Tag Archives: Indianapolis junk car buyer

What the Law Says About Scrapping Cars in Indiana

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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

General Qualities of a Total Loss Car

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If you have just walked away from a recent car accident scratch-free, but the same cannot be said about your vehicle, it is important to learn whether or not your car is a total loss. Continue reading to learn what it means to have a total loss vehicle, and what you can do if this is your current situation.

Sell a Totaled Car

Call Us to Sell a Totaled Car in Indianapolis! 317-608-2188

Total Loss Vehicle

A vehicle can only be deemed a total loss by the insurance company. An insurance adjuster will come out to inspect the vehicle and determine whether or not it is totaled. A total loss vehicle is one in which the cost to repair it back to the condition it was in before the accident is MORE THAN the market value of the vehicle before the accident. For instance, if your car is worth $3,000 on the current market, but after your accident, the total cost of repairs is estimated to be $4,400, then the car is totaled.

What To Do With a Totaled Car

You generally have two options when your car is deemed totaled by your insurance carrier. You can either file the claim to receive compensation from your insurance provider (the amount of compensation will depend on various factors, including your particular policy terms and the market value of your vehicle), or you can refuse to file it with your insurance and keep the car. If you choose to file a claim with your auto insurance carrier, they will take the vehicle, title, keys, and license plate out of your possession.

If you do not file with your insurance carrier and decide to keep the vehicle, you will receive a new car title that shows the total loss. This is called a salvage car title. You will need this salvage car title if you want to sell your totaled vehicle. You can choose to sell a totaled vehicle privately, among the local community, but you will have better luck selling it to a professional junk car buyer in your town. Depending on your policy benefits, you may get more money for your totaled car through an Indianapolis Cash For Cars Company, rather than an insurance claim.

We Will Pay Top Dollar for Your Totaled Car!

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 your totaled car for cash 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.

Do I Need Car Radiator Repair?

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Your vehicle’s radiator is very important because it prevents the engine from overheating. Every time you drive your vehicle, your engine produces high levels of heat. Without a properly-functioning radiator, your vehicle’s heat levels cannot be managed, which can lead to serious safety issues and automotive damage.

Continue reading to learn more about car radiators, and the common signs that suggest it needs to be repaired.

Sell Your Old Car Parts 317-608-2188

Sell Your Old Car Parts in Indy
317-608-2188

How They Work

Radiators pump coolant through the inner components of your engine. The coolant absorbs the heat that the engine produces, and then travels back to the radiator where it is rapidly cooled. The entire cycle is continuous and constant while you drive. On a side note, coolant also doubles as anti-freeze, and prevents your engine from freezing up in cold temperatures.

Radiator Problems

Since radiators are the primary component of a vehicle’s cooling system, it is vital for them to remain in good condition. When a radiator begins to have issues, you will usually start to notice the signs. The most common signs include overheating engines, coolant leaks, low coolant levels, and sludge in the radiator. Below is a brief description of each sign and why they occur.

Overheating Engine – The most common sign that your radiator is in need of service or repair is an overheating engine. Sometimes, all you need is some more coolant to take care of an overheated engine. But when the overheating persists, it is a sign that your radiator needs attention.

Leaking Coolant – The next most common sign that a radiator needs repaired is seeing coolant on the ground beneath your vehicle. This is usually caused by a leak in your coolant tubes or a crack in the radiator shell, and it is a serious problem that requires immediate attention.

Low Coolant Levels – If you notice that you are refilling your car’s coolant too frequently, that means your vehicle is either using too much too quickly, or you have a coolant leak somewhere. Both are serious issues that require immediate automotive repair.

Sludge – You probably won’t discover sludge in your radiator on your own. It is more likely that your mechanic will come across it during a routine service appointment or while making unrelated repairs. Sludge in your radiator means there is an excessive amount of contaminants in your coolant. The contaminants will give coolant, normally brightly-colored, to a rusty or oily color. It is commonly caused by a defective transmission cooler inside the radiator. Not all vehicles have this.

Need to Replace Your Radiator?

We Will Pay You Cash for Your Old One!

GC's Junk Cars of Indianapolis 317-608-2188

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

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell your junk car parts for cash in Indianapolis, Indiana. We will buy any junk cars and car parts in Central Indiana, regardless of age, make, model, or condition. For those who wish to sell a junk car, we offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! Request a free estimate, anytime!

When and Why You Need to Change the Motor Oil in Your Car

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Changing the oil in your car may not be something that you think about often, but it should be considered on a routine basis if you want to drive your vehicle for many more years. Motor oil is vital to the overall performance and safety of a vehicle, which all influence longevity as well. Without clean motor oil, your car’s engine is at an elevated risk of damage. Engine damages are quite costly, and often render a car a total loss. So be sure you take good care of your car engine with routine oil changes.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about changing the motor oil in your vehicle.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

When to Change the Motor Oil

Cars, trucks, and other vehicles have different requirements when it comes to oil changes. The frequency at which you need to change the oil will differ depending on various factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, and how often you drive, and the type of driving you do. It is standard, however, to measure the length of time between scheduled automotive fluid services in distances. For example, most manufacturers suggest cars should have their oil changed every 3000 to 5000 miles, depending on the make and model.

Size and vehicle type also influence the rate of which a person should have their oil changed. For instance, diesel engines will have a contrasting oil change schedule compared to a gasoline fuel engine. Larger engines and vehicles burn more fuel, which may require them to have the oil changed more often. Small gasoline-fueled engines get better fuel mileage, resulting in less frequent routine maintenance.

The best way to accurately determine how often you need to change your vehicle’s oil is to refer to the vehicle’s owners’ manual for factory instructions. If you’ve lost your owners’ manual, simply go online to the manufacturer’s website and download a PDF version for free. You should also check your motor oil on a weekly basis.

How to Check if Your Oil is Low:

➀ Park your car on level ground.
➁ Turn the engine off and remove the keys from the ignition.
➂ Let the engine cool completely.
➃ Open the hood and locate the oil knob.
➄ Unscrew the knob counterclockwise and set it to the side.
➅ Pull the dip stick out and wipe it clean with a towel.
➆ Push the dip stick back in, wait a second, and then pull it out.
➇ Check the level. It should be between the two marks.
➈ If not, you need an oil change!

Got Major Engine Problems?

Some of the above-mentioned automotive issues that result from a lack of oil changes may render a vehicle a total loss. Then occurs when the total cost of the repair exceeds the total current value of the vehicle. For instance, if your vehicle has a current market value of $1700, but the cost to replace your engine is $2200, your car is considered totaled. In this situation, you can redeem the insurance money for it, or sell it to an Indianapolis junk car buyer for instant cash on the spot.

Get Paid Cash On the Spot for Your Junk Car

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 if you have a junk car to sell in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Not only do we accept all vehicles, regardless of age, make, model, and condition, we also payout the highest returns for junk vehicles in Indiana. Just accept our offer and we will come pick up your junk car! Contact us today to request a free estimate!

What To Do if a Tree Falls on Your Car

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Forces of nature cannot always be stopped. In times of inclement weather, like heavy storms or wind, trees are prone to toppling over. Factors like root strength, soil conditions, and overall tree health can render a tree more susceptible to storm damage. Primary targets for falling trees are porches, decks, sheds, houses, garages, and of course, vehicles. In fact, a large number of car insurance claims are for vehicles damaged by fallen trees.

So what do you do if you walk outside, only to find that your car or truck has been squashed by a tree? Continue reading to find out.

Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Call Your Insurance Carrier

If you are a car owner, you likely have automotive insurance. In the circumstance that your vehicle is damaged, whether by tree or by something else, your first step is to contact your auto insurance carrier. They will take down your information and schedule a time for an adjuster to come out and look at your tree.

After receiving a settlement offer from your insurance company, you have two options: You can make a claim with your insurance carrier and accept the insurance money, or you can keep your totaled car and forgo making a claim for insurance money.

In the case that the vehicle is still driveable, you can have it inspected by a licensed mechanic to determine how much it would cost to have it repaired. However, even if it is still operational, it could still be considered a total loss if the cost to make all the repairs exceeds the current market value of the vehicle.

If You Forgo Insurance Money

If you decide that you do not want to release your totaled vehicle to your insurance company, you can choose to keep it, and later sell it to an Indianapolis junk car buyer, or dismantle it for parts. A junk car buyer will give you top dollar for your totaled vehicle, so long as you do business with a reputable and experienced company. These companies can also offer you free services, like pickup and haul away, estimates, and more.

Choose GC’s Junk Cars in Indy

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 totaled car for cash 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. Request a free estimate, today!

Types of Motorized Equipment Accepted By Junk Car Buyers

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Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

There are several types of motorized equipment and commodities in today’s society. Innovative advancements in technology have opened up the market to newer and more exciting mechanical devices of transportation and distribution. What’s even more exciting is that all of these commodities are primarily made of metal, which is one of the most recyclable and reusable elements on the planet. Not only is this terrific for the environment and the Earth as whole, it is quite complimentary to consumers’ wallets when it comes time to junk them.

Below you will find some of the most common commodities that can be recycled for a moderate to high profit, even if they are old or broken. Talk to a local Indianapolis junk car buyer to receive a personalized quote regarding the worth of your junk assets.

Things to Sell to a Junk Car Buyer:

▣ Vehicles

This includes cars, trucks, vans, semi-trucks, and more. If it has four tires and runs on fuel, it is profitable whether operational or not. This also includes automotive parts made of metal.

▣ Farming Equipment

Anything motorized that is used on a farm is accepted farming equipment at a junk car buying lot. This includes tractors, trailers, combines, steam engines, winnowing machines, ploughing machines, drag harrows, rotavators, tillers, tree shakers, sorters, and more.

▣ Construction Equipment

If you own motorized construction equipment, a junk car buyer will purchase it from you regardless of its age, make, model, or condition. Common types of construction equipment that’s well-suited for junk recycling includes forklifts, cranes, bulldozers, trenchers, excavators, loaders, shredders, compactors, and even aquatic machinery.

▣ Watercrafts

Another common commodity recycled at junk car lots are watercrafts and aquatic toys. These include metal-made yachts, boats, skiffs, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, water hovercrafts, submarines, and more.

▣ Recreational Vehicles

There are various types of recreational vehicles that can also be sold to a junk car buyer for cash on the spot. The most common are motorcycles and campers, but they can also include scooters, golf carts, mopeds, electric bicycles, ATV’s, hover boards, and more.

How to Sell Your Old or Broken Motorized Junk in Indianapolis

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 your old car parts for cash on the spot! We will buy any junk cars and car parts in Central Indiana, regardless of age, make, model, or condition. For those who wish to sell a junk car, we offer free towing with our in-house tow truck, so all you have to do is call and accept our offer! Call 317-608-2188 to request a free estimate, anytime!

Common Descriptions for Salvaged Car Titles

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When a car is damaged, and the cost to repair the damage exceeds the vehicle’s overall value, an insurance company will consider it a totaled car. If the owner decides to invest in the necessary repairs and make the vehicle drivable once again, they need to be sure they do so legally. This requires that the car be street legal, meaning it is mechanically safe, sufficiently insured, and has the proper form of salvage title.

Continue reading to learn the common forms of salvage titles, and how to sell a junk car without a title.

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Indianapolis Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188


Salvaged titles are important because they protect future buyers from purchasing a vehicle without knowing the true underlying extent of a vehicle’s damage. A salvaged vehicle is generally branded with an official description that describes the condition of the vehicle. These official descriptions vary depending on certain factors, including the type or extent of vehicular damage and the particular state in which the vehicle is titled under.

There are 3 salvage title descriptions that are the most common in the industry include Total-Loss Vehicle, Rebuilt Title, and Inoperable or Non-Repairable. Within these common title brands include vehicles with flood damage and fire damage.

❶ Total-Loss Vehicle

This title description describes a vehicle that has sustained damage and could be repaired; however, the cost to repair the damage would be more than a predetermined amount of the total economic value of the vehicle. The predetermined amount varies from state to state, but usually ranges between 60 and 100 percent.

❷ Rebuilt Title

A rebuilt title is designated for vehicles that were previously branded a total loss, but then repaired back to a drivable condition. If repaired, the vehicle must pass a vigorous structural safety inspection before it can be legally operated. These are also known as “reconstructed” and “refurbished” titles. The moniker varies among jurisdiction.

❸ Non-Repairable

When a vehicle experiences a high level of damage, and the damage makes it impossible to repair, it is given a non-repairable title. These are also known as “inoperable” and “irreparable” titles. Cars with an inoperable title cannot be repaired and legally driven. They can only be used for parts and scrap metal applications.

Need to Sell a Salvaged Car Without a Title?

Sometimes car titles get lost or even stolen, and other times they are never transferred over to the new owner. Regardless of why your title is missing, there are still ways to sell your car without it. Although having a car title can make the process easier, selling a vehicle without a title only requires a few extra steps. Many will have success declaring their car title lost or stolen, while others live in states that have procedures in place for car owners who want to sell a vehicle to a private party without a title. A highly recommended method is to sell your vehicle to an Indianapolis junk car buyer who will do business without a car title. This is also the easier way to go since many salvage yards will tow your vehicle to their lot for free.

We Will Buy Your Car Without a Title!

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 your totaled car for cash in Indianapolis. We have been buying junk cars throughout the Central Indiana area for several years. With our knowledge and expertise, we stand by our offers 100%. Rest assure you will be getting 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.

Why is My Check Engine Light On?

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Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Junk Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Most people can relate to having car problems. Squeaky brakes, poor suspensions, broken headlights, and more are common issues experienced by drivers and car owners every day. Although these problems are a concern, the engine is the scariest of them all. When you see your check engine light illuminate, it is easy to feel some degree of panic. You might be envisioning outrageous repair bills, or worse, discovering that your car is completely totaled.

Unfortunately, when a malfunction indicator lamp (also known as your check engine light) comes on, immediate action is required, whether that means paying for repair or not. That is because it is not safe to drive a vehicle with potential performance problems.

This is especially true in the case of major engine damage. In this case, it is in the best interest of your safety to either have your engine repaired, or to junk your car entirely. So learn why your check engine light might be on, and what to do if it is too expensive to repair.

Professional Diagnostic Testing

There are countless reasons for a malfunction indicator lamp to illuminate on a driver’s dashboard. Because there are so many different variables involved when it comes to determining a problem, a person needs professional assistance. The first step in figuring out why your check engine light has illuminated is diagnostic testing. Usually, an automotive repair shop is the obvious place to get this type of analytical testing. They retain the proper tools, training, and equipment to accurately diagnose readings derived from diagnostic examinations. This service can cost anywhere from $50 to $75, depending on the particular provider.

On the other hand, if you are familiar with automotive service and repair, you can purchase a diagnostic test kit and perform the assessment yourself. These are available at any local automotive store, and come in a wide range of options and prices. Keep in mind that you may need to learn how to read codes and pinpoint all contributing factors to accurately diagnose the underlying problems.

Common Reasons:

⚉ Loose Gas Cap

The job of the gas is to seal the fuel system and retain pressure inside the fuel tank. It prevents gasoline fumes, or hydrocarbons, from being admitted into the atmosphere and polluting the air and surrounding environment. If a loose gas is not fastened properly, gasoline within the tank will evaporate causing a drivers fuel level to decrease substantially. Considering the high gas prices these days, this is a very undesirable situation for any driver to have on their hands. The good news is that a loose gas is simple to fix. Simply type of backup or purchase a new cap that will fit and seal your fuel tank properly.

⚉ Oxygen Sensor

Oxygen sensors, also referred to as O2 sensors, measure the amount of oxygen that is unburned in a vehicle exhaust system. They will cause a check engine light to illuminate when it’s time for them to be replaced. Again, if a driver fails to replace their O2 sensors, they will begin to lose a significant amount of gas mileage because the engine will burn more fuel than it needs to. Fuel economy loss can reach up to 40% or more if an oxygen sensor problem is ignored for too long. Defective oxygen sensors can also cause problems with a vehicle’s spark plugs and catalytic converter; a much higher and costly automotive repair.

⚉ Mass Airflow Sensors

A mass airflow sensor, or MAF, is the center that determines how much fuel your engine needs to run properly. It accomplishes this by measuring the amount of air entering an engine. All recommendations for O2 sensor replacements are the same for mass airflow sensors. Failure to replace MAF sensors can cause damage to a vehicle spark plugs or Lytic converter as mentioned before; as well as, reduced engine performance and fuel economy. Again, if caught early on and replaced on schedule, these repairs will cost less than if damages were to occur.

⚉ Spark Plugs

We mentioned above that failing to replace sensors can cause damages to a vehicle spark plugs or plug wires. Well, when a malfunction indicator lamp turns on it could mean that your spark plugs or plug wires need replaced. This is also a fairly inexpensive repair, so it is important to catch this early on as well and have them replaced by professional automotive repair shop or licensed mechanic. Failing to replace plug wires can cause damages to ignition coils and O2 sensors, clog catalytic converters, and much more.

⚉ Catalytic Converter

The most costly and expensive reason behind an illuminated check engine light is a malfunctioning or damage catalytic converter. Catalytic converters convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide; protecting our environment and reducing harmful exhaust emissions. Neglecting to replace or repair a damaged catalytic converter will cause your vehicle to fail the state’s vehicle emissions test. Your car will lose fuel economy, experienced reduced gas mileage, poor engine performance, and operate at a higher temperature. This can lead to engine overheating and more.

Total Loss Vehicles

Some of the above-mentioned automotive issues may render a vehicle a total loss. Then occurs when the total cost of the repair exceeds the total current value of the vehicle. For instance, if your vehicle has a current market value of $2500, but the cost to replace your engine is $3500, your car is considered a total loss. This means it is totaled. In this situation, you can redeem the insurance money for it, or sell it to an Indianapolis junk car buyer for instant cash on the spot.

Get Paid Cash On the Spot for Your Totaled Car!

GC's Junk Cars of Indianapolis 317-608-2188

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

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell your totaled car for cash 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.