5 Things To Do Before You Junk Your Car
If your car has seen better days, you might have a hard time selling it or even trading it into a local dealership. For salvaged cars, non-working cars, and cars that have major body damage, junking your car for cash may be your best bet. Before you scrap your car to a local junk yard, however, there are a few things you'll want to do.
Get a Copy of Your Title
You'll need your vehicle title to prove that you're the sole owner of the car. There should not be any lien holders remaining on your title, such as a bank; the title should be clear-and-free in your name. If you can't find a copy of your car's title, head on over to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to request a copy. You'll need the title to sign ownership of your car over to the junk yard, after all.
Remove Your Belongings
Take time to clear your car out of any personal belongings, such as your portable GPS system, phone chargers, and the like. Don't forget to check your glove box and center console as well. If your car has a CD player, be sure that you haven't left your favorite CD inside! Many junk cars are scrapped quickly once they're sold, so you won't want to forget anything.
Find a Reputable Junk Car Buyer
Take your time researching local junk car buyers to find the one that will give you the best price for your vehicle. You'll also want to read some third-party reviews of each company to make sure it is legitimate and reputable. If your car isn't running, make sure to find a buyer that will include towing at no additional cost to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you've arranged on a date to sell your junk car, contact your auto insurance company to have your coverage suspended on the date of sale. You don't have to wait until your policy lapses; in fact, you may be entitled to a prorated refund on the coverage you didn't use. That's even more cash in your pocket!
Remove the License Plate
Don't forget to remove the car's license plate before you leave the junk yard; more than likely, the same plate can be transferred to your next vehicle. In some states, you may even be required to provide the plates to your local DMV or BMV in order to cancel your registration or complete the title transfer.