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How to Sell a Junk Car

Information You Can Find in Our Guide:

Our free guide will help you understand the steps you have to take and the process for renewing your registration.

How to Sell a Junk Car

Junk car removal is a problem many drivers will face at one time or another. Whether your vehicle was totaled or you simply need an old car towed away, you can often sell your junk car for some extra cash.

Selling a junk car may involve a few more steps than selling a regular car, but it may be preferable than simply giving it to your insurance company.

Information You Can Find in Our Guide:

Our free guide will help you understand the steps you have to take and the process for renewing your registration.

Getting a good scrap car instant quote is the next step in finding out how much your junk car is worth. Most people begin by searching for a cash for junk cars online quote, but you can also contact a local junkyard or scrap metal company for a quote. Keep reading to learn how to sell a vehicle that’s been collecting rust on your property.

Steps for Junk Car Removal

Getting cash for scrap cars online or locally may be easier than you anticipate. Although the specifics will vary by case, most junk or salvage vehicles can be disposed of by following these steps:

  1. Learn if your vehicle meets the definition of a junk or salvage car.
  2. Look up businesses and people who are in the market for junk cars.
  3. Research how to get online quotes for junk cars or ask for a quote from a local junkyard.
  4. Find your vehicle title and/or print out a bill of sale.
  5. Check with the DMV for regulations regarding junk car removal.
  6. Consider donating your salvage or junk vehicle.

How to Determine If a Vehicle Needs a Junk Car Quote

Before getting a scrap car quote, you must first determine if your vehicle meets the definition of a junk or scrap car. There are two basic categories of unrepairable vehicles that are only suitable for disposal:

End-Of-Life Vehicle (ELV)

People who wonder, “How can I scrap my car for cash online?” often have a car that needs to be rebuilt and insured before it can be driven again. An ELV designation is also applied to abandoned cars and other vehicles that have sat in one place for a long period of time. ELV status also designates cars that have no monetary value due to age or excessive deterioration.

Total Loss Vehicle

After an accident, you may find yourself asking for a junk car quote because your insurer determined that the cost of repairing your vehicle is greater than its current value.

These types of vehicles are often referred to as salvage cars or totaled cars. Although many people choose to get a salvage title and repair a totaled vehicle, it can be hard to get full insurance coverage at a reasonable price. For this and other reasons, many car owners find that getting an instant quote for junk car purposes is the easier option.

How to Find People Who Buy Junk Cars

You may think it would be hard to find people who buy junk cars, but there is actually a healthy market for vehicles that are no longer drivable. Online auction sites are full of buyers searching for vehicles to purchase for parts or refurbishing. If you are handy with tools, you can even disassemble your vehicle and sell your junk car parts yourself for cash.

With over 9,000 junk yards and salvage yards nationwide, it can be easy to find one that will happily offer cash for scrap cars that cannot be driven. Many salvage yards offer a free scrap car online quote or will make you an offer over the phone or in person.

Look for businesses that openly publish how much they have paid other people for their junk cars and check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating before committing to sell.

Vehicle Title Issues with Junk Car Removal

Your opportunity to sell your junk car may be hindered if there are problems with the vehicle’s title. Every state has its own regulations regarding salvage titles, but all require the signature on the title transfer to match the name printed on the title. Check your state’s regulations and make sure your title is ready for transfer before trying to sell your junk car to an individual or junkyard.

If you cannot find your vehicle title, simply visit your state’s DMV website and find out how to replace a lost title. Sometimes a salvage yard will work with you if you need the car removed before you can get a replacement title.

If a title is not available, follow your state’s guidelines for disposing of a junk car without a title. In most cases, you can document your junk car transaction with a bill of sale. A bill of sale must include the following information:

  • Seller’s name
  • Buyer’s name
  • Date of sale
  • Purchase price
  • Vehicle description including make, model, year and color
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Vehicle mileage at the time of sale

How to Get Online Quotes for Junk Cars

It is possible to get an instant online quote for junk car transactions, but it is wise to check with multiple buyers to find the best offer for your vehicle. You may find significant differences in the junk car quotes provided by individuals and businesses.

If you decide to get an auto salvage quote from a local junkyard or salvage yard, be aware that a reputable company will not charge a towing fee for removing the car from your property. Note that they cannot buy your vehicle if you still owe money on your car.

Donation Options for Old Car Removal

If you did not get an adequate cash for junk cars quote, or you simply are not concerned with making money off your old vehicle, you may want to donate it to charity.

Hundreds of non-profit organizations actively seek junk car donations because they earn funds by selling the vehicle or its parts. These non-profits take care of car removal at no cost to you and will provide a tax receipt for your donation.

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