Good news: when you sell your car from home, you don’t have to worry about getting it to the buyer. Most online car-buying services, including Motorway, offer free home collection as standard, so you can sell without leaving your sofa.
If you’re wondering how collection works and what your options are, you’ve come to the right place. On top of 8,000+ dealers competing to give you the best price, Motorway offers home collection nationwide. Value your car here and start selling from home today. Find out everything you need to know in this guide to home collection and pick up.
Key Takeaways
- Convenience: Most modern online car buyers and dealers offer free collection from your home or workplace, eliminating the need for drop-offs.
- Motorway Advantage: Motorway connects you with a network of 8,000+ verified dealers who compete to buy your car, with nationwide collection included in the sale.
- Payment Speed: Funds are typically transferred via secure bank transfer on the day of collection, often appearing in your account within 15 minutes.
- Private Sales: Unlike professional buyers, private sales usually require the buyer to drive the car away themselves after the sale is finalized.
- Check for Fees: Always verify if a buyer charges non-refundable application fees or surcharges for same-day payments before booking your collection.
What this guide covers
- Who will collect my car when I sell?
- Online car buying websites
- Which online buyers offer collection when you sell your car?
- Who will collect and scrap my car?
Who will collect my car when I sell?
Selling privately
When selling your car privately, the buyer usually takes the car away with them. They’ll come and view your car. Then, if you agree on a sale, they’ll simply drive it away once the money has been paid and the paperwork has been sorted.
Although you may find a buyer willing to collect your car, selling privately is a process that can take a while. You’ll have to advertise the car yourself, often on multiple websites, organise viewings, and manage the negotiation directly. This all takes time, and there are no guarantees of a sale after all that work.
If you want to know more about this option, our handy guide on selling your car privately is a great place to start.
Will a dealer pick up my car?
Selling a car to a dealer has also been a popular option for many years. However, the traditional method usually involves driving to your local dealer. Even large car dealer groups may still require you to take your car to them, rather than the other way around.
However, there are a number of dealers that will be willing to collect your car.
You’ll need to do your research to find the right dealership for you and your car. As well as finding one who will collect your car, make sure the dealer specialises in the make of your car to maximise the price of sale. Motorway works with over 8,000 verified dealers who will buy your car, and most of them will collect from home for free, with same-day payment. Read our full guide to selling your car to a dealer.
We can help.
Online car-buying websites
Online car-buying companies have become an increasingly popular method for many sellers over the last decade or so. They aim to make the process as quick and easy as possible, meaning you can often sell and get paid fast. They often offer home collection.
To make the process as simple as possible, many of them will pick up your car from either home or work.
However, not all online car-buying services provide a pick-up service. Instead, you have to drive to a collection centre or drop-off point to complete the transaction. Not the most convenient option.
Which online car buyers offer home collection?
Most online car buyers will collect your car from an agreed address, usually your home or place of work. The process is broadly similar across the category: you accept an offer, book a collection slot, and the buyer sends someone to pick up your car and complete the handover.
That said, the details vary. Here’s what to check before you commit:
- Is collection free? Not always. Some services charge a collection fee, or require you to drop the car at a nearby branch yourself. With Motorway, collection is always free.
- When do you get paid? Some buyers pay on the day of pick-up, while others take two to three days, or charge an extra fee for faster payment. On Motorway, the dealer pays you on the same day they collect.
- Are there hidden fees? Watch out for non-refundable application fees or admin charges that apply whether you go ahead with the sale or not. Motorway never charges sellers any fees.
- Will the price change? Some buyers adjust their offer at the point of collection after inspecting the car. Make sure the offer you accept is the offer you get.
Who will collect and scrap my car?
If your car is a complete write-off, you may just want to give up the chase and have it scrapped. There are a few ways to go about it:
- Sell it for parts. You could break up your car and sell individual components through online marketplaces like Gumtree or eBay. Buyers may come and collect the parts, but finding them takes time and effort, and you’ll need somewhere to store the car in the meantime.
- Use a scrap collection service. Several scrap buyers will come to you, collect your car for free, and pay you based on its weight and current scrap metal prices. Look for an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) to make sure your car is scrapped legally and you receive a Certificate of Destruction.
If your car still has some life left in it, it may be worth more than scrap value. Get a free valuation on Motorway to find out before you decide.
Sell the Motorway way
Ready to sell your car quickly and easily? Motorway can help you get a great price, whatever the make or model. Here’s how it works:
- Get your free valuation. Enter your reg to get an instant, free valuation based on up-to-the-minute market data.
- Profile your car. Snap a few photos and answer some quick questions using our app or website. No need to write an ad. We’ll guide you through everything in a matter of minutes.
- Let dealers compete. Your car goes into a daily sale where more than 8,000 verified dealers across the UK bid to buy it, so you get their best price.
- Get collected and paid. Accept your best offer and arrange a collection time that suits you. The winning dealer picks up your car from home for free, and the money is transferred securely to your bank account on the same day.
No fees, no haggling, no driving anywhere. Just a simple way to sell your car from home.