Selling a Totaled Car: A Guide

Perhaps you were involved in a severe car accident or experienced a significant engine failure—and the insurer declared your car totaled. Such a situation is frustrating, and the thought of a complete loss of your money invested in the car can be disheartening.

Fortunately, although you cannot get your car back, you can still earn money by selling the totaled car for cash. This blog explains what a totaled car is and gives some helpful tips for selling a totaled car.

What Is a Totaled Car?

A totaled car, also known as an insurance write-off or salvage car, is a car that has sustained damage to the extent that it cannot be fixed. If the insurer realizes that repairing the car exceeds the cost of replacing it, they declare the car a total loss.

When such an accident occurs, the insurance company pays you for your losses in terms of compensation. The insurer then salvages the car to companies specializing in buying salvage cars.

Why Sell a Totaled Car?

While letting the insurer salvage the car may sound appealing, you could sell it to a company and make some money. Depending on its condition, a totaled car will earn you more money than just letting the insurer take it away.

The insurer might try to get you into accepting the least amount for the salvage car, which may be less than the car's valuation. Also, if you opt for a trade-in, the dealer may not provide a good value for the car, as it is already totaled. You may spend so much time and energy negotiating but still get an unfavorable deal.

Selling your totaled car for cash involves no hidden fees, and you do not have to worry about getting the vehicle off your property since the buyers will handle the towing tasks for you.

How Do You Sell a Totaled Car?

Use these tips to streamline your process and ensure you get the most out of your totaled car.

Get an Assessment by the Insurance Adjuster

Before you assume that your car is totaled, get it assessed by an insurance adjuster. During the assessment, the adjuster will consider the extent of the damage and compare it with the car's value. The specialists will then decide whether you can get your car repaired or if it is totaled.

Get a Salvage Title

After the insurer declares your car totaled, you must get a salvage title to show that the car is no longer roadworthy. You can acquire the title from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The providers will replace your original title with a salvage one.

Have All Your Documents Ready

Besides the salvage title, you likely also need your registration and title. Some junk car dealers will accept a totaled car without a title, so make sure to ask. All these documents will certify that you are the true owner of the car and that you plan to sell it. With the right documents in hand, the selling process will go faster and easier.

A totaled car is not a complete loss if you make smart decisions. With cash for cars, you can get rid of your totaled car hassle-free.

Cash for Cars is your trusted partner if you want to sell your totaled car. We offer the best deals for junk cars, and we will tow the car away at no cost. Contact us today for more information. We look forward to paying you top dollar for your totaled car and helping you get more value. Please let us know what questions or concerns you have.