How To Junk A Car: Everything You Need To Know
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“I’ll drive this car till the wheels fall off.”
We’re sure that many of you have had this sentiment when it comes to car ownership. And now the time has come. The clunker that you call your car can barely get you around anymore, and it’s at the end of its proverbial road.
So you’ve decided to get rid of your junk car.
If it’s your first time junking a car and you have no idea where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we have an in-depth guide on how to junk a car and everything else you need to know about getting rid of your old clunker.
Things To Do Before You Junk Your Car
Before we proceed to the guide on how to junk a car, here are some things you need to do before you continue with the process.
Remove Your Personal Belongings
People spend a lot of time in their cars, so it’s no surprise that many of our personal belongings, such as jewelry, eyewear, etc., end up in the car. Not to mention the important documents like insurance cards and registration information, and some rogue debit/credit cards that may have fallen under the seats.
Resisting the temptation to leave all the stuff you don’t need because it may cause some problems with the transaction down the line. Take your time to comb every nook and cranny of your car.
Granted that most of your finds will likely end up in the trash, it won’t hurt to collect all your personal belongings to avoid potential problems in the future.
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Sort Out the Paperwork
If you want to get cash for your junk car, one of the most important things that you should have in hand is the car title - the document that shows proof of ownership.
Although it’s possible to get rid of your junk car without the essential documents, you’ll have a hard time doing so because dealerships will turn you away. Also, without the documents, good luck with getting more money for your junk car.
If you’re unable to secure the car title, don’t panic. Simply head over to the DMV and request a replacement.
Take Out Valuable Car Parts
If your goal is to squeeze as much money as possible from your old car, consider removing valuable car parts that may fetch you more dollars if sold separately.
Consider removing the following parts:
- Entertainment system
- Alternator
- Starter motor
- GPS
- Catalytic converter
- Tires and rims
- Batteries
- Exhaust system
If you’re taking out the tires, make sure that you replace them with old ones. Most buyers will not bother if your car can’t be towed.
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Remove the License Plates
Perhaps you’re asking, “why should I remove the license plates from a junk vehicle?”
License plates don’t exactly stop being useful even after the car it attaches to retires. In many states, it’s a requirement to remove the license plates after the transfer of ownership. Plus, the DMV will likely need the plates for the cancellation of the car title.
Prepare All Vehicle Information
Prepare a cheat sheet of your vehicle’s information. So when you’re ready to sell your car, you have all the necessary information handy for a smooth transaction and getting the best quote.
The information that you should prepare includes: car title, make, model year, body condition, mileage, engine condition, and any sign of exterior or interior damage. Also, take pictures of your junk vehicle that you can send to potential buyers to receive an accurate quote.
Steps on How to Junk a Car
Now that you’ve prepared your car for junking let’s move on to the steps on how to junk a car.
- Find Junk Car Buyers and Salvage Dealers
First and foremost, find a reputable junk car buyer or salvage dealer in your area. Shop around for businesses that have the reputation of being fair, offering top-notch customer service, and most importantly, licensed and insured.
A quick search engine with the terms “junk car buyer near me” or “salvage dealers [your area]” should do the trick. While you’re at it, browse the online reviews for each potential buyer and shortlist the ones with favorable reviews.
This should give you a quick overview of the potential junk car buyers that you’ll use.
1. Get Estimates
With your shortlist and vehicle information at hand, contact as many junkyards and auto recyclers in your area as possible, and get estimates. Provide them with your vehicle information and photos so they can give you an accurate quote.
This is where your negotiation skills will be put to the test. Focus on the condition of your car (if the condition is decent) and if there are additional parts that can be resold.
Take your time and get as many estimates as possible, then compare and contrast. If your car isn’t drivable, make sure the prices include towing for the pickup. Eventually, you’ll find your preferred licensed buyer that offers the best price.
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2. Set the Pickup Time
In most cases, the junkyard company will offer free towing for old vehicles and will work around your schedule.
If they don’t offer free towing, you should get more money for your car since you’ll have to use a towing company. On the other hand, if your car is still drivable, many companies will be more than happy to pay more for your junked auto.
3. Complete the Sale Paperwork
Be aware of local laws and regulations about junking old cars. Sometimes sellers are required to have certain legal papers before they can scrap the entire body of the vehicle.
For the most part, the tow driver will have all the necessary documents to close the sale and will show you exactly where to sign.
4. Get Paid in Cash
Finally, we’re almost done with the process of how to junk a car.
When you sell your car to a reputable junk dealer, they will always pay the exact amount that was agreed upon. Don’t fall into the trap of renegotiation at the time of the pickup. If you have the title, the dealer will pay you in case. Otherwise, they’ll likely write you a check if the car title isn’t provided.
5. Notify the DMV and Your Insurance Company
As soon as possible, you should notify the DMV that you sold your old vehicle. You can do this online, over the phone, or by visiting the nearest service center.
If applicable, you should also inform your insurance company that you’ve sold your car. This ensures that your recurring payments will be canceled. If you’ve paid for the full coverage, you may be entitled to a refund.
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