Cash for Wrecked Cars

Cash for wrecked cars, even if insurance totaled it

After a crash, the repair estimate often costs more than the car is worth. Our buyer partner buys cars in any condition, so you can send a request for the car the way it sits, with the airbags out, the bumper off or the frame bent.

Get your free cash offer

We don't buy cars: our buyer partner makes the offer. Free, no obligation, about 2 minutes.

Who makes the offer?

Cash For Junk Cars 500 doesn't buy cars. We pass your request to our buyer partner, which makes the offer. It works with junkyards, salvage yards, wrecking yards, auto auctions and other car buyers in your area, so one of them may handle the pickup and payment. We may earn a referral fee from the partner for your request; you pay nothing. Sending a request doesn't guarantee a sale.

Before you accept, confirm the amount you'll be paid, how you'll be paid and what proof of ownership you need. The partner's privacy policy and terms, linked above the button, apply to what it does with your request.

Any condition, running or not
Free towing and payment at pickup
No obligation: you can turn down any offer

Questions? Call(855) 497-1176

What a wrecked car is still worth

Damage tends to be concentrated in one area. A car hit in the front can still have a good transmission, rear doors, seats and wheels. Those parts are what lift an offer above scrap value, so describe where the damage is and what still works.

If your insurer declared the car a total loss and you kept it, you may have a salvage title. Mention it when the buyer contacts you, so the offer starts from the right place.

Selling after an insurance payout

If the insurance company paid you and took ownership, the car belongs to the insurer and it decides what happens to it. If you chose to keep the car (owner retention), you can sell it once you have the title or salvage certificate the state issued.

Total loss and keeping the car

When an insurer totals a car, it pays the car's actual cash value. If you decide to keep the car, the insurer usually subtracts what it would have sold the wreck for, and the state brands the title as salvage.

That can work in your favor: if the salvage deduction was low, selling the wreck can bring in more than the insurer subtracted. Check the settlement letter for the salvage figure before you decide.

Flood, fire and hail damage

Hail dents, keyed paint or a cracked bumper mostly affect resale, so a car that still runs can get a decent offer with a dented body. Flood and fire are different because they reach the wiring, the interior and the engine, so those cars are priced closer to their metal value. Choose 'Flood/fire' in the value calculator for a rough figure.

Many states brand the title of a car totaled by water damage as flood or salvage. Selling one privately without saying so can get you into trouble, and buyers often check vehicle history reports anyway. Mention the flood or fire when the buyer contacts you and sell the car as-is.

How does selling work?

You send the form, our buyer partner contacts you with an offer, and if you accept, it schedules the pickup. The full steps.

Pricing

How much is a junk car worth?

A junk car is worth its scrap weight plus any parts that can be resold. At about $186 per ton for complete cars, a typical sedan is worth roughly $310 in metal alone. Cars that still run, or that are less than ten years old, are usually worth more because their parts are in demand.

Missing parts lower the price. The catalytic converter matters most because of the precious metals inside it. Having the title in your name keeps the price at the top of the range.

Try the calculator Scrap price guide

Scrap value by vehicle type at $186/ton, from iScrap's national average moved by the BLS scrap index (updated November 5, 2026, how it's set)
Vehicle type	Typical weight	Scrap value
Compact carHonda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Focus	2,700 lb	$250
Midsize or full-size sedanToyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevy Impala	3,300 lb	$310
Small SUV or crossoverHonda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape	3,500 lb	$330
Midsize SUVFord Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee	4,200 lb	$390
Pickup truckFord F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, Toyota Tacoma	4,800 lb	$450
Heavy-duty truck or large SUVF-250, Silverado 2500, Suburban	6,200 lb	$580

Scrap value only. Running cars and newer cars usually get offers above these numbers.

FAQ

Cash for Wrecked Cars: common questions

Can I sell a car with deployed airbags?

Yes. Deployed airbags lower the parts value of the dash, and our buyer partner buys cars with any amount of damage.

Can the car be picked up from a body shop or tow yard?

Settle any storage fees with the yard first. Then give the buyer the yard's address and phone number when the pickup is scheduled.

Can I sell a car with a salvage title?

Yes, as long as the salvage title is in your name. Mention it when the buyer contacts you, so the offer starts from a realistic place.

Can I sell a flood damaged car?

Yes. Our buyer partner buys cars with any amount of damage. Flood cars are priced mostly on metal and parts that weren't submerged. If the title has a flood or salvage brand, mention it when the buyer contacts you.

Can I sell a fire damaged car?

Yes. Fire cars are priced on recoverable metal. If the fire was recent, check that the car isn't still being held for an insurance or fire investigation, and mention the fire when the buyer contacts you.

Can I sell a junk car without a title?

Often, yes, depending on your state and the car's age: some states don't title older cars at all, and elsewhere a duplicate from the DMV usually takes a short form and a small fee. Our title guide covers each state's rules.

Do I have to pay for the tow truck?

No. Towing is included with every offer from our buyer partner. Before you accept, ask the buyer to confirm nothing else comes out of the price, and be wary of buyers who quote a high price and then subtract a towing fee when they arrive.

Cash for Wrecked Cars near you

You can send a request from any state. Popular cities:

Page last reviewed November 6, 2026.

Ready to sell your junk car?

Request a free offer in about two minutes, or call with questions. Towing is free and you're paid at pickup.

Get my offer (855) 497-1176