Finding a buyer is the easy part. Most people forget about everything around it. What papers do you need? What happens on the day? What should you do once the car is gone?
This page covers the whole journey in three parts. First what to do before you sell. Then what to expect when the driver arrives. Then what to do afterward so the car is truly off your plate.
Sell My Car For Cash buys junk cars and trucks in all 50 states. We come to you and tow the car for free.
Get Instant Cash Offer For Your Vehicle In Your Area
Part One: Before You Sell
A little preparation saves time later. None of this is hard.
Check who owns the car
Look at the title. Is your name on it? If it is you are ready to sell. If the car belongs to a relative or a former partner you may need extra papers. If the title is lost your state can usually issue a copy. Some states also accept other proof for old cars.
Find out if there is a loan
If you still owe money the lender may hold a claim on the title. That claim usually has to be cleared before the sale. Call your lender and ask what they need. Tell us about it when you contact us and we will explain the next step.
Look over the car
Walk around it and write down what you see. Note dents and rust. Note what does not work. Note what is missing. Check if the car starts. This gives you an honest description for your offer.
Gather your papers
Put these in one place.
- Your photo ID
- The title
- The registration if your state asks for it
- Any lien release letter if you had a loan
Empty the car
Look in the glove box and the trunk and under the seats. Check door pockets too. People leave sunglasses and papers and sometimes spare keys behind. Once the car is towed it is hard to get things back.
Ask for offers
You do not have to pick the first buyer. Ask for a few offers and compare them. Look at the price and also the fees. A high offer with a towing charge can end up lower than a fair offer with free towing.
Part Two: On Pickup Day
Here is what usually happens when we arrive.
The driver checks the car. This is a quick look to make sure it matches what you told us. If you described it honestly the price stays the same.
You sign the papers. This includes the title and a bill of sale. We walk you through each line.
You get paid. Payment happens at pickup.
The car is loaded and towed away. If it does not run our driver uses equipment to lift it onto the truck. You do not have to touch it.
The whole visit is usually short. Try to be there so you can sign and get paid. Have your ID ready.
Part Three: After the Car Leaves
This is the part most sellers miss. Rules differ by state so check what applies to you.
Tell your state the car is sold. Many states have a form or an online notice so you are no longer listed as the owner. This protects you if the car is used later. It can also stop tickets or fees from being sent to you.
Cancel or change your insurance. Do this after the car is gone and not before. You might get part of your premium back.
Handle your license plates. Some states want you to keep them and some want you to return them. Look up your own rule.
Close any toll accounts. If a toll tag or account was tied to the car remove it.
Keep your records. Save a copy of the bill of sale and any receipt. Keep them for at least a year.
What Kinds of Junk Cars Do We Buy?
We buy almost all kinds.
- Cars that will not start
- Cars with engine or transmission trouble
- Wrecked and flood-damaged cars
- Rusted cars that sat for years
- Old cars with very high mileage
- Cars with missing parts
- Cars declared a total loss by insurance
If yours is not on the list please ask. You can also read more on our pages for damaged cars and for selling without a title.
Common Mistakes When Selling a Junk Car
Hiding a problem. Leaving out damage might seem harmless but the price can change when the driver sees it. Honesty saves time.
Paying for a tow. You should not have to. Many buyers including us tow for free. If someone asks for a fee ask why.
Signing before payment. Do not sign over the title until you have been paid.
Forgetting to tell the state. If you skip it you may stay on record as the owner.
Cancelling insurance too early. Keep it until the car is gone.
Taking the first offer without a check. Compare at least two.
Where Do We Work?
We buy in all 50 states. Our office is in Davenport Florida. We serve big cities and small towns and places far from the road. Tell us where the car is and we will plan the pickup. Look up your state on our locations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do before I sell my junk car?
Start with the title. Make sure your name is on it and find out if there is a loan. Write down the condition of the car honestly. Gather your photo ID and paperwork. Take out your personal things. Then ask for an offer. A little prep makes the sale quicker.
What papers do I need to sell a junk car?
Most sellers need a photo ID and the title. Some states also want the registration. We help you complete a bill of sale. If there is a loan you may need a lien release. If the car was inherited you may need a death certificate or other documents.
What happens when the driver arrives?
The driver looks over the car to check it matches your description. You sign the transfer papers and receive your payment. Then the car is loaded and towed away. The visit is usually short.
What should I do after my junk car is picked up?
Tell your state motor vehicle office that you sold the car. Cancel or update your insurance once the car is gone. Take care of your license plates the way your state requires. Close any toll account tied to the car. Keep a copy of your bill of sale. Rules differ so check your own state.
Do I need to tell the DMV when I sell my junk car?
In many states yes. This tells the state you no longer own the car. It protects you if the car is driven or abandoned later. Some states let you do it online. Ask your local office what is required.
Can I sell a junk car that does not run?
Yes. Most of the junk cars we buy do not run. Our driver brings equipment to load them. You do not have to push or tow the car yourself.
Can I sell a junk car if I lost the title?
Often yes. Each state has its own way to handle lost titles. Many let you order a duplicate. Some accept other proof of ownership for old cars. Tell us your state and we will explain what you need.
Can I sell a junk car that still has a loan?
Sometimes. The lender must usually release the claim first. Tell us about the loan when you ask for an offer. We will explain what happens next.
Do I pay for towing or for the offer?
No. The offer is free and towing is free. Nothing is taken from your payment. The price in your offer is the amount you receive.
Should I keep my license plates?
It depends on your state. Some states want you to keep them and some want them returned. A few let you transfer them to another car. Check your state rule before the driver arrives.
When do I get paid?
You get paid when our driver picks up the car. The driver checks it and you sign the papers. Then you receive your payment.
Do you buy junk cars outside Florida?
Yes. Our office is in Davenport Florida but we buy in all 50 states.
Ready to Sell Your Junk Car?
Send us the details through the instant offer form or call (888) 781-2436. We will make a clear offer and come to you.