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6 Steps To Junking Your Car

There comes a point in every car owner’s life where they have to decide to let their car go to the great beyond; that big junkyard in the sky. This situation begs the question “how exactly do I junk my car?”

Let’s tackle this process step-by-step.

1. Contact Local Junk Car Buyers

Your first step in junking your car is reaching out to local junkyards and salvage yards and getting a quote.

Getting a quote is critical to figuring out exactly how much your old vehicle is worth. In order to get as accurate an estimate over the phone, you want to provide:

  • Year, Make, and Model of your vehicle

  • Damage detail (be honest and detailed)

  • Mileage

  • VIN

  • Condition (is it drivable, etc.)

All of these details impact how much junk car buyers will be willing to give you for your junk car. 

2. Confirm The Business Licenses

You want to ensure you’re selling your junk car to a reputable, licensed junkyard. Some businesses offer online validation, but many will require you to visit the location to verify their license.

It might be tempting to sell your junk to the first buyer who offers, but slow down! An improper transfer of a junk vehicle can lead to both legal and financial issues for you in the future.

3. Check The Reviews Online

In this day and age, there aren’t many new endeavors you can undertake that haven’t been reviewed online. Junkyards are no different.

Check online to see what past customers have to say or if they’ve even got a website; if not, they’re probably not the best choice for junking your car.

4. Prep Your Vehicle For The Sale

Once you’ve done your due diligence and selected a buyer for your junk car, it’s time to get your vehicle ready for its funeral.

You’re going to want to remove any important keepsakes, clothing, and money from your car before it gets picked up and hauled away.

5. Make Sure Your Papers Are Straight 

If it’s not on paper, it didn’t happen! If you want to avoid having to make leaps and bounds in order to get your car junked, you’re going to want to have your Title available.

If the title is lost (unless you’re in select states) most reputable junk yards won’t purchase the vehicle.

If there is outstanding debt on your vehicle, then the title is in the hands of the lienholder. Their name is on it and, therefore, they have ownership of the car. If you want to junk it, you’ll have to settle your debt first.

6. Sell The Car!

If everything is in place and you like the offer, then go ahead and proceed with the sale. If your car is drivable, take it on over to the junkyard.

However, if it’s not, then you’re going to have to get it towed and that may cost you.

Also, there’s a final inspection done at the time of pick up. If the inspection does not match with how you described the car, the payout offer can be lowered from what was originally agreed upon.

EXPERT EVALUATION

Our expert evaluators can help you get an accurate estimate for your cars value, FAST!

EXPERT EVALUATION

Junking Your Car With CarBrain 

While the junking process is broken down into six bite-sized pieces, it is still a hassle of an undertaking.

Fortunately, CarBrain exists to remove that hassle and make the car junking process as convenient as possible.

Once you contact us through CarBrain.com or via phone call, you’re connected with one of our CarBrain representatives.

After providing some basic information about your vehicle, our associates respond to you with a quote.

There’s zero obligation to accept this quote on the spot and it’s valid for up to one week.

When you accept the quote, CarBrain connects you with one of our towing partners.

You can schedule a pick up with them within the next 24 to 48 hours — absolutely FREE! You don’t even have to worry about sprucing your junk car up because we’ll take it as it is!

Worried about the title transfer? We take care of that too. Hassle and cost free for you.

At the time of pick up, the tow driver will hand you your money and haul away your clunker. All without so much as a quick phone call from your couch.

Go ahead and use CarBrain.com to junk your car today!

About Author
Nancy Crum
Automotive Expert

With a wealth of experience spanning more than 15 years, Nancy has honed her expertise in the automotive industry, making her an indispensable leader within CarBrain.

Nancy Crum

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Money Do You Get If You Junk Your Car?

While there are examples of junk cars being bought for thousands upon thousands of dollars, they are rare cases. The average junk car will net anywhere from $100-$500.

Do I Need To Notify DMV If I Junk My Car?

Yes. You are required to notify the DMV if you sell, trade, or donate your vehicle. This can be done online with most DMVs, over the phone, or by visiting their customer service center.
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