Can a Vehicle Be Repaired After Being Submerged in Water?

Have you ever wondered what happens when a car gets submerged in water? Whether it’s due to a flood, a sinking boat, or just a wrong turn on an especially dark night, having your vehicle end up in a body of water can be a horrifying experience. More importantly, you might find yourself asking – is my car ruined forever? Or can it be salvaged and repaired?

This blog post will explore the fate of a water-damaged vehicle, discussing the factors that determine whether a car can be restored or if it’s deemed a total loss. Let’s dive into the world of submerged vehicles to uncover the truths and misconceptions.

Call 317-608-2188 to Sell a Water Damaged Car in Indianapolis
Call 317-608-2188 to Sell a Water Damaged Car in Indianapolis

Can a Flooded Car Be Repaired?

The first step in answering this question lies in understanding the extent of the damage. If there is no significant structural damage, your vehicle may be salvageable – depending on how long it was submerged in water and what kinds of contaminants were present in the water. For example, saltwater can corrode certain metals or cause rusting, while freshwater may simply leave behind residue and bacteria. If the water has been flooding your car for several days, chemical contamination should also be taken into consideration.

In any case, an expert mechanic can help you assess the situation and tell you whether it’s possible to repair the vehicle or if it is best to start looking for some local auto salvage yards instead. Don’t forget to check with your insurance provider for coverage: in certain cases, they may be able to provide financial support if the car is deemed a total loss.

If Repair is an Option

If it’s possible to repair your vehicle, there are still steps you can take to ensure that it runs well and provides optimal performance. The first step is to thoroughly clean all of the components from water residue (especially any electrical parts) and allow them to dry completely. Depending on the extent of damage, you may need to take your car to a professional mechanic for repairs and replacements. Keep in mind that waterlogged vehicles will often require new brakes, tires, suspension components and even engine oil filters – all of which can significantly increase the cost of repair. They will also likely be given a salvaged car title.

Be Aware of the Risks

Finally, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with waterlogged vehicles. Even after the repair is complete, there may be issues in areas such as rust and corrosion that can cause long-term damage or lessen the resale value of the vehicle. It’s also possible that your car will never perform in the same way as it did before – a fact that you should keep in mind when making decisions about whether to repair or replace your vehicle.

In Summary

Overall, it is possible to salvage and repair a car that has been submerged in water – but the success of this process largely depends on the extent of damage caused by the incident. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure to consult an expert mechanic and check with your insurance provider for coverage before committing to any repairs. If you cannot repair your car, sell it to a junk car buyer in Indianapolis for an instant cash payout. By taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your car is back on the road in no time.

Of course, it goes without saying: prevention is always better than cure – so drive safe and avoid any watery adventures! The last thing you want is to find yourself asking “can a vehicle be repaired after being submerged in water?”

Are you in search of reputable junk car buyers who can provide the fairest offer for your waterlogged vehicle? Here we are! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car for cash in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer!

Related Posts:

How to Assess Your Junk Car’s Worth
How to Diagnose Water Damage in Your Car
Is My Car Totaled If It Is Over 50 Percent Damaged?

The Only Papers You Need to Keep in Your Car

There are many important documents that need to be saved and kept in a safe place. Things like your passport, house deed, birth certificate, Social Security card, mortgage agreements, and similar paperwork are best-kept at home, preferably in a safe or locked file cabinet, or in the safety security box. However, there are some documents that should be kept in your car and not in your house or office.

Continue reading to learn which documents should and should not be kept in your car.

Cash for Cars Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188
Cash for Cars Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188

Important Car Documents to Keep Inside the Vehicle

Proof of Insurance

Whether you are stopped for routine traffic violation or involved in a minor car accident, the very first thing that will be asked of you is proof of automotive insurance. It is the state law to have minimum liability insurance coverage for vehicles that are actively driven. Whether your automotive insurance company provides you with an insurance card or a packet of documents, it is important to keep that information inside of your vehicle at all times. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving and you do not have proof of car insurance on you, you will be penalized.

Car Registration

The other important document that should always be kept inside of your vehicle is the car registration. The law requires all driven vehicles to be registered with the state. It is typically a long rectangular document made with the thicker paper. Store it inside of your glove compartment or in a durable, preferably zip-up, folder under your seat. Driving without your car registration on you can put you at risk of being ticketed by police in the case that you are ever pulled over or involved in a car accident.

Roadside Assistance Card

Although optional, it is a good idea to keep your roadside assistance card in your vehicle for emergencies. If you are not a paying member of a roadside assistance program, keep any local or statewide roadside assistance company contact information in your car.

Leave These Car Documents at Home:

Title

There are some car documents that should never be kept inside the vehicle, and your title is one of them. Always keep your car title a home in a safe location. If you lose the car title, you can subject yourself to the risk of identity theft or loss of certain rights to your vehicle. If you have lost your car title, or it has been stolen or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate title at your local BMV.

Car Payment Paperwork

Any paperwork that pertains to your car lease or car financing plan should never be kept inside the vehicle. If you are making payments on your vehicle, don’t keep this information in your car. Again, it can be used for identity theft purposes or even pose the risk of mistakenly missing payments.

Is your car past the point of being driven and now you just want to get it off your hands in the easiest way possible? Well, make a profit while doing it! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to receive a free cash for cars offer! We accept all make and model vehicles, regardless of condition. We also provide free junk car removal!

Related Posts:

Which Documents Prove Ownership of a Vehicle?
Facts About the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
How Do I Replace a Lost or Stolen Car Title?

How Does the Total Loss Process Work for a Wrecked Car?

When your vehicle is damaged beyond repair after a collision or traffic accident, the insurance company will label it a total loss. Additionally, your vehicle can be deemed totaled by your insurance carrier if the cost to repair it exceeds its current market value. If you have recently wrecked your vehicle, continue reading for a brief explanation on how the total loss process works for a wrecked car, plus how you can earn cash for a totaled car if it was not insured at the time of the wreck.

Cash for Cars Lot Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188
Cash for Cars Lot Indianapolis Indiana 317-608-2188

What is a Total Loss Vehicle?

A total loss vehicle is any car, SUV, truck, van, or motorized automobile that is so far damaged that the cost to repair it is higher than what the vehicle is valued at by the current market. So, let’s say that your wrecked car has a current scrap value of $2,400. If the cost to repair your wrecked car back to its original condition prior to the accident or collision is higher than $2,400, your insurance company will categorize it as a total loss. At this point, a few things will happen.

The Process of Filing a Total Loss Claim

The process of filing a total loss claim for wrecked car will vary depending on whether you own the vehicle or if you’re leasing or financing it. If you own your car, you can expect the total loss claim process to commence as follows:

File the Claim

First, you will report the claim to your insurance company the same day as your accident, or early the next morning. Simply give them a call (you can find the number on the back of your insurance car, within your insurance documents, or on an online directory) and tell the representative what you are trying to accomplish. They will place on the path in the direction you need to go.

Complete an Insurance Adjuster Inspection

This can depend on your particular insurance carrier, but in most cases of car accidents, the next step in the total loss claim process is to schedule an insurance adjuster inspection. This generally takes place within one or two days of the accident. Your insurance company does this to ensure that the automotive repair shop that does the damage estimate provides an accurate assessment and for the claim-related damages. This step prevents insurance fraud and deductible errors.

Rent a Car

Your insurance company may offer free rental car benefits under your policy if you file a claim for a totaled vehicle. Check with them to see if you are eligible for such benefits or if similar amenities are available to you.

Finalize the Claim Settlement

A few days after the insurance adjuster evaluates the damage to your vehicle and investigates the claim, you will be offered a settlement. In this step, you will review and finalize your total loss car insurance settlement by accepting the offer.

Locate the Car Title

After you accept and finalize the car insurance claim settlement, you will likely need to locate the car title so that you can give it to the insurance company.

Prepare Your Car for Pickup

Before you can get paid, you will need to release your wrecked car to the insurance company. Just be sure to take out all of your personal belongings and remove the license plate. When the tow truck arrives to collect your vehicle, you will need to sign some paperwork and sign over the car title.

Take Your Payment

One or two days after you release your wrecked vehicle to the insurance company, you should receive some final paperwork along with your insurance payment. This step might be done electronically, in person, or through mail. Now you can go buy another car!

Did you wreck and total a vehicle that was not covered by car insurance? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell your junk car for cash on the spot to one of our Indianapolis Indiana junk car buyers! We even offer free junk removal!

Related Posts:

General Qualities of a Total Loss Car
What To Do After a Total Loss Car Accident
Is My Car Totaled if the Engine Blew?

GC's Junk Cars Indianapolis Indiana
GC’s Junk Cars Indianapolis Indiana

How Does the Junk Car Buying Process Work?

After years of collecting weeds and stray animals, your junk car is ready to be sold to a salvage yard. Although you might think that its value is not worth the trouble of going through the junk car selling process, you’d actually be surprised to learn how much a buyer would pay for it’s metal content. You see, cars contain a large amount of metal, which is 100% recyclable. This reusable metal is highly value to our economy, and therefore, fervently sought out by a variety of buyers, including junk car companies.

Sure, the worth of a junk car will vary on a large spectrum depending on a wide range of factors, but the reality is that you can still get rid of a piece of junk and put some cash in your pocket, all in the same day. All you have to do is get the junk car selling and buying process started on the right foot.

Continue reading to learn how the junk car sales process works, what you need to know, and who to trust for the highest payouts in Central Indiana.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Junk Car Research

Your first step to selling a junk car is happening right now; research. It is important to educate yourself on the basic economics and practices in the junk car buying industry. This knowledge will set you up with a basis that will allow you to ask the right questions and choose the right buyer. Typically, the first item of information a junk car seller wants to know is how much their car is worth. As mentioned, junk car values will vary depending on a wide scope of factors, including make, model, age, condition, and current market demand.

The only way to know how much your junk asset is worth is to have it evaluated in-person by a qualified junk car professional. Such professionals will retain state of the art technologies, like electronic weight scales and metal analyzers, and apply these technologies to their years of experience, allowing them to develop an accurate estimation of value for a junk vehicle.

Contact a Junk Car Pro

Once you have given yourself a basic crash course in junk car economics, you are ready to start contacting junk car companies to see who will pay the most and offer the best customer conveniences. For instance, it is wise to choose a junk car buyer who can provide pickup and haul away service at no extra charge. They will simply come to you. Some junk car companies deduct towing fees from their total offer for this type of service. See our blog, “How to Choose the Best Junk Car Buyers” to learn effective strategies for finding a dependable Indianapolis junk car buyer near you.

Accept an Offer

Once you have a junk car buyer on the phone, request a free estimate for your junk car. They will simply ask you a few questions about the vehicle regarding the age, make, model, and condition, and from there, give you a rough estimate. If you prefer a more precise estimate, you can bring your vehicle in and have it evaluated in person. However, if the company does not offer free pickup, you will have to pay to have it towed. In the case that the company does offer free pickup, and you choose not to accept their offer, you will have to reimburse them for the towing.

Prepare Your Vehicle

After you accept an offer, you will need to prove your ownership. A car title is the best way to do this, however, some junk car buyers will accept other documents that prove you are the owner, such as the registration. See our blog, “How Do I Replace a Lost or Stolen Car Title?” to learn more about obtaining one for your junk car. Locate the car title and have it ready for the junk car buyer when they arrive. Finish by clearing out all other personal belongings, including trash and your license plate. Once the junkcar4 buyer arrives to collect the vehicle, just give them the title and they will hand you cash or check.

Learn More About Selling a Junk Car in Indiana

When you really just don’t know who to trust when it comes to scrapping a salvaged vehicle in Indiana, simply go with the best. Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to request a free, over-the-phone quote, or more information regarding the junk car selling process. Whether your vehicle runs or not, we are ready to make you an excellent offer and take it off your hands for free. We have an in-house tow truck that will come directly to your location to pick up your junk car.

How Do I Get a Vehicle History Report in Indiana?

It is important to know what the history of a vehicle is before completing the purchasing paperwork. In other cases, you might want to learn the background of your car before you sell it in order to have a better idea of its potential worth. Regardless of your need for a vehicle history report, be sure you are taking the proper steps to acquire one from an approved source with accurate data.

Continue reading to learn your options for obtaining a history report for a vehicle in Indiana, and how to sell a car that no one else will buy.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Online Searches

The first place to start when looking for vehicle history information is the internet. This is simply the fastest and most comprehensive method of searching for vehicular history. However, be warned that not all vehicle history searches online are free. Some online searches require a non-refundable fee, which can range from a few dollars to $30 or more, depending on the supplier and the extent of information you are looking for.

Special Note: When looking for an online car history report source, be sure it is supported by data provided by the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). This will be the most up-to-date and accurate information available to the general public.

Car Dealerships

Another option for recovering an official report for a vehicle’s history is to contact the dealership it was purchased from last. Although this option is not the most dependable source, it may be good for newer cars that have had few owners. Car dealerships should retain such documents on vehicles up to 3 years after their purchase date.

Keep in mind that there are some sources of vehicle history data that are not available to the general public. These sources include Carfax, CVR, DMVDesk, and Experian. These companies only provide information to official car dealerships.

How to Sell a Junk Car

If you discover that your vehicle has a salvaged title, you can sell it to a junk car buyer for a fail-safe way to get rid of it. Simply contact a local Indianapolis junk car company and tell them all about your vehicle. They will give you an offer, and upon accepting it, will come and pick it up the next day. Some junk car buyers will pay you cash on the spot and provide free tow-away service.

Trusted Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis. Our Indiana junk car buyers offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! We will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle and pay you cash. No title? No problem! Give us a call anyway! Call 317-608-2188 to request a free estimate, today.

Which Documents Prove Ownership of a Vehicle?

It is important to be able to prove that you own a vehicle, especially if you wish to sell it down the line. In fact, it is a state requirement. If you have a vehicle you are preparing to sell, whether operational or a junked, you will need to locate the proper documents that prove your ownership.

Continue reading to learn which documents are universally accepted as proof of ownership, and which documents might be applicable depending on the buyer.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Previously Owned Vehicles

For those who wish to sell a previously-owned vehicle to a private buyer, a certain type of document that proves ownership must be provided in order for the sale to be legal and valid. The document that applies here is a car title. A simple transfer of title is all that must take place when selling a vehicle to another person, legally. If you are selling your car, you would sign the title over to the buyer, who then becomes the new owner. After the new owner signs the title, they must visit their DMV to officially register the car.

Brand New Vehicles

If you are selling a vehicle that never had a previous owner before you, you might be able to use the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, also known as a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), to prove ownership of the vehicle when you do not have a car title. This document is given to new car buyers at the dealership. They are official documents that can be used at a DMV to prove ownership of a car.

Additional Documents That Might Be Accepted

Depending on various factors, such as state laws and insurance regulations, there might be additional documents that can be used to prove ownership of a motorized vehicle. These may or may not include 1) letter of release from lien-holder, 2) a bill of sale, or 3) the registration certificate.

Did You Lose Your Car Title?

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will allow car owners to replace a lost, faulty, or stolen car title if they can meet all the replacement requirements. This new title will have “DUPLICATE” printed on its face to show that is it not the original document, but it will work just the same. Once a duplicate title is issued, the original one is no longer valid. Download an Indiana State Certificate of Authority form to get started.

How to Sell a Car Without a Title in Indiana

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car for cash in Indianapolis, today! We have been buying junk cars throughout the Central Indiana area for several years. You will get the best price for your car because you are selling directly to the scrap yard! There is never a middle man, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. We buy all types of vehicles in all types of shape, running or not, and offer free towing and pick-up.

GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

What the Law Says About Scrapping Cars in Indiana

By reviewing all sections in Indiana Code § 9-22-5, you will learn everything you need to know about scrapping junk cars in our state. This literature can come with some confusing industry and legal jargon, making it difficult to fully understand the laws surrounding scrapping motor vehicles in Indiana. For this reason, we have compiled some fundamental facts and information derived from the Indiana Code for a brief rundown of what you can expect.

Continue reading to review them now!

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Scrapping Motor Vehicles – IC § 9-22-5-1.1

Here are some important points to take into consideration when scrapping a vehicle in Indiana:

You May Need a Certificate of Authority

According to the BMV, “A person who owns a vehicle that has a certificate of title that is faulty, lost, or destroyed, or who is the possessor of an abandoned vehicle may apply to the BMV for authority to sell, give away, or dispose of the vehicle for scrap metal without applying for a certificate of title. An approved Certificate of Authority – Disposal of a Motor Vehicle – State Form 55018 must be provided to the automotive salvage recycler, or other appropriate facility when disposing of the vehicle.”

You Need Proof of Ownership

In order to sell a junk car to a scrapper, you will need to prove ownership. According to IC § 9-22-3-4.4, “ (…)A copy of a certificate of title endorsed under IC 9-17-3-3.4 constitutes proof of transfer of ownership under subdivision (2).”

Try to Understand Fair Market Value

Fair market value is defined in IC § 9-22-3-2 as, “(1) the average trade-in value found in the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Official Used Car Guide, vehicle valuations determined by CCC Information Services, Inc. (CCC), or valuations determined by such other authorities as are approved by the bureau; or (2) the fair market value determined by the bureau upon request.”

Avoid a Class C Misdemeanor

According to IC § 9-18.1-4-8, it is a Class C misdemeanor if a person, “knowingly sells, offers to sell, buys, possesses, or offers as genuine a certificate of registration for a vehicle that is required to be issued by the bureau and has not been issued by the (1) bureau under this article; or (2)appropriate governmental authority of another state.”

Learn More About Selling a Junk Car in Indiana

When you really just don’t know who to trust when it comes to scrapping a salvaged vehicle in Indiana, simply go with the best. Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to request a free, over-the-phone quote, or more information regarding the junk car selling process. Whether your vehicle runs or not, we are ready to make you an excellent offer and take it off your hands for free. We have an in-house tow truck that will come directly to your location to pick up your junk car.

GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Top 3 Tips for Selling a Junk Car for Cash

Did you realize that your junk car is worth money? In fact, junked trucks, vans, boats, trailers, campers, tractors, bulldozers, forklifts, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters, and literally any other type of motorized equipment that runs on fuel is worth money! Of course, the amount of money you profit is largely dependent on finding the right buyer. In fact, that is the first vital tip for selling a junk car for cash and earning the highest profit.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 tips for making the most cash for your junk car!

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

❶ Find a Reputable Junk Car Buyer

Arguably, the most important factor to making the most money from selling a junk car (or other motorized asset) is finding a reputable and established Cash for Cars Company in your area. You do not have to find one directly in your town or local community, as reputable companies often have the proper resources to do business in a vast service area. So if you live in Avon, but your junk car buyer of choice is based out of Indianapolis, they may still be able to pick up your junk car at no extra cost to you; so long as you choose a business that can provide such customer amenities.

❷ Locate Your Relevant Car Documents

Once you have a junk car buyer in mind, you will need to gather your necessary car documents for them. Most Cash for Cars Companies require proof of ownership. The most common document to prove ownership is a car title, however, some junk car buyers are willing to accept other forms of ownership proof if you cannot find the car title, such as the vehicle registration or insurance policy. See our blog, “How to Sell a Junk Car That Has No Title” to learn some information about replacing lost or stolen car titles in Indiana.

❸ Prepare Your Junk Car for Pickup

One of the most commonly overlooked responsibilities that junk car owners neglect is preparing their vehicles for pickup. This includes removing all personal belongings, including CDs, books, paperwork, décor, clothing, and more. In addition to removing personal items, be sure to remove all license plates, both front and back, as well as, cancel the registration with the state. If you are not able to be present when the car is picked up, be sure to leave the appropriate paper work in the vehicle. Now your junk car is ready to be collected!

Get Top Dollar for Your Junk Car in Indianapolis

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to quickly and conveniently sell a junk car in Indianapolis. We offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! We will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle and pay you cash. Call 317-608-2188 to request a free estimate, today.

GC’s Junk Cars
GC’s Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Vehicles That Do Not Require a Title in Indiana

When you purchase a car, truck, or SUV in Indiana, you are required to register the vehicle and obtain a certificate of title. However, you may be surprised to learn that not all motor vehicles require a title here in the Hoosier state. If you own a motor vehicle that you wish to sell, but you cannot locate the title, you may not even need it in the first place.

Continue reading to learn which vehicles are not required to have a title in Indiana.

ATV Buyers 317-608-2188
ATV Buyers 317-608-2188

A “motor vehicle” is not just a car or truck; it is any passenger occupied vessel that runs on a motor, whether that motor is electric or fuel-powered. This includes scooters, motorcycles, boats, personal water crafts, all-terrain vehicles, lawn mowers, tractors, and even certain kinds of construction and farming equipment. As for a certificate of title, many of these same motor vehicles are not even required to be titled.

According to In.Gov:

“A resident of Indiana is required to obtain an Indiana certificate of title for all vehicles, except for the following vehicles that are specifically exempt under Indiana law from being titled.”

Here are the vehicles listed:

➠ Motor-Driven Cycles

Motor-driven cycles are not motorcycles, which do require a certificate of title. In contrast, they are vehicles designed for just one rider, do not travel on more than 3 wheels, do not exceed 35 mph, and meet several other design requirements. Common examples of motor-driven vehicles would be motorbikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar motorized rides.

➠ Water Crafts

Water crafts that are not required to be registered with the state are also exempt from being titled. Water crafts are any type of vehicle that travels on water; but not all water crafts are exempt from registration and titles. Those that do not require a title are those that are non-motorized, such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddle boats, inflatable lifeboats, and some fishing boats.

➠ Off-Road Vehicles

Not all off-road vehicles can forgo a certificate of title; only those that were acquired before 2010 are eligible. Off-Road vehicles are those that can travel on various inclement terrains for long distances. Examples of off-road vehicles include ATV’s, amphibious vehicles, ground effect air cushion vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles, and vehicles powered by natural elements like wind and sun.

➠ Snowmobiles

Although it is not common to own a snowmobile in a state where snowfall is so inconsistent and low, some do. And for those that do, they do not need a certificate of title. Also included with snowmobiles are OTV’s, also known as other-terrain vehicles. These are motorized vehicles that can travel through mud, swamps, snow, ice, marshlands, and more.

➠ Special Machinery

Any type of motorized special machinery is not required to have a title. Examples include ride-on lawn mowers, tractors, golf carts, and any vehicle made by someone other than a manufacturer that does not exceed 25 miles per hour.

Voluntarily-Titled

Although these motor vehicles listed above are not required under law to be titled, an owner can choose to obtain a certificate of title if they want to. It is entirely optional, and depends mostly on personal preference. However, if a vehicle owner does volunteer for a title, they must, from then on, adhere to all regulations and requirements set forth by the state, even after the title expires.

Here’s What In.Gov Has to Say About Volunteer Titles:

“…once a title has been issued, the vehicle is subject to all title requirements under Indiana law, including an administrative penalty for future transfers of ownership, until the title is surrendered.”

No Title Junk Car Buyers

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188
Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car for cash in Indianapolis, today! We have been buying junk cars throughout the Central Indiana area for several years. You will get the best price for your car because you are selling directly to the scrap yard! There is never a middle man, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. We buy all types of vehicles in all types of shape, running or not, and offer free towing and pick-up. No title? No problem!

How to Sell a Junk Car That Has No Title

So you have finally come to the decision to get rid of that old, broken down, rusty junk car that has been taking up all your garage and driveway space for too many years! And then, “Uh Oh”, you enter full panic-mode because you cannot find the title document. So what do you do? The answer is actually quite simple, and will give you some much needed relief this holiday season!

Continue reading to learn what you need to do in order to sell a car without a title.

Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188


Although a vehicle with a title is worth more because of the potential to resell, you do not necessarily need one to sell a car, especially if you are doing business with a scrap yard or junk car buying company. These enterprises are not in the business of buying and selling cars, but rather, buying cars and dismantling them for the valuable metal components within them.

In these cases, a car title would be quite moot to a junk car buyer. Instead, the primary purpose of a car title when selling a junk car to a scrapper would be to simply prove your ownership. After all, a junk car buyer does not want to purchase a vehicle from an unauthorized seller; this would be against the law. So how can you sell a junk car without a title, while still proving ownership? Well, there is more than one answer. It all depends on your personal preference, the resources available to you, and more.

Here are some possible options:

YOU CAN REPLACE IT

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will allow car owners to replace a lost, faulty, or stolen car title if they can meet all the replacement requirements. This new title will have “DUPLICATE” printed on its face to show that is it not the original document, but it will work just the same. Once a duplicate title is issued, the original one is no longer valid. Visit the BMV Duplicate Title Application page to get started.

YOU CAN APPLY FOR AUTHORITY TO SELL

According to the BMV, “A person who owns a vehicle that has a certificate of title that is faulty, lost, or destroyed, or who is the possessor of an abandoned vehicle may apply to the BMV for authority to sell, give away, or dispose of the vehicle for scrap metal without applying for a certificate of title. An approved Certificate of Authority – Disposal of a Motor Vehicle – State Form 55018 must be provided to the automotive salvage recycler, or other appropriate facility when disposing of the vehicle.”

YOU CAN PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE PROOF OF OWNERSHIP

Some junk car buyers may be able to verify ownership using alternative methods, such as the car’s registration, insurance policy, and other official legal documents. This policy differs among scrappers, so it is not always a guarantee. Be sure to learn about such policies before choosing a junk car buyer to work with.

No Title? No Problem!

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car for cash in Indianapolis, today! We have been buying junk cars throughout the Central Indiana area for several years. You will get the best price for your car because you are selling directly to the scrap yard! There is never a middle man, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. We buy all types of vehicles in all types of shape, running or not, and offer free towing and pick-up.