Selling your junk car is the quickest way to get cash in your hands in one day. However, you’ll need to take a few preparatory steps before making the call. Here’s some helpful information about preparing to junk your scrap car.
Find your title.
Most salvage yards and vehicle junkers won’t buy your car if you don’t have the owner’s title. That rule prevents people from selling stolen cars or junking other people’s property out of spite.
To make your transition easy, you’ll need to locate your title. If it’s missing, you can request one at the nearest DMV after providing them with the required information. The cost of a replacement title usually isn’t expensive, and it’s wise to get that out of the way first.
Remove the license plates.
Take your license plates off your vehicle so that you don’t forget when the buyer arrives. You will need to return them to your state’s DMV to avoid the unnecessary legal issues stolen plates can cause.
Be sure to reach out to your insurance provider and the DMV to cancel your policy and vehicle registration as well. Some states have websites where you can submit a cancellation request online.
The system might ask you to provide a reason for the cancellation, and you can note that you sold the vehicle at that time. You will no longer be responsible for the car or anything that happens to it once you cancel your insurance and registration.
Grab all of your personal items.
Many vehicle owners forget to check the insides of their cars for things of value. Make sure you remove these items before you junk your scrap car:
Important Documents
Don’t forget to check the glove box for essential documents. Registration cards, insurance cards, purchase agreements, repair manuals, and other paperwork might be hiding in those areas along with other useful materials.
Money
You’d be surprised how many vehicle owners have a significant amount of money under the seats and in the cubbies. Don’t forget to do a cash check before you junk your car, or you’ll forfeit every sticky quarter.
Tools
Remove your tool sets and emergency repair items. You can transfer them to another automobile and use them if you have an emergency in that one.
Clothing and Accessories
You might want to check your vehicle’s trunk for clothing, shoes, jewelry, sporting goods, and accessories you may have thrown back there temporarily. Some of those things might come in handy later.
You’re allowed to keep valuable parts.
You can salvage valuable car parts if you think you can sell them independently. For example, you may want to sell the tires or something like an alternator, radiator, battery, etc. You have every right to remove those parts from your vehicle and sell them on your own, but don’t forget to mention the missing parts when requesting a quote.
Take the tips mentioned above and use them to ensure that your sale goes smoothly. Contact a reputable salvage yard to complete the transaction once your vehicle is ready.