You can sell a totaled car primarily to a salvage yard, a specialized online car buyer, or through a direct private sale if the vehicle is still drivable. Your insurance company is another option if they've declared it a total loss, as they will often take possession after paying your claim. The best choice depends on whether you've already filed an insurance claim and your goal for maximizing the car's remaining value.
When a car is "totaled," it means the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of the car's actual cash value (ACV), a threshold set by your state, often around 70-75%. This doesn't always mean the car is unsalvageable; it means it's not economically viable for an insurance company to fix it.
Your main options are:
- Salvage Yards and Junkyards: They buy cars for parts and scrap metal. This is often the fastest option for a non-running vehicle. You'll typically get a cash offer based on the vehicle's weight and the value of its reusable parts.
- Online Car Buyers (e.g., Copart, IAAI, Peddle): These specialized services handle totaled and salvage vehicles. They have a national network of buyers, which can sometimes lead to a higher offer than a local junkyard. The process is straightforward: you input your car's details online for an instant quote.
- Your Insurance Company: If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, you can file a claim. The insurer will pay you the car's ACV minus your deductible. In most cases, you'll then sign the title over to them. This is often the least hassle, but you give up the potential to sell the car yourself for a higher amount to a salvage buyer.
- Private Sale: If the car is still drivable (a "salvage title" vehicle), you might sell it to a mechanic or DIY enthusiast. This can net you the most money but requires the most effort, including being transparent about the vehicle's condition and handling the title transfer paperwork correctly.
To get the best price, obtain multiple quotes. The following table provides examples of potential offers for a common totaled vehicle, a 2018 Honda Civic with a pre-accident ACV of $18,000.
| Sales Channel | Estimated Offer Range | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Insurance Claim | $16,200 (ACV minus $1,800 deductible) | You relinquish the car; least effort. |
| Online Car Buyer (e.g., Peddle) | $2,500 - $4,500 | Convenient;他们会处理拖车。 |
| Local Salvage Yard | $1,800 - $3,000 | Quick cash payment, but likely lower offer. |
| Private Sale (as a salvage project) | $4,000 - $6,000 | Highest potential return, but requires time and proper paperwork. |
Before selling, have your vehicle title and photo ID ready. If you still have a loan on the car, the proceeds from the sale must go to the lender first to pay off the balance.
