When it comes to getting cash for junk cars, there are a few aspects to consider.

Here are 10 things you should do before junking your car. Making sure that you complete them all will make the process much easier. 

How to Junk Your Car: 10 Preparations 

Before you head over to the junkyard of your choice, consider these 10 preparations.

1. Remove All Personal Belongings

Ensure that you have removed any and all personal items from the junk car before getting rid of it. 

By doing this, you don’t leave anything behind, and it’s much more polite. The salvage yard isn’t a dump, and should not be expected to deal with your belongings or trash.  

2. Remove All Valuable Parts

When learning how to junk your car, you may have noticed that certain parts can sell for more money when they are sold separately. For example:

• Entertainment systems
• Alternators
• Starter motors
• Battery
• Tires

These items can easily be sold to drivers/retailers with the same or similar car model, or even be taken to a manufacturer to be restored. If you just keep it with the rest of the junk cars, you may be missing out on additional cash. 

3. Handle Your Paperwork

You will need to transfer ownership of your junk car to the salvage yard, meaning that you need a valid title to the car. Selling to a junkyard that doesn’t need a title from you is not advisable – you may still incur liabilities since you own it. 

On top of your title, make sure that you cancel your car insurance as well. 

4. Remove the License Plates 

Depending on the state you live in, it may be a legal requirement to remove license plates when ownership is transferred. In this case, your local DMV will likely ask for them back. 

5. Research Scrap Yards 

Different dealers are going to offer different amounts for your junk car, no matter what shape it’s in. When looking to get cash for junk cars, it’s important to shop around as much as possible for the best deal before settling on a specific place. 

6. Use the Gasoline You’ve Already Paid For

If there is gasoline left in the car, siphon it out of the car to use it in another vehicle. You already paid for it, after all. 

7. Make Sure Your Dealer Is Licensed

When learning how to junk your car, you may have come across the idea of a licensed dealer. Many states prohibit junk dealers from doing business unless they have a proper license, so it’s better to be safe. 

If something goes wrong, you may not be able to make a valid claim against an unlicensed dealer, and you may be sued for improper transfer of a motor vehicle. 

8. Make Sure the Junk Yard Scales are Certified 

Typically, scrap cars are sold by the ton. However, dealers do use different weight scales, and some can even be faulty or tampered with. Ensure that the scale your dealer uses for junk cars is certified. 

9. Ensure That They Use Pounds as the Unit of Measurement

If the scrap yard you deal with refuses to transact in pounds, do not do business with them. It is a red flag if they attempt to use other terms like “penny-weights” or “eaches,” typically it means you are being scammed. 

10. Get a Settlement Report 

Lastly, get a settlement report for any scrap cars you sell. It should, ideally, give you an itemized list of every transaction, which allows you to check any associated costs you need to pay. 

Final Thoughts on How to Junk Your Car 

While it may seem like a lot of different tasks to take care of when learning how to junk your car, they are all vitally important. 

Looking for a reputable place to buy or sell junk cars? Contact carsjunk.com today!