If you have a car that has just been out of commission for a while, repairing it extensively can cost you quite a bit. Second-hand stores might not want to take it either since it is old and not valuable on the market anymore. What do you do then? You sell it to a junkyard of course! It is a pretty straightforward process and you can make some cash too.

A complete guide to selling your junk car for cash

Start with research

Before you get down to the nitty-gritty of getting cash for your junk car, start with the research. This is an essential step that will help you determine the value of your car. If your vehicle is valuable, you may be able to sell it instead of junking it. Note that even if your car is deemed valuable enough to sell, check the price. Usually, the price of a junked vehicle depends on the damage to the body and the rough estimate of the car at the moment. Knowing this price, you may also be able to increase the cash you may get for your car at a junkyard.

Clean out your car

Once you’ve decided to get cash for the junk car, you need to start cleaning out your car. This includes removing all valuable personal effects from the vehicle along with insurance cards and vehicle paperwork. Also, don’t forget to check the trunk, door pockets, and even under the seats, so you do not leave any personal belongings behind.

Keep all the valuable parts

Next on the list of to-dos for getting cash for your junk car is removing all the valuable and useful parts. This will help you earn some extra money aside from the amount you will make from the junkyard. Check for parts such as wheels, batteries, the sound system and TV system, any screens, alternators, and other working engine components. Most of these parts are reusable and can be sold for a good chunk of change. While many people do this process themselves, some junkyards also offer this service. They help people understand what parts are functional and even tell you the estimated prices that you can get.

Remove all the non-metal parts

A common misconception is that only the car’s metal parts are valuable. In many cases, the car seats, the visors, and other non-metallic parts such as the dashboard can be sold separately. Plus, junkyards only prefer the metal frame as they make the car ready for recycling. Giving your car with the non-metallic parts will result in a reduced price as they will have to remove all these parts themselves. Be careful when removing the non-metallic parts, any damage can reduce their value and even harm you. If you’re not confident, it is best to hire a mechanic to do this for you.

Remove the license plate

Your license plate is a vital part of your car, and it should be removed before you sell junk cars for cash. One of the reasons is simply because you do not know when you may need it. The second reason is that if you want to cancel your ownership, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may ask you to bring your license plate in. In most countries, owners are required to remove the license plate before transferring the vehicle’s ownership to someone else or before selling their junk car for cash.

Get your paperwork done

Another important thing to keep in mind when selling junk cars for cash is the paperwork. You could get cash for a junk car without documents. But, it is better to ensure that you have all the legal paperwork in place as it makes the process of selling the vehicle easier. It also makes it convenient to transfer ownership to the junkyard. If your vehicle has been lying around for a while and you have lost the paperwork, you could request a copy from the DMV.

Cancel the insurance policies

Don’t forget to cancel the insurance policies of your vehicle. If you forget, you could end up paying for the policies on a car that you do not even own. The company will continue to renew the policy unless informed but if you have already paid for the insurance in advance, you could also request a refund. Talk to your insurance agent about the refund and other policies once you’ve made your decision to sell your junk car for cash.

Get help from a car removal company

You can contact a car removal company if you feel like you cannot DIY selling your vehicle to a junkyard. These companies help with various legalities and processes necessary to sell junk cars for cash. You can find a number of them via the internet and cross-check the services provided to find the one that fits your needs. They help you with the paperwork, evaluate your car, and even get a price for the vehicle. Some car removal companies even offer free towing services if you go through with selling the junk car for cash.