Common Types of Metal in Junk Cars

Posted on June 24, 2019 by junkcars17

If you are wondering why you can get paid cash for a totaled or junked vehicle, it is because they contain metal that can be reprocessed and reused over and over again! Metal is 100% recyclable, so selling a junk car to a local scrapper is an excellent way to help the environment and put some cash in your wallet.

Continue reading to learn which areas of a vehicle contain desirable amounts of metal, as well as, how to get started selling a junk car in Indianapolis.

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⚙ Aluminum

Aluminum is found in various parts and components inside a vehicle. Common parts that contain aluminum include motors, doors, hoods, and rims.

⚙ Lead

Lead is abundant in a junk car. Parts inside the battery are often made of lead, as well as, the wheels. Car wheels are an excellent automotive component to scrap for cash because they are heavy.

⚙ Steel

Steel is the majority of metal found in a junk vehicle. Also known as shredded auto scrap, you can find it in the frame, chassis, engine, and virtually all other components inside a car.

⚙ Copper

Cars contain all sorts of electrical wires, and copper happens to be the best metal for heat and energy transfer. Many of a vehicle’s wires are made of copper, which can be repurposed.

⚙ Precious Metal

Inside a car you’ll find a catalytic converter, which is primarily comprised of two highly-valuable precious metals, platinum and palladium. Gold can also be found in computer circuit boards.

How Much a Junk Car is Worth

The total value you can expect to receive for selling a junk car will vary depending on several factors. Not only does the worth of a junk car depend on the attributes of the junk car itself, it also depends heavily on current stock exchange prices, market metal values, timing, and perhaps the most influential, industry demand. Read our blog, “How Much Can I Make From Selling a Junk Car” to understand how much you might get paid for your junk vehicle.

In order to feel confident that you are getting paid the right amount of cash for your junk car is to choose a reputable Indianapolis junk car buyer to do business with. Look for a professional business that has been serving the community for some time, and provides customer amenities like free quotes and haul away service. You also want to look for positive customer feedback and reviews.

Skip the Hassle and Go Directly to the Pros!

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car for cash in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. 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.

Is a Car Totaled if the Airbag Deploys?

Posted on February 20, 2019 by junkcars17

Determining whether or not a car is totaled is usually the job of your insurance adjuster. Whatever they say goes in terms of the condition of your car and how much it is worth. But many car owners often confuse themselves when it comes to airbag deployment. Most people assume that if an airbag deploys, a car is instantly rendered a total loss; but this is not always the case.

Continue reading to learn more about the link between airbags and totaled cars.

Average Cost of Airbags

Airbags are not cheap. They can cost up to $1,000 just for the part; then you have to pay for labor, as well as, any damage done to the dashboard and steering wheel. Overall, you can expect an airbag replacement and repair to cost at least a few thousand dollars.

All insurance companies deem a car a total loss if the cost to repair it back to its condition prior to the accident exceeds the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle prior to the accident. Most states set the limit between 50% and 80%; here in Indiana, it’s 70 percent. So if an airbag deployment renders a vehicle so damaged that the cost to repair it is more than what the car is actually worth, it will be deemed a total loss and given a salvaged title.

However, a deployed airbag does not always cost more than a vehicle’s cash value. In some cases, the cost to replace an airbag and reconstruct the dashboard and steering platform does not exceed the fair market value of the vehicle. This is usually common among newer model vehicles, and brand new vehicles.

For instance, if you have a 2015 Lincoln Navigator, the cost to replace a deployed airbag would not cost tens of thousands of dollars, which is what a Navigator of that model would probably sell for. In contrast to this example, smaller or lighter vehicles, like a new Hyundai Accent, would likely be totaled if the airbag deployed because more damaged would be done.

Total Loss Automotive Claims

The first step to the automotive claims process is to contact your insurance provider to schedule a time to have the condition of your vehicle evaluated by an adjuster. They will determine, along with their appointed auto body experts, whether or not your vehicle is a total loss. If it is a total loss, they will tender your policy limits.

If you wish to keep your total loss vehicle, you must buy it back from the insurance company by paying them the actual cash worth, minus your policy’s deductible. Usually, you just forgo the payout they offer for the vehicle; you don’t actually pay your insurance company out of pocket. Upon keeping your totaled car, the DMV will issue it a salvaged title.

Get Top Dollar for Your Totaled Car in Indianapolis

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to quickly and conveniently sell a totaled 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.

What To Do After a Total Loss Car Accident

Posted on February 12, 2019 by junkcars17

After you are involved in a total loss automotive accident, the first and most important step is to seek professional medical care. Once you are medically stable, your next step is to contact your insurance carrier to learn how to get your auto accident claim started. But when it comes to closing a total loss insurance claim, you can expect more steps in the process than if you were closing a car repair claim. This potentially makes the entire process take longer.

Getting compensation quickly is very important, especially if you rely on a vehicle to get you to and from your means of income. If you need to get paid by your insurance company as fast as possible in the event of a total loss accident, continue reading for some tips that should help.

Having the right knowledge after a total loss automotive accident is the best strategy for getting compensation quickly by your insurance company. Here is what you need to do:

✔ Contact Your Insurance Carrier

As soon as you are medically capable of making and comprehending phone calls, immediately contact your automotive insurance carrier to report the accident. It is best to do this on the same day, or better yet, at the scene of the accident; but in cases where you are seriously injured, medical attention comes first. The sooner you contact the insurance provider, the sooner the entire process can begin, which can ultimately take months to finalize. You will also discover information about residual loan amounts on your vehicle.

✔ Tow Your Vehicle

A total loss car accident means that your vehicle is totaled. This means that the amount to repair your vehicle back to the condition it was in before the accident exceeds the total worth of the vehicle. So, if your car is totaled, you can choose to have it towed to your preferred automotive repair shop to confirm it as a total loss, or you can have it towed to your insurance company’s preferred body shop. The secret here is to just have it towed to your insurance company’s place. It will make the process much faster.

✔ Find the Title

Your next step is to locate the title, because the insurance company will need you to sign it over to them before paying out your policy. If you cannot find the title to your vehicle, you will need to apply for a duplicate at your local BMV. See our blog, “How Do I Replace a Lost or Stolen Car Title?” to learn how to replace a lost, stolen, or destroyed car title.’

✔ Send in Paperwork ASAP

To make the entire process faster, be sure to mail back all of your complete claim paperwork, as requested by your insurance carrier. Before doing this, be sure to also do your research and learn what the current value of your vehicle was before the accident to ensure your insurance policy is paying you a fair amount. You might also want to gather evidence of upgrades and improvements made to your vehicle, namely receipts.

If you do not want to accept the insurance company’s offer, or do not have insurance at all, sell your vehicle to a local Indianapolis junk car buyer for cash on the spot. Even if you do not have a title, it still may be possible with the right Cash for Cars Company!

Indianapolis Cash for Junk Cars

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.

The Dangers of Operating a Flood Damaged Vehicle

Posted on November 26, 2018 by junkcars17

Whether your vehicle was damaged in a flood, or submerged underwater, you should know about the potential safety hazards of operating a flood-damaged car or truck. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about flood damaged vehicles, including possible dangers, title changes, NMVTIS vehicle history reports, and how to sell one.

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

Flood Damaged Vehicles

When a vehicle is exposed to severe water damage, such as flooding from natural disasters or submergence in a body of water, it is no longer safe to drive. Too many systems and components in the vehicle will be damaged by water, rendering it insufficient for standard operation. One of the most compromised areas of a vehicle are the electrical systems.

From airbags and AC, to the battery, lights, computers, and more, virtually all electrical systems will be damaged if submerged or flooded by water. A damaged electrical system instantly makes a vehicle particularly unsafe for road use. One of the most important electrical systems in a vehicle are the airbags, which can be defected after flooding.

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) was designed by our federal government to protect consumers from vehicle-related fraud and theft, namely purchasing used vehicles with intentionally-concealed vehicular histories. It is the only national system that is available to the public, and all states, insurance carriers, junk car buyers, salvage yards, and automotive recyclers, are required under federal law to report vehicle history information.

It is strongly recommended to always obtain a NMVTIS vehicle history report, as well as, a pre-purchase car inspection, before buying a used car or truck. See our blog, “Facts About the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System” to learn more about their available resources and how to download a free report for yourself.

How to Sell a Flood Damaged Car

There are various factors that influence how and where you can sell a flood-damaged vehicle. See our blog, “Can I Sell a Car That Was Submerged in Water?” to learn some helpful facts about selling flood damaged vehicles, car titles, total loss vehicles, and more. You can always contact a trusted Indianapolis junk car buyer to sell a water damaged car or truck. They will pay you cash on the spot regardless of a vehicle’s make, model, age, or condition!

Where to Get the Most Cash for Your Flooded Car

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.

Do Junk Cars Contain Precious Metal?

Posted on November 13, 2018 by junkcars17

Precious metals are naturally occurring elements that form in the Earth’s crust and retain high economic value. So what does this mean? It means that these metals are worth a whole lot of money! In the junk car selling industry, many sellers wonder what makes their vehicle more or less valuable than another, and one answer to this questions may be precious metal content. Cars have various parts and constituents that are made from or contain precious metal. So if you have a junk car that you want to get rid of, you can get more money if it still retains these valuable elements.

Continue reading to learn which precious metals can be found in a car, and where.

Sell Us Your Junk Car Parts!
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Well known precious metals include gold, silver, platinum, tungsten, zirconium, palladium, rhodium, cerium, manganese, and nickel. And many of these same precious metals can be found in a vehicle. It all depends on where you look. There are two main areas of a vehicle that will likely contain precious metal: circuit boards and the catalytic converter.

Circuit Boards

If a car has an engine and an electrical system, it will surely have circuit boards. Modern circuit boards are designed with gold plated contact “fingers” at their edges where their connectors slide on. This gold is highly valuable to a junk car buyer. Onboard computer systems, such as powertrain control modules (PCM) and engine control units (ECU), contain circuit boards that control antilock brakes (ABS), fuel injection, ignition timing, emission controls, transmission shifting, turbocharger boost, and much more.

As of today, the current U.S. market value for GOLD is $1,201.49 per ounce.

Catalytic Converters

All vehicles (with the exception of propane-powered engines or electric cars) contain a catalytic converter, which also happens to be one of the most valuable automotive parts in a car. That is because catalytic converters are made of several precious metals. Platinum is the primary precious metal in catalytic converters, but they may also contain other alloys mentioned earlier, such as palladium, rhodium, cerium, and manganese.

As of today, the current U.S. market value for PLATINUM is $839.50 per ounce.
As of today, the current U.S. market value for PALLADIUM is $1,109 per ounce.
As of today, the current U.S. market value for RHODIUM is $2,500 per ounce.

(METAL PRICES SOURCE: www.infomine.com)

How to Sell Junk Cars and Automotive Parts

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!

5 Critical Reasons Why You Should Not Drive a Junk Car

Posted on July 12, 2018 by junkcars17

Owning a junk car is a great thing because they are lucrative assets, regardless of age, make, model, or condition. Junk cars can render you a decent profit if you sell it to a local scrap metal buyer. Automotive parts, circuit boards, sheet metal, and more, are all highly sought-after materials in the scrap metal market. Junk cars are great to have because you can sell them for cash, but they are not great to drive. Operating a junked vehicle can pose several dangers to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and even other cars on the road.

Continue reading to learn why you should never drive around in a junk car, and how to sell yours for the highest profit in town.

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❶ Rust

Rust is a common, and imminent, development on old cars. Not only is rust visually unappealing, it negatively impacts the structural integrity of the vehicle, and its moving parts. Safety systems like brakes and cooling, are vital to the safe operation of a vehicle. Rust can weaken or damage critical internal parts of a vehicle, which can cause automotive malfunction, and potentially, serious accidents.

❷ Brakes

Automotive brakes are one of the most important safety features of a vehicle. Arguably, they are the top most important component since they make the vehicle come to a safe stop. Older cars, especially junked ones, are known for poor brake quality. Having unreliable brakes is a very dangerous situation; not only to yourself, but to others as well. If you cannot stop at high speeds, you run the risk of colliding into other structures or vehicles. Even worse, you run the risk of seriously harming yourself or others.

❸ Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Most junk cars are either old or totaled. In vehicles that fit these two descriptions, it is possible for carbon monoxide poisoning to be an issue. After many years of use, a vehicle is prone to rust. When rust corrodes an exhaust system and flooring, it can cause fumes to enter into the interior quarters of the car. What makes this even more dangerous is that carbon monoxide is unnoticeable until it’s close to being too late.

❹ Fire

Fire is a likely risk in older, junked vehicles. This is just another reason why they are not safe to drive. A combination of old wiring and old fuel lines can be an easy formula for fires and explosions. In fact, the plastic isolation around wiring is known to corrode over time, which can lead to leaks in the rubber hoses that make up the fuel lines.

❺ Stranded

Another reason why you should never drive around in a junk car is the risk of getting stuck or stranded. Of course, if you are stranded in town, you can easily call for help from friends, family, or a local roadside assistance company. However, if you are on a road trip, or traveling far away from home for something, you do not want your vehicle to break down unexpectedly. This can be dangerous for many reasons, primarily increasing your vulnerability to crime and traffic accidents.

We Will Pay You Cash for Your Junk Car!

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell your junk 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Titles

Posted on March 12, 2018 by junkcars17

Need To Sell a Car Without a Title? 317-608-2188

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is a federal database that grants consumer access to vehicle history information from across the nation. The NMVTIS protects consumers from automotive fraud and unsafe vehicles, and even helps used car buyers make more educated purchasing decisions. To get your own NMVTIS report, visit the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System website for assistance.

In the meantime, read through the answers to these frequently asked questions about car titles:

What is a Title Search?

A title search is a method used by car buyers to ensure they are purchasing a safe and legal vehicle. A title search will allow consumers to check the status of a car title, verify lien holder accuracy, see if it has been processed, and whether or not there has ever been a lien recorded on the title certificate.

What is a Title Search Database?

Federal title search databases like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System are organizations that were put into operation by the government for the purpose of preventing fraudulent car sales. This includes educating consumers on better buying choices, protecting consumers from buying unsafe cars, and preventing stolen cars from being resold. State administrations, including law enforcement, use title search databases for crime deterrence.

How Can I Check The Status of a Title?

To check the status of any valid car title, all you have to do is visit a federal title search database like National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Once there, you will need to enter the vehicle identification number (VIN), as well as the make and model of the vehicle, where prompted. You cannot check the status of a car titled without the proper VIN.

How Do I Get My Title Number For My Car?

A title number, also known as a “control” or “document” number, is the unique numerical sequence assigned to a vehicle. It is 8 digits long and located on a vehicle’s registration card between the plate number and the VIN. It is also located on the title. If you do not have your title or registration card, visit your local BMV for information and replacement instructions.

How Can I Check The Title of a Car?

In order to implement a title check on a car, you will need to follow a few steps. First, locate the VIN and have a credit card handy. Most often, title searches are not free, but they usually run under $10. Second, choose a trusted title search portal, like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Last, follow the portal’s instructions on completing a title search.

Do I Need a Car Title?

Having a title is not necessary but having a vehicle with a title is worth more because of the potential to resell the automobile. If you have questions about your title, please refer to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If your title is lost or destroyed, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Authority. Visit our FAQS PAGE to download a free application.

Can I Sell a Car Without a Title?

Cash for Junk Cars 317-608-2188

Are you looking for your title but can’t seem to find it? That’s not a problem with GC’s Junk Cars! Our junk car buyers may be able to verify ownership using alternative methods. With us, the junk car selling process is easy and the reward is generous! And since we provide free phone quotes, there is no initial obligation. Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to request your free over-the-phone quote, today!

Types of Motorized Equipment Accepted By Junk Car Buyers

Posted on February 12, 2018 by junkcars17

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