What Should You Do Before Junking a Car?

When is it finally time to junk my old car?

That is the million-dollar question for every driver with a worn-out ride that’s taking up space in their garage. No one wants to get rid of a useful and operating vehicle, but it can feel wrong to just drive an old junk car around. What should you do before junking a car?

We have your guide on how to responsibly get rid of an old, junk car. Read on to find everything you need to know to go above and beyond to respect both the planet and your community.

Cancel Your Auto Insurance

The first task would be to cancel your auto insurance. This will ensure you don’t accidentally get stuck with an extra bill on top of draining your cash reserves to pay for the car junking.

Get in touch with your insurance agent, and inform them of your plans to cancel it. Scrapping a car means you won’t be using it again, so there would be no more use for the auto insurance connected to that car.

Get the Vehicle Title

Before junking a car, you must also make sure you have the title in your name. If you bought the car from someone else, the title must be transferred to you so that you own it and have the right to sell it and the responsibility to handle any legal obligations.

This can usually be done at the Department of Motor Vehicles. You should also check to make sure the title is free and clear. If you have any loans, the title won’t be free until the loan is paid off in full.

Collect All Personal Belongings

When deciding to junk a car, make sure to also collect all personal belongings first. Go through both the interior and the exterior of the car and remove items such as CDs, books, documents, cards, sunglasses, phone chargers, and any other items that may have been left.

This can also include checking underneath carpets, seats, and the glove compartment. Once everything is collected, you can then dispose of the car safely and securely. If you’re aware of the dangers of driving junk cars, you’ll know that this is a necessary step to take.

Take Out the License Plates

It is also important to take out the license plates before junking a car, as they are considered state property. All states have specific procedures for returning unused plates.

You may also need to show proof of insurance or ownership. Be sure to check the exact requirements of the state in which you are junking the car before doing so.

Remove Any Valuable Car Parts

Before junking a car, you should always remove any valuable car parts. This includes any parts that can still be salvaged and reused. These parts can usually be sold for a decent price and can be reused in other cars.

If you think that these parts can still hold value, then take them out and either keep them for future use or sell them off.

The Process of Junking A Car

The bottom line is that junking a car can be a rewarding process if done correctly. Before taking the plunge, make sure to research local companies, ask for documentation, take care of the paperwork, and remove personal items.

By following the steps listed above, you now know how to junk a car and what it takes. All that is left is to get started! For more tips, visit our blog today!