When your car finally breaks down for the last time, you may be thinking you will need to pay someone to take it off your hands. Fortunately, this is rarely the case. You can junk your car for cash, which means you walk away from it with a little extra money in your wallet. The following tips can help you complete the process as smoothly as possible.
Tip #1: Secure the title
You can only junk a car for cash if you hold the title free and clear. If you still owe money on the car, the bank that issued the load technically owns the vehicle so you can't sell it unless they release their interest in it. In most cases, this means paying the remaining balance on the loan and receiving a clear title. Check your title before junking the car so you can make sure there are no other names on it that could be considered lien holders.
Tip #2: Leave no seat cushion unturned
Once you turn the car over, it and all of its contents belong to the buyer. If you forget something important, you may not be able to get it back. Make sure to go through the car carefully. Check under seats and inside all compartments. Make sure no important papers got pushed behind the glove box. Also, don't forget any discs that were inside the CD or onboard DVD player. Also, don't leave any documents that could contain sensitive information, like old insurance or registration cards.
Tip #3: Arrange for pickup
In most cases, if a junkyard is buying your car, then they should be arranging for and covering the cost of pickup. Of course, it's not uncommon for this cost to come out of the final price you are paid, so always ask if this is the case. If you have a way to bring in the vehicle at little cost to you, this may be a better option. Also, remember to remove the license plates before the car is picked up or dropped off, since you may need to turn them in to the DMV.
Tip #4: Transfer the title
The most important thing to do before finalizing the deal is to make sure the title is transferred, otherwise you could still be held responsible if the car is somehow repaired and then involved in an accident. Generally, this is as simple as filling out the portion of the title indicated to transfer ownership. Your DMV may also require that you fill out a form with them stating that you have transferred ownership of the car.
For more help, contact a company that offers cash for junk cars, such as City Auto Wreckers.
