The first step in checking if a used car has been scrapped is to obtain the vehicle identification number (VIN). This can usually be found on the dashboard, on the driver’s side door, or on the engine. Once you have the VIN, you can enter it into an online HPI checking service. This service will tell you if the car has been recorded as scrapped, as well as any other important information about the vehicle such as outstanding finance or whether it has been stolen.