Frequently Asked Questions
Will you buy my wrecked car or total loss car?
A totaled car is a damaged car (or a car with mechanical issues) for which the cost of repair is more than the pre-damage value of the car. For example, if a car is worth $10,000 pre-accident has a repair estimate of $10,001, it would be declared a total loss vehicle. If your car is a total loss, you can get a check from the insurance company and still sell the car. It's called "owner retention". CarBrain will be happy to make a fair market offer for your wrecked car. We buy cars “as-is” in any condition. Selling your car to CarBrain may be a great option for you. Submit your online request for an offer for an offer today.
How do I get a quote for my vehicle?
The process is simple. Go to any page on our website click "Get an Offer." For most cars, you’ll receive a guaranteed instant online offer. Or, we may need a few more details about your car, and you will receive a call from one of our car buyers shortly after you submit the form. They’ll give you your offer over the phone and email it to you. Pictures & detailed descriptions of the car will generally help our evaluators to assimilate the value of your vehicle. This can help increase your offers or get the correct value estimate!
Do you serve my area?
CarBrain buys and picks up your vehicle with problems from virtually everywhere in the continental United States. Click here to visit our “Areas Served” page to verify we service your ZIP Code.
How does CarBrain decide the value of my vehicle?
CarBrain takes into account a variety of factors when making you an offer for your vehicle. For example, your location, the wholesale value of your car pre-accident, the extent of damage or mechanical and electrical problems, the current market demand for your vehicle and its parts, its make, model, mileage and age all play a role of deciding the value.
For example, some cars, like a 20-year-old sedan that doesn’t start or run, won’t get the same offer as others, like a low-mileage two-year-old sports car with collision damage. Some vehicles fall in-between, like a high-mileage ten-year-old SUV with electrical problems.
There are no “book” values for damaged or salvage cars, but at CarBrain, we have over 30 years of experience in buying less-than-perfect vehicles. We strive to provide a fair offer to every customer.
What costs will I be responsible for? Are there any charges for CarBrain?
CarBrain is a free service. There are no charges for evaluations and offers. If you sell a car with CarBrain, we pay for pick up and towing of your totaled vehicle. We have no hidden costs. When you sell your car to CarBrain, we pay you, not the other way around.
You are responsible for any storage fees or repair expenses incurred before selling the vehicle to CarBrain.
Does CarBrain work with my insurance?
The insurer is required to prepare a thorough estimate of the damages and will be responsible for paying the vehicle’s owner this amount. Whether you repair the vehicle is usually up to you. Once the insurance company determines how much they owe, CarBrain will then pay you the residual value of your damaged car prior to repairs. Even if it doesn't run.
The vehicle owner can receive two payments, one from the insurance company for the damage settlement and a second from CarBrain for the full salvage value of the vehicle. These amounts can then be combined to purchase a new vehicle. Repair isn’t always your best option. Trade in your car with a bad engine or with mechanical problems now!