MENU

Is The Cash For Clunkers Program Making A Comeback?

The Cash For Clunkers program paid Americans to junk their cars and buy new ones instead. Find out if the program is making a comeback and what you can do to get paid for your junk car. See why selling to CarBrain is the right choice for you!

Get A Cash Offer for Your Clunker

Get Your Offer from CarBrain.com

Enter your zip code below to get your FREE estimate and see how much your damaged car is worth. You can get paid in 24-48 hours with free towing!

What Is Cash For Clunkers?

The Car Allowance Rebate System, more commonly known as “Cash For Clunkers,” was introduced in July 2009 by President Barack Obama’s administration. The purpose of the program was to stimulate the economy by encouraging Americans to junk old vehicles and purchase new ones.

This would take older vehicles out of the market while helping car makers move newer, safer products. The program was wildly successful while it took place. Americans junked nearly 700,000 cars from July to November 2009, when the program finally expired.

Is Cash For Clunkers Still Going On?

The Cash For Clunkers program Obama launched was only ever meant to be a temporary program designed to jumpstart the economy during the Great Recession.

The federal government ended the program in November 2009 and has not brought it back. The current government has not announced any new plans to bring it back either. There is no Cash For Clunkers 2020 program available nationally.

Cash For Clunkers In California

Although the Car Allowance Rebate System has ended nationally, California created a similar program that continues to this day.

The California vehicle retirement program offers certain residents who meet state income requirements up to $1,500 per each qualifying vehicle they retire. To qualify for the $1,500 rebate, your household should earn no more than 225 percent of the federal poverty level.

If you do not meet the income requirements, you can still get up to $1,000 for retiring a vehicle with a dismantler contracted by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.

Where Can I Get Cash For My Clunker?

If you do not live in California, you still have options to junk your car for cash. For instance, you can:

When you sell to a junkyard or scrap yard, you are probably going to get an offer for the scrap metal value of your vehicle. This may not be the best choice depending on your vehicle’s year, make and model. However, it can be an easy way to sell your car.

Keep in mind that you need to confirm that a yard operates in your area before completing a sale. Additionally, ask to confirm that you will not be charged for towing.

Another option is to trade your junk car in at a dealership. Although not all dealerships will accept junk cars as a trade-in, many will offer you a salvage price for your car. This might be an easy way to get rid of your car and purchase a replacement as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you will be limited to the vehicles sold by the dealership when searching for a replacement.

Another option is to sell your car to a private individual. Depending on your car and your area, you may be able to get a better price this way. However, you will have to schedule a time for the buyer to come see and pick up the vehicle. Additionally, if your car no longer runs, you and the buyer must negotiate who will pay for the cost of towing.

Perhaps the easiest way to sell your junk car is to go online. This allows you to rapidly compare quotes and determine whether a buyer is operating in your area. Additionally, it saves you the fuss of making trips or visiting people in person.

How can I get a quote for my car instantly?

It's simple and it takes less than 90 seconds... click the button below to get started and find out how much your vehicle is worth!

Vehicle Pick-up is FREE Nationwide. No Haggle. No Fees. We are A+ rated business at BBB.

Why You Should Sell Your Junk Car To CarBrain

If you want to get cash for your clunker, CarBrain is the best option for you. We specialize in buying less-than-perfect vehicles, no matter what condition they’re in. Our experts know how to offer a fair market value for your vehicle. We offer quick online quotes in under 90 seconds, which means finding out what your vehicle is worth is quick and easy.

CarBrain offers are no-obligation, and we guarantee them for seven days. That means you have time to think it over before making the sale. Additionally, our offers always include FREE towing and FREE title transfer. Our buyers can help you schedule a pickup in under 48 business hours, so you can get paid for your clunker fast.

How To Junk Your Car Online With CarBrain

Selling your junk car with CarBrain takes just three easy steps. All you have to do is:

  1. Click “get an offer.”

  2. Fill out our form.

  3. Get your quote!

To get a guaranteed quote, upload photos of your vehicle and its VIN. If you like our offer, we can help you schedule your FREE pickup in under 48 business hours.

When the tow truck driver arrives, he or she will hand you a check on the spot. All you have to do is sign over the title and hand over the car keys. Why wait? Get a quote and get started today.

Get Cash Value for My Damaged Car Now