Step-By-Step Guide How To Sell A Damaged Car
Learning how to sell a car that has been in an accident and getting a fair cash offer for it is not difficult if you follow this 9-step process.
Car accidents happen every day. Whether it's a minor fender bender or a major wreck, you can sell your car for a fair price after it's been in an accident. Just make sure it's properly repaired by a licensed, reputable, experienced, professional, it's safe to drive and looks as good as new.
Once the damage has been repaired and you're ready to sell the car, understand its Blue Book value will be reduced and you have to tell potential buyers it was involved in an accident.
How To Sell A Car That Has Been In An Accident
You don't have to jump through hoops or struggle with existential angst when selling car after accident damage has been repaired. There's a simple step-by-step process you can follow to ensure even though you are selling a totaled car, the buyer will be safe and you will get fair market value for your automobile. The following are a series of steps you can take when selling:
- Have The Damage Thoroughly Assessed
- Have The Shop List All Damage The Car Sustained In Writing
- Note If The Car's Performance Will Be Permanently Affected
- Makes Sure The Car Is Properly Repaired And Safe To Drive
- Verify The Car's Post-Accident Blue Book Value
- Set A Fair Price
- Advertise The Car For Sale
- Disclose The Vehicle's History Report To Interested Buyers
- Be Willing To Negotiate The Price
Have The Damage Thoroughly Assessed
If you get in an accident while driving your car, you should take it to a reputable mechanic to have the damage it sustained assessed. They will thoroughly inspect the body, frame and any other parts that may have been impacted by the accident. They will then give you an estimate of the cost to have the repairs done. They should also tell you how long it will take to complete the repairs and have your car looking and driving like it did before the accident.
Have The Shop List All Damage The Car Sustained In Writing
When you have dropped your car at the shop, ask the service manager to create a written list of all the damage they find and fix. This will help you to better understand the severity of the damage your vehicle sustained in the accident and make you aware of any vulnerabilities that exist because of it.
Plus, this list will come in handy when selling car after accident. It will enable you to tell potential buyers exactly what was repaired after the accident. This helps you be accurate about the damage when you sell your car.
Note If The Car's Performance Will Be Permanently Affected
One of the most important questions to ask the service manager at the repair shop where your car is being repaired is if the damage the car sustained in the accident will permanently affect its performance. This is very important so you can drive your car safely and know what to tell potential buyers when you are trying to sell damaged or wrecked cars.
Makes Sure The Car Properly Repaired And Safe To Drive
Ask the service manager if the car is safe to drive. Take a quick test drive to be sure. When you leave the shop, you should be confident your vehicle is safe and performing like it should. When selling crashed car you must be able to honestly tell the buyer it's safe to drive.
Verify The Car's Post-Accident Blue Book Value
When you plan on selling a car after an accident, it's important to know how much it's worth. You can do this by verifying its post-accident Blue Book value. This shows you how much your car is worth based on its year, make, model, mileage, and condition.
You don't have to wring your hands and ask yourself, 'How much should I charge if I sell my crashed car in the near future?' The Blue Book value is an accurate estimate. When trying to figure out how to sell a damaged car, knowing how much it's worth is vital.
Set A Fair Price
One important tip for selling damaged cars is setting a fair price. Setting a fair price for your car means you won't have to sit around pondering, 'Am I going to be able to sell my wrecked car for a fair price?' or wondering can you sell a car with frame damage at a reasonable price? Price sells cars.
If your car looks good and you offer it at a fair price, it will attract the attention of several buyers. Priced right, many buyers will overlook the fact the car was in a crash and it has frame damage. Once the car performs well, selling it is easy.
Advertise The Car For Sale
Another tip on how to sell a car that has been in an accident is to advertise it for sale on several platforms. People cannot buy your car if they do not know it's for sale. Putting a 'For Sale' sign in your car window is not enough to reach a wide range of potential buyers.
Advertising it for sale on social media will enable you to reach millions of buyers. Out of a market that large, the odds of you finding the right buyer increases significantly. Plus, you can take a picture of it, put the low price you are asking below it and make some flyers. That can help attract local buyers.
Disclose The Car's Accident History To Interested Buyers
You do not have to advertise the fact that the car you have for sale has been in an accident. You do not have to stress yourself out wondering can you sell a car with frame damage. And the answer to the question, do I have to disclose an accident when selling my car, is yes. You do have to disclose your car was in an accident before selling it to someone.
Be Willing To Negotiate The Price
When a car has been in an accident, its value can decrease significantly depending on the severity of the damage it sustained. If you know your car has a major problem like frame damage and you are determined to sell it for the best price possible, you have to be willing to negotiate the price you are willing to accept.
If not, you may end up driving your car with the cracked frame until you donate it for a charitable deduction or sell it to a junk yard. If you really want to sell your junked car that was damaged in an accident, decide what is the lowest offer you are willing to accept for it.
Be Upfront And Honest
You don't have to wonder, do I have to disclose an accident when selling my car because honesty is the best policy. Many people buy cars that have been in an accident if you are upfront and honest with them. Plus, it's easy to get information on vehicles damaged in accidents that were reported. To sell your damaged car, just negotiate the best deal possible and let it go.