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What to do when you bring a car to the salvage yard

Roberta Willson • January 24, 2024

Is it time for a new vehicle? Are you looking for a great way to make some money before you purchase a new or used vehicle? Did you just put on new tires or new parts into your vehicle? A salvage yard is a great option! A salvage yard might give you more money for your vehicle or parts than from a private sale or as a trade-in at a dealership.


Once you have decided to bring your vehicle to a salvage yard, now what? How do you prepare yourself before you arrive and what happens when you get to the salvage yard? Let’s go through the steps to get you the cash you want from your used vehicle!


Step One:

Make sure you have the title to your vehicle. In order to sell your car to anyone, you need the title to your vehicle and a salvage yard is no exception. If you cannot find or have lost your title, you can request a new one from the RMV. The requirements to obtain a copy are dependent based on which state you live in. 


Step Two:

Find the right salvage yard for you. There are many options out there so how do you know what is the right one? A big factor is how much money will they give you for your vehicle. The amount of money depends if the car is complete if it runs, and if it drives. Does it have a battery and catalytic converter? Another key to finding the right salvage yard is how environmentally friendly they are. You will want to make sure the salvage yard is reputable, either with positive online reviews or a rating from the BBB. The reason for this is to ensure they will be disposing of the vehicle the right way; they are environmentally safe by recycling and disposing of all the parts and fluids according to the environmental standards and protocols.


Step Three:

Get your vehicle to the salvage yard. If it is possible, you can drive it right to the salvage yard. If it cannot be driven, you will have to schedule a pick-up from the salvage yard. Make sure to remove all your personal belongings from the vehicle beforehand; all electronics, chargers, umbrellas, garage door openers, EZ Passes, license plates, everything! You will not be able to get an item out of the vehicle once you sign the title over and you sell your vehicle. 

Step Three:

Get your vehicle to the salvage yard. If it is possible, you can drive it right to the salvage yard. If it cannot be driven, you will have to schedule a pick-up from the salvage yard. Make sure to remove all your personal belongings from the vehicle beforehand; all electronics, chargers, umbrellas, garage door openers, EZ Passes, license plates, everything! You will not be able to get an item out of the vehicle once you sign the title over and you sell your vehicle. You should also call your insurance company and set the date to cancel your car insurance so you will not be paying for it after it is sold to the salvage yard. 


Once you arrive at the salvage yard, you can check in at the office and ask where the vehicle should go. Once the entire vehicle is on the scale there will be lights on the side of the building and you will stay on the scale until the light goes from red to green. Once it is green, you can drive the vehicle to the location you previously spoke about with the person inside the office.  


Step Four:

Complete the sale! It’s time to get your cash and say goodbye to your old vehicle. Once you and the vehicle arrive at the salvage yard, they will do a final inspection of the vehicle to ensure there are no issues. Next, you and the salvage yard will need to sign the title to change ownership of the vehicle. Again, please remember to remove your license plates and take them with you. Last but not least, you will get your money for the vehicle! If you are shopping for a replacement vehicle, keep in mind that some salvage yards will also sell used vehicles for great prices!

If you are interested in selling your vehicle, parts, metal or even to purchase a used vehicle; we can help. Give us a call, send us a message or just stop by today!

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