Do I Have to Notify My Insurance Company to Sell My Junk Car?

When it comes time to sell a car, whether a brand new model or an antique automobile, your first thought might be regarding your insurance coverage. That is, if you even have any at the moment. Continue reading to learn how a junk car is deemed a total loss, and when selling one requires you to contact your insurance carrier in Indiana.

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

Total Loss Junk Cars

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, or total loss vehicle. 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. A car 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.

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.

Notifying Your Insurance Company

If you plan to keep your total loss vehicle, and it is actively insured, you will need to notify your insurance company. If your junk car does not have any insurance coverage, so long as you are the lawful owner, you can sell it without notifying anyone. If the car is still registered, however, you will need to cancel the registration before selling it to a junk car buyer. If you file a claim with your insurance carrier and receive money to repair or replace your vehicle, but instead sell it, you could face legal penalties.

Where to Sell a Junk Car in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to get started on your free quote if you wish to sell a junk car 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. We will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle, and then pay you cash on the spot. Request a free estimate, today!

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

Is My Car Totaled if it Can’t Pass an Emissions Test?

There are many obvious circumstances that render a car a total loss. But what about the more hidden causes of a totaled car? For instance, an emissions test. There are many states that require routine automotive emissions testing. Is Indiana one of them? Because if your car can’t pass one, you might be the bummed owner of a totaled car. But that’s not such as bad thing either!

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about vehicular emissions tests, and why a totaled car can still provide worthy value.

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

Indiana Law on Emissions Testing

Here in the Hoosier State, it is not necessarily a law that vehicles must pass an emissions test prior to registration. However, it is strongly encouraged. In most other states, if a car does not pass an emissions test, it cannot be lawfully registered. Although there are a few exceptions, if a car doesn’t meet EPA standards and guidelines, you cannot legally drive it in states that have this law. Here in Indiana, there is no such requirement, so cars that don’t pass an emissions test can still be operated legally.

CAR WON’T PASS AN EMISSIONS TEST? No problem in the eyes of the law in Indiana, but you still might want to get it fixed.  

Why Test Car Emissions?

Although Indiana does not require it by law, it is important to monitor and maintenance your car’s emissions. When vehicle burn fuel, harmful emissions are generated, and disbursed into the surrounding environment. By ensuring our vehicles meet safe emissions standards, we better protect our planet, and all the living things that call Earth home. Emissions testing standards were developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, and regulated by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

So, is My Car Totaled or Not?

When you car won’t pass an emissions test, it is not likely totaled. In order to gauge whether or not a vehicle is a total loss, identify the current market value for the vehicle, and compare it to the total cost to have the problem with the emissions repaired. If the cost to repair is higher than the value of the vehicle, your car is a total loss. But not to worry! You can sell it to a local Indianapolis junk car buyer and get paid instant cash on the spot!

How to Maximize Your Payout for a Junk Car in Indianapolis

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to get rid of a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana for an instant cash payment. Our Cash for Cars Company 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

Will Auto Insurance Cover Engine Fires?

Car engines can catch fire for many reasons. From arson to accidents, the list of possible causes might be broad, but will always bring you back to the question of insurance coverage. Is an engine fire accident covered or not? Continue reading to learn what you need to know about car insurance engine fire claims, and your options for recovering a payment for your junk vehicle.

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

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Unless you have comprehensive insurance coverage for your vehicle, it WILL NOT be covered under policy in the case of an engine fire. You see, collision coverage will cover car wrecks, while comprehensive insurance policies cover all types of damage that can happen to a vehicle aside from a collision, such as vandalism, fallen tree, flooding, theft, and of course, engine fires.

In some states, comprehensive insurance coverage is mandatory for all vehicle owners, but most states keep it optional. However, if you are financing your vehicle, it is likely that your lender will require comprehensive coverage, even in you live in a state that does not legally enforce such insurance. This is especially true if the vehicle is being used as collateral for a loan.

Engines Fires

Engine fires can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, engine fires are intentionally started for the purpose of vandalism, which is referred to as arson. Other times, car engines catch fire as a result of serious collisions, improper fuel storage, and faulty or defective automotive mechanics. Most auto insurance does not coverage mechanical malfunctions, but engine fires are typically an exception under such policies.

If an engine catches fire in your garage, even if the cause was accidental or a result of a system failure in the house, it will not be covered under homeowners’ insurance, but would be covered under comprehensive. Similarly, if your car is vandalized and set on fire, it will not be covered under your homeowners’ nor your automotive insurance (unless you have comprehensive).

Total Loss Vehicles

Virtually all engine fires cause a vehicle to be a total loss, which means the cost to repair it back to its original, pre-accident condition is higher than the current market value. When this happens, and you do not have comprehensive insurance coverage, you might be feeling like you are out of luck. Although you cannot receive an Actual Cash Value insurance settlement to buy a new car, you can sell it to a local junk car buyer. A Cash for Cars Company will pay you on the spot for your vehicle, regardless of its condition. This profit can be handy, as it can be applied toward a new car or car payment.

How Sell a Junk Car in Indiana

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis, Indiana. We make the car selling process as easy as possible by offering 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 ON THE SPOT! We accept all vehicles and motorized commodities, regardless of age or condition. Request a free estimate, today!

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

The Good News After Totaling an Old Car

Have you just totaled your car, and since it was so old, the insurance check is nowhere near enough to cover the cost of a new one? If so, you are probably panicking right now, nervously wondering how you are going to get to work tomorrow, and afford a new car after that. Well, don’t. There is actually some good news for you! You can still make a decent return on your junk car by selling it to a local junk car buyer, rather than cashing in your paltry insurance offer.

Continue reading to learn how to get started and who will pay you the most cash on the spot for your totaled vehicle.

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

Junk Car Buyers Accept All Vehicles

You can sell your totaled car to any local junk car buying company. In fact, a Cash for Cars Company will accept any type of motorized commodity, regardless of the age, make, model, or condition. They buy cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, jet skis, construction equipment, tractors, and anything else that was designed to run on fuel.

How to Get Started

Your first step to selling a totaled car to a Cash for Cars Company is to inform your insurance carrier. From there, all you have to do to get started is find a reputable junk car buyer who can actually afford to pay you the full and fair amount for your vehicle. Because there are literally hundreds of options right in your very own city, finding a truly professional and honest company can be challenging.

Look for a junk car buying company that provides free estimates, free towing and pickup, and cash on the spot. Furthermore, be sure they have been in business for several years, are polite, and have good customer reviews. You will know you have found a good Cash for Cars Company to do business with if they have all of these attributes, plus show you courtesy and respect.

Once you choose a junk car buyer, all you have to do is make the call, get a quote, and accept their offer. From there, the Cash for Cars Company should pick up your vehicle, have you sign over the title, and then pay you cash on the spot! Just be sure you remember to remove all your personal belongings and license plate before they arrive!

Who to Trust for the Best Junk Car Deal in Indiana

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a totaled car in Indianapolis, today! We accept all make and model vehicles, regardless of age or condition! There is never a middleman, which means you walk away with more cash in your pocket. Furthermore, we will dispose of your vehicle according to all Indiana EPA regulations. You can rest assured that your car will not have a negative impact on our environment. We also offer free towing haul away!

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

Can the Wrong Fuel Damage a Car?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you put a different type of fuel into your vehicle than you normally do? Could you put diesel fuel in a Honda? Or unleaded fuel in a Lamborghini? There are certainly some good reasons why car manufacturers instruct a particular type of fuel for their vehicles; but how scientific are they? What if you accidentally use the wrong fuel nozzle at the gas pump? Will your car be damaged beyond repair? If so, how can you recover without insurance coverage? As a vehicle owner, these are all very pertinent questions that warrant answers.

Continue reading to learn what might happen if you put the wrong type of fuel in your car, and what to do if it ever happens by accident.

Sell Us Your Totaled Car! 317-608-2188
Sell Us Your Totaled Car! 317-608-2188

Here is the thing about using the wrong type of fuel in a car: it can either have severe effects, like major engine damage or corroded fuel lines, or it can have no real effect at all. It depends on the type of fuel used, and the make and model vehicle it was put into.

Putting Diesel in a Gasoline Engine

If you were to put diesel fuel into a gasoline engine, the effects would not be as devastating as the former scenario, however, it would still be a bad situation for both you and your car. Not only will it make the car smoke excessively, the car will not perform well. Furthermore, it may clog the fuel filter, lines, and injectors. If you were to continue giving a gasoline engine diesel, the engine would eventually stop working altogether. If this situation does occur, do not start your car. Instead, disconnect the battery and then have your vehicle towed to a mechanic.

Putting Gasoline in a Diesel Engine

If you put regular gasoline into a vehicle that runs on a diesel engine, you are in a bad position. First, do not start the car, otherwise, the damage will be catastrophic to the engine and fuel system. Second, to remedy the problem, you will have to have the entire fuel system cleaned. This includes everything from the tank and lines, to the injectors, filter, and more. In addition to automotive damage, gasoline and diesel fuel have different boiling points, so from a mechanical standpoint, using gasoline in a diesel engine would destroy the engine and related systems.

No Car Insurance?

In the case that you do not have automotive insurance, your position is worse since you might be left with a totaled car and no settlement check. If this happens, you still have some viable options for selling your car. The best option is to sell your totaled car to a local junk car buyer in Indianapolis. They will pay you cash on the spot for the market value of your car, so long as you can prove ownership of the vehicle.

Here’s How to Get Started!

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

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

Does a Check Engine Light Mean My Car is Totaled?

A Check Engine Light, or Malfunctioning Indicator Lamp (MIL), is an important safety component in every vehicle. All modern make and model vehicles are designed with a Check Engine Light feature, which are incorporated to alert drivers when something is not quite right with the operation and systems in the vehicle. Because an illuminated Check Engine Light means that something is wrong, often times, car owners begin to panic when theirs comes on. Sometimes, a Check Engine Light can remain illuminated even after having a car repaired. In this situation, you might be asking yourself whether or not your car is worth repairing.

Continue reading to learn what a Check Engine Light could mean, including when it could mean that your car is totaled.

Sell Us Your Totaled Car! 317-608-2188
Sell Us Your Totaled Car! 317-608-2188

Reasons Why Check Engine Lights Come On

The spectrum of issues that cause a Malfunctioning Indicator Lamp to illuminate range from minor to major. Some vehicles have two types of MIL’s, one that is solid and one that is flashing, both of which mean different warnings. Furthermore, some cars have two different colors of Malfunctioning Indicator Lamps; a yellow icon to indicate a problem, as well as, a red icon for a very serious problem that requires you to stop driving immediately.

Here’s Why Yours Might Be On Right Now:

? Loose Gap Cap – This is by far the most common minor reason why a Check Engine Light might illuminate. If you just filled up your tank, chances are, your Check Engine Light came on because your gas cap came off.

? Spark Plugs – If your car jolts or vibrates as its operating, and the Check Engine Light comes on, it could mean that your spark plugs are defective. If your car is driving abnormally, immediately pull over and call a tow truck.

? Low Fluids – If your vehicle is low on radiator fluid (coolant), motor oil, or another vital automotive fluid, your Check Engine Light might come on. Have your oil changed, and during the appointment, have all other fluids flushed and replaced.

? Oxygen (O2) Sensor (O2) – If your Check Engine Light comes on, and you know it’s not the gas cap or fluid levels, it could be because your oxygen sensor needs to be replaced. This part is responsible for measuring the level of unburned oxygen in the exhaust system.

? Catalytic Converter – If your catalytic converter is experiencing any type of problem, your Check Engine Light will let you know.

? Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) – Another common cause for an illuminated Check Engine Light is a defective mass airflow sensor (MAF). If this sensor is the problem, a simple replacement will turn that Check Engine Light back off.

When it Means a Car is Totaled

There are cases in which an illuminated Check Engine Light can mean that a car is totaled. If the Check Engine Light comes on because of something that requires extensive repairs or replacements that cost more than the overall value of the vehicle, the insurance company will likely deem the car a total loss. See our blog, “FAQS About Total Loss Cars and Claims” to learn more about total loss vehicles.

What You Can Do With a Totaled Car

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

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

Common Types of Metal in Junk Cars

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.

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

⚙ 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.

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

FAQS About Total Loss Cars and Claims

When it comes to the claims process for a totaled car, policy holders tend to have a lot of questions and concerns. The best way to learn about your automotive insurance carrier’s claims process is to contact them directly and speak with a company agent. You can also scroll below to review some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about total loss junk cars and insurance claims.

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

What is a Total Loss Vehicle?

A vehicle is considered “totaled” when the cost to repair it back to its previous condition is more than the current value of the vehicle. Insurance companies and car manufacturers have stringent procedures and requisites in place to determine these values. With a totaled vehicle on your hands, you may feel like you are at a total loss; however, if you have insurance, you should be just fine depending on the level of coverage your policy provides.

Can I Keep a Totaled Car?

If you want to keep your totaled vehicle, you must inform your insurance company. In this case, you can expect to receive less money for the vehicle. If you were to accept money from the insurance company, and then keep your vehicle, you could be found guilty of insurance fraud depending on the specifics of your situation. Some policies allow people to keep their totaled vehicle, while others include language that does not permit this at all. So always check with your provider for details regarding your policy limits.

Do I Need to Remove My Totaled Car From My Insurance Policy?

Yes, you will need to eventually have a totaled car removed from your insurance policy. After all, you don’t need to cover a vehicle that will never be driven again. But make sure you wait until after you return your rental car and the title or lease of the totaled vehicle is no longer in your name. Again, check directly with your insurance carrier for details regarding your specific policy parameters.

Who Will Get the Insurance Settlement Payment for the Accident?

With full coverage insurance, you can expect to receive money from your insurance provider to repair the damages, or to settle the note with the lien holder and cover the cost of a new vehicle of equal current value. If you have liability coverage, you will mostly likely receive less from your insurance provider, and have to pay more out of pocket.

What Can I Do With a Totaled Car That is Not Covered?

If you do not have insurance, your best option is to junk the vehicle for cash, and apply your profit toward a new car purchase. You can do this by contacting a trusted junk car buyer and requesting a free phone estimate. If you accept their offer, they will usually come pick up your vehicle at no extra charge! Only reputable and highly professional junk car buying companies offer this kind of service.

Just Call Our Trusted Indiana Junk Car Buyers!

Call GC’s Junk Cars at 317-608-2188 to sell a junk car in Indianapolis to our reputable and honest Cash for Cars Company you can trust. 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 ON THE SPOT! We accept all vehicles and motorized commodities, regardless of age or condition. Request a free estimate, today!

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

Is My Car Totaled if the Engine Blew?

A blown car engine is a real thing; it is not just something you hear about in auto shop commercials and big screen comedies. An engine can blow for a number of reasons, but ultimately, it falls back on negligence. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about a blown car engine, including what can cause it, how to prevent it, and whether or not your car can be repaired.

Indianapolis Totaled Car Buyers 317-608-2188
Indianapolis Totaled Car Buyers 317-608-2188

Causes for a Blown Engine

When an engine blows, it means that it explodes. How does this happen? Well, the number one cause for a blown car engine is overheating. An excessive amount of heat produced in a car engine can be incredible detrimental to the vehicular systems, as well as, the safety of the occupants in your car.

As for the cause of overheating, there could be many possibilities. Common reasons why engines overheat include coolant leaks, lack of coolant, lack of motor oil, and similar fluid losses or leaks. To distinguish between a blown engine and an overheating one, you can examine the color of smoke it is producing. If the smoke has a blue hue, it is likely due to the oil burning in your engine, which indicates a blown engine. If the smoke is more like steam and white in color, it is likely a less expensive repair.

But that is the real question; can a blown engine be repaired? Or is a vehicle totaled once the engine explodes?

Well, the answer all depends on the car’s current market value, and whether or not it is worth paying thousands of dollars for a new engine, plus additional fees for professional installation. You see, if your car is only worth $4,000 on the market, but it costs $5,000 to repair the blown engine, your insurance company will deem your vehicle a total loss. On the other hand, if you have a new car that is worth $20,000 give or take, and it costs a total of $6,000 to repair, your car is not totaled.

What To Do With a Totaled Car

In most cases, automotive insurance carriers do not cover blown engines because it is considered a mechanical breakdown rather than a result of a covered car accident. If a car owner blows up their motor, it is not generally covered under any type of insurance policy, including liability, collision, and comprehensive. Of course, there may be exceptions for newer model vehicles.

So what can you do with your totaled car that you will not get any insurance money for? You can scrap it for cash at a local Indianapolis junk car company. They will pay you cash on the spot for your junk car, regardless of age, make, model, or condition. Just be sure to choose a reputable and experienced company that retains state of the art scales and similar technologies to render the best offer.

Trust Our Junk Car Buyers for the Best Deals!

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.