Though many people are fortunate enough to escape physical harm after experiencing a vehicular accident, it can still be a stressful and costly experience wondering what to do with your wrecked car. This can be particularly true when the title paperwork has been lost, misplaced or destroyed with the vehicle. The good news, is that you might still be able to recoup some of your losses by selling your wrecked car. In some cases, you might have to obtain alternative paperwork. But it is sometimes possible to sell a totaled car without any title at all.
Financed Vehicles
If you are financing the car, you'll need to pay off the loan before you can legally sell it. The finance company generally holds the title to a vehicle until all final payments have been made. In some instances, your insurance policy may cover the cost of paying off your debt to the loan company, in which case you will receive the title and be free to sell the totaled vehicle. Sometimes -- though hard to accomplish with a wrecked car -- you might find a buyer who can take over the payments or fulfill the balance in full in exchange for the vehicle.
Salvage Titles
Depending on the amount of damage to the vehicle, you may have to obtain a salvage title. To obtain a salvage title, your car must be written off by your insurance company as a total loss, meaning that the cost of repairs will exceed the actual value of the vehicle. The car must be also inspected by state highway patrol officials. If it is agreed that the car is a total wreck, a salvage title will be issued by your local department of motor vehicles or state titling agency. Once you have received your salvage title, you are free to sell the vehicle.
Auto Wreckers
One way to avoid the hassles and expense of towing and storing your wrecked vehicle and the salvage titling process, is to just junk the car. Professional auto wreckers are quite familiar with the legalities of auto salvaging and take care of most of the red tape for you. They are capable of checking vehicle identification numbers -- to prove ownership -- and process salvage title applications on a daily basis. In most cases, a tow truck will come to the location of the car with all appropriate paperwork to make you an offer on the vehicle. If you accept, simply show identification, sign any applicable agreements and accept your payment.
Auto Parts
Auto wreckers typically pay minimally for totaled, nondrivable cars. But if you have a place to store the vehicle for extended periods and are handy with auto mechanics, you sell it piece by piece without any paperwork at all. Just because a car is totally wrecked doesn't necessarily mean that each and every part is ruined. If you are capable of taking the vehicle apart, you may be able to sell part of the interior such as seats, door panels and dashboard components. Some of the engine, motor and body parts may also be intact and suitable for sale. Stripping the car for parts might help you considerably recoup your losses.
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