Along with car accidents come wrecked cars. In many cases, an insurance company will declare your car a total loss and you can find yourself another vehicle. But if you wrecked a car no collision insurance, you’re probably stuck with a smashed-up car that you can’t drive. Or, you might’ve bought your car back from the insurer, hoping to fix it up and drive it again, and it didn’t pan out.
Now you have to sell your wrecked car, and it’s a monumental task. What do you need to do to get your car ready to sell, and where will you be able to offload it? Here are a handful of ideas for you.
Which Places Buy Wrecked Cars Near Me?
If at all possible, get your car running. It can have its bumpers torn off, its side bashed in, and the windshield broken. But whether it’s for someone fixing a wrecked car to flip or a buyer looking for mechanical parts only, a running engine amounts to dollar signs. Selling or trading in a non-running car hurts the price a bit.
Don’t invest a bunch of coin into getting your wrecked car running again. But if you can fire it up and rev it up for a small cost and in a short time, it will definitely pay off.
Collision Repair Cost Estimates
Buyers aren’t keen on handing over good money for cars that are a question mark. Without any idea of what repairs they’ll need to invest in, your potential buyers will offer you pennies on the dollar of its actual value.
An easy way to bump the value up is for an accurate collision repair cost estimate or quote. Visit two or three collision repair shops for a price on fixing your wrecked car and provide them to potential buyers. Be aware that you’ll need to bring the car in. That can mean renting a truck and trailer or hiring a tow truck for multiple trips, and that can add up to several hundred dollars quite quickly.
How to Get The Fair Market Value of A Crashed Car
Some online sites have a totaled car value calculator to give you an idea of your car’s post-accident value. These calculators vary widely and don’t represent an actual offer for your vehicle – it’s all based on data you enter, and let’s face it – you’re probably a little biased.
Start by finding your vehicle’s fair market value on Kelley Blue Book. Then, reduce its worth based on how much damage there is. If it’s cosmetic only, start with reducing its value 50 percent. If it’s undrivable, won’t run, and there are pieces missing, expect only 10 to 20 percent of the fair market value.
Our expert evaluators can help you get an accurate estimate for your car's value, FAST!
Prep to Sell Your Wrecked Car
Just like selling a car that isn’t wrecked, prep your car to sell your wrecked vehicle. Clean it out, wash it up, and make it look presentable. You’ll be surprised how much value you can add simply by cleaning your car!
Where to Sell a Wrecked Car
Wrecked car buyers aren’t exactly pounding down your door, trying to buy your car, are they? Even though they may not be easy to see right away, there are several ways you can sell a wrecked car.
Sell Your Wrecked Car Privately
It’s not the norm, but sometimes you can get lucky. If you list your car privately to sell it, there’s always a chance that someone will be interested. If it’s a wrecked car to sell, there will definitely be less interest. You may need to wait weeks or months before the right buyer comes along, or they may never.
Trade in a Damaged Car
A dealership might take your damaged car on trade. You’ll need to commit to buying another vehicle from that dealer, and that an unexpected investment of thousands of dollars. What’s worse, the dealer isn’t really interested in taking your wrecked car on trade, so you’ll get a lowball offer or an offer for just $1.
Donate Your Car
It isn’t selling it, but you can get rid of your car by donating it. Many charities across the country receive vehicle donations as part of their fundraising campaigns. You’re issued a donation receipt and the charity does what they want with your car. While you get the tax-deductible receipt, you can’t cash in on it until tax time rolls around, and it isn’t worth all that much on a wrecked car. Often, it’s better to get a bit of cash in hand right away.
Selling a Wrecked Car for Parts
Strip your salvage car down to the frame and sell any good parts for cash. It’s doable – there are people who get good money by selling their car for parts. While you can make more than you expect with this method, you’ll find three things: it’s hazardous wherever it is, it’s going to take a long time to sell all the parts, and it’s an eyesore.
Sell Your Wrecked Car to CarBrain
There are salvage car buyers lined up to buy your car in one place – CarBrain. If you want to avoid all the trouble of finding your own buyer, negotiating prices, or dealing with sharp-edged parts, CarBrain’s network will buy your car from you as-is, and wherever it is. It’s easy and it’s free. We’ll give you a quote for your vehicle in 90 seconds, and it’s guaranteed for 7 days. Accept the offer and you’ll have money in hand within just a couple business days. CarBrain will arrange to pick up your vehicle once you’ve been paid, and it’s all done!
