards and see if they'll offer you anything. It's more than likely that they'll just offer to scrap the car for you without charge. If you get a couple of hundred euro for it that would be a great result.
paul - March 14, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Hi, I'm about to complete a scrappage deal this week. The car I'm scrapping has broken down in the last few days. Am I legally bound to to have the car repaired or can i have it towed to the car dealer?
Shane Teskey - March 15, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Hi Paul, You can have it towed there if you like. There's no stipulation that the car has to be running perfectly. After all - it's going to be scrapped anyway!
Bob - March 16, 2010 at 12:07 am
Hi, No problem getting eligibility for the scrapage scheme, but any ideas on what you actually have to hand over when it comes to scrapage day? I gather it doesn't even have to be drivable. Does it need to have a steering wheel, mirrors, spare tyre, any tyres at all? Bodywork??
Shane Teskey - March 25, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Hi Bob, Thanks for your question. The legislation in this area is a little unclear. From speaking with one of the Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATF) the advice is that the car must be 'complete'. I would take this to mean that all the necessary parts should be intact with nothing obvious missing. Had you something in mind?
Michael - March 17, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Hi, Ive a 00 renualt megane since 01 but it has been off the road since june08 because I was not using it. I now have the car back on the road from this month because I need it for work but I have been told that I dont qualify for the scrappage scheme as the car was not insured for the past year even though its my car since 01.
Shane Teskey - March 25, 2010 at 5:08 pm
That's right Michael. The car has to have been insured by you or your spouse for 12 of the previous 18 months.
Jenny - March 22, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Hi Shane, I have a Toyata Yaris 1999 which i bought in Aug 2008. It's been insured in my name and has the NCT also so I should be okay for the scrappage scheme. My question is if I buy a new car under the scrappage scheme how long before i can sell/transfer ownership of the car. The plan is that I buy a new car which would be registed in my name bought by my funds and then transfer ownership of it to my father, who in turn will transfer ownership of his 2005 Yaris to me. I know that it's playing the scheme a little but I'm sure others are at it too. There is no bother if we have to wait to transfer the ownership as we'll both be insured on both cars, but it would be nice to have it sorted if possible straight away. Can't find the answer to this anywhere. Just wanted to say that this is a great website, thanks for the info. Jen
Shane Teskey - March 23, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Hi Jenny, Thanks for the compliments on the site. We aim to please! Regarding selling your new car to your Dad. This isn't a problem as there isn't any stipulation on how long you need to keep the car in your name. Once you've bought it it's yours to sell / give to anyone you like. Best of luck with the new car.
Gabriel - March 23, 2010 at 1:08 pm
My car will not be 10 years old till July. I want to buy a new car before that and collect it in May and avail of the scrappage scheme. Can I do this even though my car wont be 10 years till july?
Shane Teskey - March 23, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Hi Gabriel, Thanks for your question. The scrappage scheme is only open to cars that are over 10 years old - meaning 10 years from the date of first registration. However Revenue do allow you to scrap your old car within 60 days of the date of the new car being registered. Whether or not they require your old car to be 10 years old on the date you register the new car is a bit unclear. I'll find out for you tomorrow and drop you a note.
Paddy Comyn - March 23, 2010 at 10:25 pm
I would guess that as long as your dealer can claim back then it is up to them whether they decide to release the new car. Good question though.
Gabriel - March 25, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Hi Shane, Had you any luck getting an answer on this, i phoned monaghan but they didnt even know? Thanks
Shane Teskey - March 25, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Hi Gabriel, I've sent a second email to Revenue. Hope to hear something back soon.
Shane Teskey - March 25, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Hi Gabriel, Revenue have come back with an interesting answer to your question. See below; "In strict legal terms Gabriel will be eligible, but I must voice a strong word of caution. Firstly the scrapped car "must have been registered not less than 10 years before the date of the certificate of destruction" Depending on the dates of purchase Gabriel could purchase a new car under the scrappage at the end of May and ensure that the scrapped car is scrapped in July after the 10 years have elapsed but within 60 days after the date of registration of the new car. We in Revenue have warned the trade that a) there is no freedom regarding the 10 years i.e a car that is 9 years and 364 days old is ineligible and b) once the 59th day has passed the eligibility ceases. We provided a very generous provision in the Bill "within 60 days" and there will be absolutely no movement from that either. We have also warned them if due to any delay e.g. inability to bring a vehicle to and end of life facility, inability of the ELV to issue the certificate of destruction etc will not be seen as extenuating circumstances by Revenue and they will be at a loss. Our advice to Gabriel is to wait until until he is well within the "comfort zone" so that any unforeseen circumstance will not rule him ineligible. We have given this same advice to the trade so it could happen that although what he wants to do is within the parameters of the scheme, the dealer will decide it is not worth the risk of loosing €1,500 ." I hope this is of use.
Veronica - March 23, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Hi. My husband and I have a 1996 corsa that we want to use for the scrappage scheme. Until March 2009 the car was registered under my name for about 9 years but the insurance was under my husbands name for about the last 2 years with me as the named driver as I purchased another car. My husband decided to change to another insurance company in March 09 and they said he had to take over ownership of the car to get full cover. I remained as a named driver on his new policy. We are interested in buying a Hyundai i10 but the dealer has told us that we arent eligible as he has only been the registered user since March 09. As I am his spouse and the said car was registered in my name for the previous 9 years, plus we are both named drivers on both his insurance as well as mine, can you tell me if we are eligible for the scrappage scheme. Many thanks.
Shane Teskey - March 23, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Hi Veronica, I'm pretty sure you will qualify under the Revenue's new relaxed rules. This FAQ from the Revenue site should clarify things for your dealer. I am a named driver on an insurance policy for my car. Am I eligible for the scrappage scheme? Yes, if you are a named driver and your spouse is the insurance policy holder for the scrapped vehicle. You must either be the policy holder or the named driver on the insurance policy of your spouse for the scrapped vehicle for a period of 12 months in the 18 months prior to the date of scrappage. You are not eligible if you are the named driver on the policy of another family member, e.g. a father or sister.
Veronica - March 24, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Thanks Shane for your reply. The insurance doesnt seem to be the problem, its the question of registered ownership that seems to be the issue even though we have owned this vehicle for the past 10 years. Hopefully Paddy can get more information as I am having no luck getting replies from the Revenue office. Thanks again.
Paddy Comyn - March 24, 2010 at 12:46 pm
I have sent your request to Revenue and we will wait and see what they come back with Paddy
Shane Teskey - March 25, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Hi Veronica, Good news! Revenue have come back to me with news that you are entitled to scrappage. See extract from their response below. "An amendment was made at committee stage of the bill to include a spouse in the conditions for eligibility. Thus if either spouse was the owner of the scrapped car, had insurance issued in either name or was the registered owner of the new car, then they are eligible for the scrappage." Hope this was what you were looking for!
Veronica - March 25, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Hi Shane, Thats great news. Now we can go and get our Hyundai i10. Hope its lucky for us after all the trouble. Cant thank you enough for helping us out with this problem. Love your site and will be telling others to check it out. Thanks again.
Paddy Comyn - March 25, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Good stuff Shane - glad it all got sorted
Veronica - April 08, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Hi Shane, Just wanted to let you know that we picked up our new Hyundai i10 today. Your comments convinced the dealer it was ok to go ahead with the scrappage scheme so thanks again for your help.
Shane Teskey - April 08, 2010 at 7:44 pm
That's great news Veronica. Best of luck with the car, the i10 is a great choice and I'm sure will serve you well.
Paddy Comyn - March 23, 2010 at 9:36 pm
I am going to look into this tomorrow Veronica / Shane Paddy
Veronica - March 24, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Thanks Paddy. I hope you have more luck than I have had trying to sort out this problem. Thanks for your help and look forward to hearing from you.
Kate - March 27, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Hi Shane. I'm driving a car that my partner owns since October 09. It is a 1992 Vectra. It is his insurance and I'm a named driver. He has had it insured since date of registration in his name ie October 2009. It is NCT'd until 2011. Prior to that it was owned by an old man since 1992 and was insured until October 2009. What is the possibility for us using this vehicle in the scrappage scheme?
Shane Teskey - March 30, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Hi Kate, Unfortunately your car won't be eligible for scrappage until it's been in your partners name for 18 months. That would be March 2011 but I doubt that the scrappage scheme will still be in place then. Have you tried getting it valued under one of the manufacturers scrappage offers? There's some great value out there at the moment.
Shane Teskey - April 01, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Any lessons to be learned from the UK? As the scrappage scheme comes to an end in the UK, many in the motor industry are worried sales will now fall. However, Industry body, the SMMT is not overly concerned. “While the 2010 market is expected to dip, the recent increase in fleet and business demand is expected to soften the impact of the end of the scrappage scheme,” it said. Read More /www.motor-trade-insider.com/index.php/2010/03/scrappage-scheme-ends/
Niamh - April 17, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Hi Shane, I purchased a car a year and a half ago however the garage registered my car in my fathers name. (as it was a friend of his) The car is over ten years old, I'm insured as the only driver. I contacted the Vehicle Registration office to ask if anything could be changed since it was an error of the garage however nothing can be changed to rectify the issue. I have been advised by one dealer that Revenue have relaxed the vehicle ownership rule to family members living at the same address, however another larger dealer has told me absolutely not. Can you clarify? Thank you.
Shane Teskey - April 19, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Hi Niamh, you're in a spot of bother there. It's true that Revenue relaxed the rules but it was to facilitate spouses rather than family members. Was your Dad insured on the car as well? If so, you could apply for scrappage in his name but it will be difficult in yours as technically you don't own the car.
Michael - April 23, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Hi Shane I have a 11 year old Golf which does not drive due to a crash and which has an old NCT cert. I am going to buy a new car however the dealer tells me that the NCT centre will not issue a failure cert as the car cannot complete the tests in the first place. Is there a seperate process for this situation - it seems that there is "other documentation" which can be provided ? Could I use the NCT confirmation letter as back up for the NCT requirement? Thanks Michael
Shane Teskey - May 12, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Hi Michael, I've put your question to Revenue. Hopefully I'll have something back for you soon....
Shane Teskey - May 14, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Hi Michael, I've been in touch with Revenue but unfortunately there isn't any good news for you. One of the rationales for the scrappage scheme was to get old cars off the roads and to replace them with newer models. Therefore a requirement was that the car had to have been on the roads, i.e. an NCT cert or recently failed one. In the last scrappage scheme a number of cars were taken out of sheds, ditches etc to avail of the scheme and the current scheme was designed to stop this from happening. If an individual has an 11 year old vehicle that does not have a current NCT cert or one that expired in the past 90 days or a vehicle that failed in the past 6m months Revenue would see this as an indication that it was not (or should not ) have been on the roads and therefore does not qualify for the scheme. Sorry I couldn't be the bearer of better news.
Matt Keating - April 27, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Hi, I have just finished my deal and got my new car, under the scrappage scheme, very pleased with my deal and car. Brought my car home on the 20th of april last tuesday but on friday evening and yesterday evening I met my old scrapped car on the road. It is nct'd until the 20th may and taxed until the end of May but is this legal or can they do this? It is against the whole spirit of the incentive. I would like to have your comments.
Shane Teskey - June 11, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Hi Matt, In some cases, if your car is in relatively good condition, the dealer may decide to sell your car to a trader rather than scrapping it. Some of the lower CO2 emitting cars have a relatively small scrappage incentive of 320 Euro so it's not difficult to see how the car could be worth more intact. Were you told that the car was actually going to be scrapped?
linda - May 12, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Are you 100% sure that if my Sister buys a car on the scrappage scheme, she can then change over to my name? Is there a time limit? ie can we register in the same week?
Shane Teskey - May 13, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Hi Linda, Once your Sister has purchased the new car she can do as she pleases with it. Selling it to you or anyone else isn't a problem.
Ed - May 18, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Hi Shane, I have a 1999 Mitsubishi, that was originally imported from Japan, I have had it registered (Tax, Insurance, NCT etc..) and driving it in the country the last four years, is this car still eligible as it was imported? Thank You
Shane Teskey - May 24, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Hi Ed, Yep. The country of origin doesn't matter for the scrappage scheme.
damien - May 31, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Hi Shane, Instead of having to look up each individual car maker's website, do you know if there's any list out there listing the make/models of cars that are eligible for the €1500 scrappage scheme ? And also on same list if it shows what savings the dealers themselves are also offering on top of the governments €1500 (because some are offering more than others). Many thanks, Damien
Shane Teskey - June 11, 2010 at 11:19 am
Hi Damien, We published a complete list of category a and b vehicles on the blog at https://www.motorcheck.ie/blog/scrappage-scheme-band-a-cars/ and https://www.motorcheck.ie/blog/scrappage-scheme-band-b-cars/ Unfortunately there isn't any list our there comparing the additional discounts that the dealers are offering.
Derek - June 16, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Subject: 2011 Registration for Scrappage by 31/12/10 Hi Shane, At this stage of the year I’m considering holding back until the last quarter of 2010 to purchase a new car under the Government Scrappage Scheme. Do you know if it is possible to purchase it by - lets say on 31/12/10 and have it delivered and registered as a 2011 car in - lets say 01/01/2011, thereby ensuring that it is not ‘valued’ as a 2010 car?
Shane Teskey - June 19, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Hi Derek, As it stands you would have to complete your purchase before the year ends which means a mandatory 2010 registration. I have a feeling though that the industry will be lobbying hard for an extension in the scheme that would cover the first quarter of next year. Stay posted!
Catriona - June 22, 2010 at 3:04 pm
I have a car to be scrapped but I can not find my original insurance certs. Would a letter from my insurance company be ok to say that I have been insured for the previous 12 months?
Shane Teskey - June 22, 2010 at 5:11 pm
HI Catriona, I'm sure official confirmation from your insurance company would be fine. If not, you could always ask them for copies of the original certificates. They're usually very good about that.
Colin Gleeson - July 03, 2010 at 9:27 pm
Hi, I was just wondering why vans aren't allowed under the scrappage scheme?i was going to scrap my 99 van to get a 2010 car, but have just found out that i cant!!! is there any options out there for people who have vans?i wouldn't get much for a 99 renault kangoo and the scrappage seemed like a great deal.
Shane Teskey - July 19, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Hi Colin, unfortunately you're right. There isn't any scrappage scheme for Vans. Best option you have is to haggle with a local dealer and ask him what he'll give you as a 'good will' gesture for your van. New car sales are still pretty slow despite this year's increase and I'm sure you'll be made very welcome.
Padraic - July 07, 2010 at 11:00 pm
A quick question, my parents are thinking of buying a new car. My car meets all the criteria for the scrappage scheme. Could I buy it for them and then after a number of weeks transfer ownership?
Shane Teskey - July 19, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Short answer - Yes! You could transfer ownership the next day if you wanted. Once it's yours you can do what you like with it.
Gosia - August 06, 2010 at 7:46 am
Hi, i'm loking for a list of makes and models that are available under the scrapage scheme. Can you help me?
Shane Teskey - August 07, 2010 at 11:59 pm
Hi Gosia, We have two lists on our blog at https://www.motorcheck.ie/blog/scrappage-scheme-band-a-cars/ and https://www.motorcheck.ie/blog/scrappage-scheme-band-b-cars/ It's a while since we've looked at it though so there may have been some changes since we published it.
Ciaran - August 10, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Hi Shane. Great site and you have the patience of a saint answering all these queries. I had a 99 Polo that had been insured and registered in my name for approx 3 years until February of this year, when I transferred ownership to my girlfriend. She is now the registered owner and the insurance is in her name. Is there any way she can avail of the scrappage scheme? I know there is provision for "spouses" in the amendments to the scheme but have you seen or heard of any situations where a couple in our situation have been able to avail of the scheme? If we can't qualify for the scheme as is - she may force me to marry her and we don't want that :) It seems a bit harsh that we are being punished for doing things by the book, whereas if I'd kept the car in my name and added her as a named driver on my policy (which would have been the cheaper option) we would be eligible. I have contacted revenue on this but they don't really know what the story is. Basically I'm hoping for precedent to convince the dealer that it's ok as I suspect he will be reluctant to try and scrap the car if there's a chance the revenue will refuse his rebate (can't blame him for that). Thanks Ciaran
Shane Teskey - August 12, 2010 at 11:10 am
Hi Ciaran, Thanks for the comment. You're in a bit of a fix all-right. Unfortunately the changes Revenue made earlier this year didn't make allowances for 'couples'. I wrote a piece about it at the time and asked Revenue for an opinion on what constitutes a 'spouse'. Their reply was; “While this opens up the scheme somewhat, it does pose some challenges to the dealers who will have to determine exactly what a spouse is and who is a spouse. It may prove quite challenging to determine whether two people sharing a name with the same address are brother and sister, father and daughter or spouses and whether two people with different names sharing an address are a married couple who have retained their own names, living together without any State recognition or simply housemates or flat mates who see an opportunity.” Right now I think you're best bet is to find a dealer who thinks you're car is worth the 1,500 euro with or without scrappage. Hope this helps!
Viicis - August 13, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Hi Shane! My wife and I have a 1997 BMW that we want to use for the scrappage scheme. Until December 2009 the car was registered under my name for about 2.5 years. My wife was a named driver on my insurance policy for 1 year. Then we bought a second car and I transferred my insurance to new car, but to get cheaper insurance on the old BMW, we had to change ownership to my wife ( she's owner of that car since 09.12.2009). She has full cover insurance and I'm a named driver on her policy. Is it possible for us to get scrappage deal? Sorry for my English! :)
Shane Teskey - August 16, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Hi Viicis, Thanks for stopping by the blog. It looks to me like you are a great example of the situation that persuaded Revenue to change the rules to accomodate spouses in the scrappage scheme. I've written more about the relaxed rules here but I'd advise you to drop into a dealership whenever you're ready as you should be able to qualify. Regards, Shane. PS. You're English was perfect!
Norma Glennon - August 25, 2010 at 3:43 pm
My daughter has a car which qualifies for scrappage. I have a 2004 car which she wishes to buy from me but if she purchases a new 2010 car using her '99 car for scrappage how long would she have to keep it before selling it to me so that I can register it in my name. Thanks.
Shane Teskey - August 28, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Hi Norma, No mandatory length of time required. Once your daughter has purchased the new car she's free to sell it to whomever she likes whenever she likes.
Norma Glennon - September 13, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Thanks for that - she was told she would have to keep it for six months by dealer!
Sharon - August 27, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Hi, Was thinking recently of taking up a scrappage deal but didn't realise there were so many T&Cs. I have a 99 Fiesta for the past three years. However I have been away for the past year, during which time the car was registered and insured by my sister (I was a named driver). Will this qualify? Thanks for help.
Shane Teskey - August 28, 2010 at 12:31 pm
HI Sharon, Unfortunately you won't qualify as the car is now legally in your Sister's name. Once the car has been registered in her name for 18 months she will qualify though. Maybe she could buy the new one in her name and sell it to you directly afterwards? It does add an extra driver to the logbook but could be worth it if you want to avail of the 1,500 discount. One other idea - Have you had your Fiesta valued by a local dealer? It may be worth close to the 1,500 Euro without having to scrap it?
Mary - September 02, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Hi there, I want to scrap my 13 year old micra against an Open Agila but want to then transfer ownership afterwards to my father, and take his current car instead (he needs to change his car due to age). Is this going to be a logistical nightmare? how long would you have to wait between registering the car before you can transfer ownership? In the interim, can he drive it under his own car insurance? Many thanks.
Shane Teskey - September 10, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Hi Mary, There's no fixed length of time you have to own the car before you transfer it to your Dad's name. Once you buy it - it's yours to do with what you will.
Shane O'Donoghue - September 10, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Hi Mary. There will be some administration to do, but nothing too taxing. We're not aware of any time limit between registering a car and transferring ownership. If your father's insurance policy allows him to drive other cars that are not in his name then yes, he will be insured on your car, but obviously you'll then have to inform the insurer when he takes ownership of the new car.
Siobhan - September 03, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Hi, I have a vintage beetle that is 33 years old. It is NCT exempt but is roadworthy, tax and insured. Does that qualify for the scrappage scheme?
Shane Teskey - September 03, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Hi Siobhan, I'm sure it would but are you sure you really want to scrap it? Surely it's worth more than 1,500 Euro??
Gary - September 09, 2010 at 10:28 am
Hi Shane, I saw similar queries, but not sure if covered this exactly. Basically a '00 Avensis involved in an accident that means it's written off due to the cost of fixing being more than the car's worth. I wasn't the cause of the accident so the other driver's insurance is covering it. But was wondering, could I get the compensation from the insurance company and then use the car for the scrappage scheme? Or do I have to choose one or the other?
Shane Teskey - September 10, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Hi Gary, It all depends on the type of settlement you reach with the insurance company. Some will allow you to retain your existing car if you forfeit the 'salvage value' put on it by the insurer. For this to make sense for you the salvage value will have to be less than the scrappage discount so check carefully.
Gary - September 10, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Thanks for the reply. Yeah, just found out from them yesterday that since they're writing the car off, they're taking ownership of it. So Will get the compensation and they get the car.
mary - October 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm
if i scrap my car and buy a new one is there a period of time i have to keep it before it can be sold?
Shane Teskey - November 01, 2010 at 5:13 pm
No.
Aine - October 15, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Hi Shane, I have been the registered owner of my 98 fiesta since the end of last October, I have just bought a new car and am handing mine over for scrappage. Everything is in my name except that I don't have a log book. I inherited the fiesta and I never got a log book with it. I do however have a certificate stating that it's my car. Is that sufficient for scrappage?
Shane Teskey - October 27, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Hi Aine, As far as I know the ATF that will be issuing you with a certificate of destruction will need the original logbook. You can apply for a new one using this form but you'll have to get it stamped by a local Garda before you send it back to Shannon.
Catherine - November 04, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Hi there, I was just wondering. I have a 00 opel corsa which I bought last year. It has been in my name for 18 months now but never insured as I only got my permit this year, and i'm looking to buy a new Renault Clio. I was in with the Renault garage today, and even though I know I don't qualify for the full scrappage, the man in the garage told me I would at least get the €320 from the goverment, but do i qualify even for that? And also if I do qualify for that, is that €320 off the full price of the car, which is at the moment €13,990 or the scrappage price of €8,990 they doing? If you could help me understand it a little better, thanks.
Shane Teskey - November 05, 2010 at 10:58 am
Hi Catherine, I'm a little confused too. Either your car qualifies for scrappage or it doesn't. In your case because it hasn't been insured for the required time it won't qualify so I'm not sure what government rebate the garage is referring to. Maybe he was talking about a refund of road tax but if the car wasn't insured I doubt you were paying road tax for it?
Catherine - November 05, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Hi Shane, Thanks for getting back to me. Well im a bit confused myself to be honest about it. My dad did explain to him that i hadnt the car insured at all so i kind of knew i wasnt gonna get the full scrappage on it, but he told my dad that i would get the €320 at least. Mean my dad did have it taxed for about 3months earlier this year as he borrowed it as his own car was gettin fixed and i think he did say that to the man in the garage, maybe he picked dad up wrong or something. I have been going to different garages just looking at different cars, and i did happen to go to our local ford dealer in Sligo the same day, and when my dad mentioned that i would get the €320 to that dealer, he said no that i dont qualify for any of it. So i dont know what to think now, as both garages telling me different things. If i didnt get any scrappage for it, is there any other deal i could get? Or would i be more than likely to pay the full price of €13,990?
Shane Teskey - November 05, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Hi Catherine, Could you email me the registration number of your Corsa? info@motorcheck.ie - I'll contact Renault for you and get to the bottom of it!
Catherine - November 05, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Hi Shane, I will email you the registration of the Corsa now. Thanks for that.
Ronan - November 07, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Hi there,i have a car which qualifies for the scrappage scheme,a 95 toyota corolla. The query i have is, could i trade a 05 car along with the scrappage car towards the new car?
Shane Teskey - November 17, 2010 at 10:32 am
Hi Ronan, I don't see why not. Provided the garage you're dealing with has an appetite for the car you should be able to include it in the deal.
Caroline - November 10, 2010 at 9:01 am
Hi Shane, I have a 2001 Ford Focus that broke down on me a couple of weeks ago. It was repaired & serviced in a garage but a subsequent fault occured & now I have been advised to replace the engine at a cost of €1350. I have deciced it's not worth putting this amount of money into the car so have decided to scrap it & purchase a new car, which will be second hand. Can you advise me if/how I can go about availing of this scrappage deal? The car has been registered with myself since 2008 although I don't think I was given a log book, it was a private sale. I am also going to speak to my insurance company this morning as I have fully comprehensive insurance so am wondering will they assist me in any way. Looking forward to your repsonse, Caroline
Ron Skingley - November 22, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Hi Ronan, I had a Suzuki Vitara (99) which I scrapped for a new Clio. I took it to the dealer in Cork on 24th September this year, with all the required paperwork, and took delivery of the Clio. (And very nice it is too) Today I received a Final Reminder notice from the Motor Tax Dept for car tax from September (that's when it ran out). Evidently the car, or at least the paperwork, has not been scrapped. I have never received a notice of scrappage either, which I thought was part of the system. I'm trying to contact the dealer about it. Ron
Ron Skingley - November 22, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Sorry I mean Shane.
Joan - December 09, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Hi Shane, I have a 97 car registered in my name since June 09, I have only recently got the insurance for it (November and it is insured till next Nov). Prior to that I changed over insurance from another car I had, once in January 08 (prior to registering it in my name to get the nct done) and in September 10 for about a week when again I had it nct'd. Both these periods of inurance were with the same company but not with the company it is now insured with. It is taxed till next Dec. The only continuous block of insurance will be from November though. Now that scrappage is to be extended would I have a chance of getting it next June??? Hope so!!!!!
Brian - December 16, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Hi Shane The details of my car are as follows Date of first registration 01 Sep 2000 Date of first licensing in Irl 20 Mar 2002 Year of Manufacture 2000 Tax Expires 08-2011 NCT due 31-08-2012 The car was in an accident and the insurance assesor has offered me euro1850 I am still waiting for the scrap value offer. Can I still avail of the government scrappage and if I can how do I go about getting it.
Nicola - August 31, 2011 at 11:15 am
Can you avail of the scrappage scheme without buying a new car?
Shane Teskey - September 13, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Nope.