The Ultimate Guide to Avoid Mistakes Before Your Junk Car is Towed Away
Do you have an old car gathering rust and dust in your garage or driveway? Is it in such bad shape that the cost of repairing it exceeds its actual value? If that’s the case, then it’s time to say goodbye to your old friend and send it away to a junkyard. However, before you make any moves and get it towed away, there are a few crucial steps you need to take to avoid making any mistakes that could cost you money or even legal trouble.
Collect All Important Documents
The first step you need to take before towing away your junk car is to gather all important documents related to the car’s registration, insurance, and license plates. Ensure that you have all the proper paperwork required in your region to prevent any legal hassles. Also, make sure that you cancel the car’s insurance policy, as you don’t want to pay for something you’re not using.
Remove All Personal and Valuable Belongings
After gathering all paperwork, remove all personal items and belongings from the car. This might seem like an evident step, but many car owners tend to leave valuable possessions in their old cars, which they only realize later. It’s not just about items of monetary value, but also things with sentimental value. Most junkyards won’t accept cars that still contain personal belongings, and your car will end up being towed back to your house until you remove them, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Check for any Valuable Car Parts
Before having your junk car towed away, you may want to extract any valuable car parts that you could sell for cash. For example, the battery, wheels, radiators, and alternators. But be realistic – only remove parts that are in excellent condition and not damaged or rusted. Otherwise, it may not be worth the trouble.
Choose a Reputable Junkyard
Your next step is to locate a reputable junkyard in your area that offers a competitive price for your junk car. Do your research and find out what other customers have said about the company, as well as their reputation in the industry. You can check the Better Business Bureau for ratings, or online reviews to ensure you select a reputable and trustworthy company.
Get Quotes from Multiple Junkyards
Once you identify junkyards, get quotes from several to determine the best offer for your old car. Make sure that all junkyards are quoting for the same car, and not change the price in-person. In-person negotiations will typically result in a higher payout for your car and save you from any last-minute surprises.
Clean Your Junk Car
Before towing away your old car, give it a good cleaning. A clean car will make it easier to spot and remove any parts that can be reused or recycled, and it’s essential to ensure your safety before towing it away. You don’t need to spend a fortune at a car wash. Just make sure your car is free of debris and harmful objects before the towing company arrives.
Prepare the Car for Towing
Once you’ve chosen a reputable and reliable towing company, you need to prep your junk car. Remove any hooked or tied items and remove the license plates. Ensure you have the keys to avoid any miscommunication with the towing company and consider documenting the car’s condition before towing. Take pictures of any dents or exterior damage to avoid any potential disputes down the road.
The Final Inspection
Before finally towing your junk car away, ensure that you perform a final inspection. Make sure you have removed everything you need, like personal items, documents, and car parts. Then, examine the vehicle to ensure that the towing company has not caused any damage before leaving. If there are any issues or damages, report them right away.
Junk cars can be an eyesore, costly, and should not continue to hog up valuable space in your garage. If you’re planning to let go of your old car, make sure you take the necessary precautionary steps before having it towed. Follow the tips mentioned above, and you’ll avoid any mistakes and have a smooth, hassle-free process with a successful payout.