How To Junk a Car When You Don’t Have the Title

An old car rusting away in your driveway can be turned into quick cash simply by selling it to a junk car buyer. Don't let a missing title hold you back if you have an old car to get rid of, as there are options for selling the car and making a few extra bucks, even if you don’t have the title. 

Proof of Ownership

A junk car buyer can't legally purchase or pick up your vehicle without some sort of proof that you are the owner and have the legal right to sell the car. There are a few ways you can prove ownership.

VIN Report

Sometimes an official VIN report can be used in lieu of a title. Generally, a VIN report shows information such as reported service and accident history, as well as ownership history and the type of title that is on the car. You can purchase VIN reports from private companies, but a report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau will likely be sufficient since it shows title history. 

Certificate of Origin

If you are the original owner of the vehicle or purchased it from a dealer, then you can request a certificate of origin from the dealer from which the car was purchased. This certificate includes the VIN number, the vehicle make and model, and the date and name of the person to whom the dealer originally transferred ownership. Of course, if you purchased the vehicle used from a private seller, then this method won't apply to your situation.

Replacement Title

Although more time-consuming, one of the best ways to prove ownership is to get a replacement title. In Illinois, you can request a replacement title for a small fee, either in person or via mail. You will need the VIN number, odometer reading, and a copy of your ID in order to complete the application. 

Other Concerns

Requirements vary depending on the buyer. Fortunately, there is likely a junk car buyer for your car no matter its condition as long as the vehicle meets the legalities for junking and the buyer can pick it up.

Salvage History

When securing a new title, you may run into difficulties if the car was previously declared salvage. In the state of Illinois, vehicles declared as salvage by an insurance company can only remain in consumer hands if the damage was due to hail or if the car is more than 9 years old.

Otherwise, the insurance company should have taken possession of the vehicle. For this reason, the junk buyer may only accept a salvage title vehicle from the owner if it is more than 9 years old. 

Junking Certificates

Another requirement in the state of Illinois is a junking certificate, which has the purpose of ensuring a junked car doesn't re-enter the consumer market illegally. Although you can apply for this certificate either before or after the car is picked up by the buyer, it requires less work if you secure the certificate prior to transferring the vehicle to the junk buyer. 

Pickup Planning

Ideally, the junk car buyer you choose will send a tow truck to pick up the vehicle for you. The cost of the tow service is usually figured into the final selling offer price, so you won't have to pay anything out of pocket. Make sure that the truck can access your car in its current parked location to ensure an easy tow. You will likely need to be onsite in order to provide your proof of ownership and ID since there will be no title to leave in the vehicle. 

Call us at Cash for Cars if you have an old car with no title that you are ready to get rid of and sell for cash. We buy cars in any condition, with or without a title in just three simple steps.