The four reasons a collection fails before the car moves
The drive itself is rarely the problem. Collections fail when the collection end is not ready, and it almost always comes down to one of four things.
The first is a missing release. If the compound still holds the lot, the driver cannot take it and storage keeps running. Work through the auction collection checklist before you book.
The second is keys. If nobody is at the unit to hand them over, or the alarm code is missing, the car stays where it is and the driver's time is lost.
The third is the MOT. Trade plates do not replace a valid test, so we cannot take a car without one on the public road.
The fourth is timing. If the compound has passed its release cut off or the dealer has already locked the yard, the driver arrives to a closed gate. This is about the site's hours rather than whether you need the car moved the same day.
When all four are in place, we collect with our trade plate vehicle movements service and drive your roadworthy car or van straight to you, with digital proof of collection and delivery.
What our driver can and cannot fix on the day
Our drivers are there to drive, so they cannot cut keys, sort DVLA paperwork or settle an auction account. If something is wrong, they stop and call our office, and we will never force a collection the gate has refused.
Tell us about anything that might cause a problem when you book, such as keys left with a neighbour, an MOT that has just expired or a compound that only releases in the morning. We would rather hold the booking than send a driver who has to turn around.
When a wasted collection can still attract the fee
If the driver arrives and cannot collect for a reason that was already true when you booked, the visit can still attract the fee. Checking the four points first is the simplest way to avoid that.
This is separate from choosing a same day or planned movement. That choice is about when you want the car moved, whereas a wasted collection is a visit to a gate that was never going to open.
Confirm the four checks before anyone sets off
Before we send a driver, the release should be confirmed with the site, the keys should be with a named person, the MOT should be valid and the compound or dealer should be open when we arrive.
Use the instant quote with the registration, both postcodes, the date and your contact details, and add anything that might go wrong to the notes. If you already suspect one of the four is uncertain, call 0141 459 1302 first. If the vehicle is not legal to drive, a transporter is the right choice and we will say so rather than take a booking that cannot succeed.
For auction lots, make sure the gate also has OVM down as your named collector, and read our auction collection page for the full process.
