Junk Vehicle Removal in Ontario: Laws, Process & Free Pickup
That rusted car in your driveway, the one with the flat tires and the dead battery that has not moved in two years — it needs to go. But getting rid of a junk vehicle in Ontario is not as simple as calling someone to haul it away. There are legal requirements for ownership transfer, environmental regulations for disposal, and financial considerations that determine whether you pay for junk car removal or get paid. Whether you are in London, Ontario or anywhere in the province, this guide covers the laws, the step-by-step process, and how to get free junk vehicle removal — with cash in your pocket.
London Towing picks up junk vehicles for FREE — and pays cash ($100 – $2,000+) based on scrap value
You need: proof of ownership (registration) + valid photo ID
Ontario requires a signed UVIP (Used Vehicle Information Package) for ownership transfer
Call (519) 914-3677 for a free quote and same-day pickup.
Ontario Laws for Junk Vehicle Removal
You cannot just abandon a junk car or hand it off to anyone with a truck. Ontario has specific legal requirements for disposing of a vehicle — designed to prevent fraud, environmental damage, and title-washing of stolen vehicles.
Ownership Must Be Proven
You must prove you own the vehicle before it can be legally removed and scrapped. This means having the vehicle registration (ownership permit) in your name. If the vehicle was purchased but never transferred, or if you inherited it, you may need additional documentation. No legitimate scrap company will take a vehicle without proof of ownership — and doing so is illegal.
UVIP Required for Private Vehicle Sales
Ontario requires a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) when selling or transferring any used vehicle — including to a scrap buyer. The UVIP shows the vehicle’s registration history, lien status, and fair market value. You can purchase one online from Ontario.ca for approximately $20. Some junk car removal companies handle the UVIP process for you — London Towing does.
Plates Must Be Returned or Transferred
When you dispose of a vehicle, the licence plates stay with you — not the car. Remove your plates before the vehicle is picked up. You can transfer them to another vehicle you own, return them to a ServiceOntario centre, or request a plate refund for any unused portion of your sticker. Leaving plates on a junked vehicle can result in liability issues if the car ends up used illegally.
Insurance Must Be Cancelled
Cancel your auto insurance on the vehicle after it is removed. If you cancel before removal and the vehicle is still on your property, you have an uninsured vehicle — which can be an issue if someone is injured by or near it. Cancel the policy the day the vehicle leaves your property and request a prorated refund from your insurer. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario regulates auto insurance cancellation procedures.
Environmental Disposal Regulations
Vehicles contain hazardous materials — battery acid, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and refrigerants. Ontario’s Environmental Protection Act requires that these fluids be drained and disposed of properly at a licensed facility. Dumping a junk car on vacant land, in a ditch, or at an unauthorized lot is an environmental offence with significant fines. Always use a licensed removal service.
The Step-by-Step Junk Vehicle Removal Process
From rusting in your driveway to gone forever — here is exactly how the process works with London Towing.
Call (519) 914-3677 for a Quote
Tell us the year, make, model, and condition of the vehicle. We give you a cash quote over the phone — free, no obligation. The quote is based on current scrap metal prices, the vehicle’s weight, and any salvageable parts.
Schedule Free Pickup
We schedule a pickup at your convenience — often same-day or next-day. We come to your driveway, yard, garage, parking lot, or wherever the vehicle is sitting. The vehicle does not need to run, start, or even have wheels.
Prepare Your Documents
Have ready: vehicle registration (ownership) in your name, valid photo ID, and your licence plates removed from the vehicle. If you do not have the ownership, call us first — we can advise on what documentation alternatives may work.
We Load the Vehicle
Our flatbed tow truck arrives and loads the vehicle using a winch — no need for the car to run or roll. The driver inspects the vehicle, confirms the condition matches the quote, and completes the ownership transfer paperwork on site.
Get Paid Cash
You receive your cash payment at the time of pickup — before the truck leaves your property. The amount matches the phone quote unless the vehicle’s condition was significantly misrepresented.
Cancel Insurance and Return Plates
After the vehicle is gone, call your insurance company to cancel the policy and visit ServiceOntario to return or transfer your plates. You may receive a prorated insurance refund and a plate sticker refund.
How Much Is Your Junk Car Worth?
The value of a junk vehicle depends on several factors. Here is a realistic pricing guide for London, Ontario in 2026.
Scrap metal prices fluctuate based on global markets. The quotes London Towing provides are based on current-day pricing and are honoured at pickup. For a complete pricing breakdown, see our scrap car removal guide.
Free Pickup · Cash Paid on Spot · Same-Day Available
Junk Car Sitting in Your Driveway? We Pay You to Remove It.
Running or not. Damaged or intact. Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans — all accepted.
(519) 914-3677
Scrap vs. Sell vs. Donate: Which Is Right for Your Junk Car?
Scrapping is not your only option. Here is how to determine the best disposal method for your specific vehicle.
♻️ Scrap It
Best if: Car does not run, needs $3,000+ in repairs, or is 15+ years old with high mileage
You get: $100 – $2,000+ cash
Pros: Free pickup, instant cash, no listing hassle
💰 Sell It Privately
Best if: Car runs, has minor issues, or is a desirable model with parts demand
You get: Potentially more than scrap value
Cons: Takes time, requires UVIP, dealing with buyers, safety cert may be needed
🎁 Donate It
Best if: You want a tax receipt and the car has low scrap value
You get: Charitable tax receipt (value varies)
Cons: Not all charities accept non-running vehicles; tax benefit may be modest
Rule of thumb: If your car needs more than $2,000 in repairs to pass a safety inspection, scrapping is almost always the better financial decision. The repair cost exceeds the car’s value — and the money is better spent toward a replacement vehicle.
What Vehicles Does London Towing Accept for Junk Removal?
🚗 Cars & Sedans
🚙 SUVs & Crossovers
🛻 Pickup Trucks
🚐 Vans & Minivans
We accept vehicles in any condition: running, non-running, accident-damaged, flood-damaged, fire-damaged, rusted, missing parts, flat tires, no battery, and no engine. The vehicle does not need to be driveable. We load using a winch and flatbed.
For heavy vehicles (commercial trucks, RVs, box trucks), call us to discuss — additional equipment may be needed. For the full list of accepted vehicles, see our scrap car removal guide.
5 Red Flags When Choosing a Junk Car Removal Company
The junk car removal industry has its share of bad actors. Here is how to avoid them.
🚩 They do not ask for ownership documentation. A company willing to take a car without verifying ownership may be involved in stolen vehicle trafficking or illegal scrapping. Legitimate operators always verify.
🚩 The quote changes at pickup. A company quotes $500 over the phone, then offers $200 when they arrive — claiming the car is in worse condition than described. This bait-and-switch tactic pressures you to accept because the truck is already there. London Towing honours phone quotes unless the condition was genuinely misrepresented.
🚩 They charge a towing fee for removal. Legitimate junk car removal companies pick up for free — the scrap value covers their costs. If a company charges you $50 to $150 to tow a junk car and then scraps it for profit, you are being double-dipped.
🚩 They have no TSSEA certification. Under Ontario’s towing regulations, any company that tows vehicles must be TSSEA-certified. An uncertified operator is working illegally — and may not handle environmental disposal properly. Read our towing scams guide for more.
🚩 They dump vehicles illegally. Some unlicensed operators strip valuable parts and abandon the shell on vacant land or in waterways. This creates environmental contamination and can trace back to the original owner. Always verify the company uses a licensed scrap facility.
Can You Get Fined for a Junk Car on Your Property?
In many Ontario municipalities — including London — yes. The City of London’s property standards bylaw can be used to address vehicles that are inoperable, unlicensed, or in a state of disrepair on residential property. Neighbours can file complaints, and bylaw officers can issue orders requiring the vehicle’s removal within a specified timeframe.
Beyond municipal bylaws, leaving a junk vehicle on your property creates practical problems: it leaks fluids that contaminate soil and groundwater, attracts pests, reduces property value, and creates a liability risk if someone is injured around it.
The cost of removal? Zero. London Towing picks up junk vehicles for free and pays you cash. There is no financial reason to leave a junk car sitting on your property — only risk. For service across all surrounding communities, see our surrounding areas towing guide.
What If You Do Not Have the Ownership Documents?
This is one of the most common complications with junk vehicle removal. The car has been sitting so long that the ownership paperwork is lost, or the vehicle was purchased informally without a proper title transfer. Here are your options.
Request a replacement ownership: You can apply for a replacement vehicle permit through ServiceOntario. You will need your driver’s licence and the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which is located on the dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s door jamb.
Previous owner still on title: If the car was never officially transferred to your name, you need the previous owner to sign the transfer section on the back of their ownership permit. If the previous owner is unreachable, the situation becomes more complex — ServiceOntario may require a court order or statutory declaration.
Abandoned vehicle on your property: If someone left a vehicle on your property and never returned, Ontario law allows you to apply for ownership through an abandoned vehicle process. This involves a police report, a waiting period, and ServiceOntario documentation. Call us at (519) 914-3677 and we can walk you through the options for your specific situation.
Free Junk Vehicle Removal Across London & Surrounding Areas
London Towing provides free junk car removal with cash payment across all London neighbourhoods — Downtown, Byron, Hyde Park, Masonville, White Oaks, Old East Village, Westmount, and Lambeth.
We also pick up junk vehicles in St. Thomas, Woodstock, Dorchester, Strathroy, Komoka, Ingersoll, and all rural properties throughout Middlesex, Elgin, and Oxford Counties. Beyond scrap removal, we offer 24-hour towing, battery boosts, tire changes, car unlocking, fuel delivery, and accident recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Junk Vehicle Removal
Is junk vehicle removal really free?
Yes. London Towing picks up junk vehicles at no charge — and pays you cash based on the vehicle’s scrap value. We make our money from the scrap metal and salvageable parts, not from charging you a towing fee. The pickup, loading, and transport are all included at zero cost to you.
How much cash will I get for my junk car?
Typically $100 to $2,000+ depending on the vehicle’s size, condition, and current scrap metal prices. Trucks, SUVs, and vans are worth more due to heavier weight. Vehicles with intact drivetrains and catalytic converters are worth more than stripped shells. Call (519) 914-3677 for a free phone quote.
Do I need the ownership to have my junk car removed?
You need proof of ownership — the vehicle registration permit in your name. If you have lost the ownership, you can request a replacement through ServiceOntario using your driver’s licence and the vehicle’s VIN. Call us and we can advise on documentation options for your specific situation.
Does the junk car need to run for pickup?
No. The vehicle does not need to start, run, roll, or even have wheels. We load using a winch and flatbed. We pick up vehicles in any condition — non-running, accident-damaged, rusted, missing parts, flat tires, no battery, and no engine.
What do I do with the licence plates?
Remove the plates before the vehicle is picked up. You can transfer them to another vehicle, return them to ServiceOntario, or request a sticker refund. Never leave plates on a scrapped vehicle — you remain liable until the plates are returned or transferred.
Can I get a junk car removed from a rural property?
Yes. London Towing picks up junk vehicles from rural properties throughout Middlesex, Elgin, and Oxford Counties. Farmyards, acreages, and remote properties are all serviced. The vehicle does not need to be accessible from a paved road — our flatbed and winch can handle most access situations.
Is it legal to scrap a car without the ownership in Ontario?
No. Ontario law requires proof of ownership for vehicle disposal. A company that accepts a vehicle without verifying ownership is breaking the law and may be involved in stolen vehicle trafficking. Always use a legitimate, TSSEA-certified removal service that verifies ownership before loading.
How fast can you pick up my junk car?
London Towing offers same-day and next-day junk car pickup in most cases. Call (519) 914-3677, get a quote, and schedule the time that works for you. Pickup takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes once the truck arrives.
Should I scrap my car or try to sell it?
If the car needs more than $2,000 in repairs to be roadworthy, scrapping is usually the smarter financial move. If it runs and could pass a safety inspection with minor work, a private sale may yield more. Call us for a scrap quote, then compare with what similar vehicles are selling for privately. We will give you an honest recommendation.
Do I need to cancel my insurance after the car is removed?
Yes — cancel your auto insurance the day the vehicle leaves your property. You may receive a prorated refund for unused premium. Also return or transfer your licence plates through ServiceOntario. Both steps are essential to avoid future liability or charges.
Free Pickup · Cash on Spot · Any Condition · TSSEA-Certified
Junk Car? We Pay You. You Do Nothing.
Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans — running or not. Free pickup across London and all surrounding communities.
(519) 914-3677