Here’s Who Buys Wrecked Cars (Plus Tips to Get the Best Price)

Wrecked car taking up space in your driveway or lot? You can still sell it for cash—even if it doesn’t run. Many people don’t know that wrecked cars still have value. Whether your car was in an accident or just won’t start anymore, there are buyers out there who want it. Totaled cars are bought by junk car buyers, auto salvage yards, online car buyers and even towing companies.

Who Buys Wrecked Cars

Not every buyer is the same. Some are looking for used parts. Others want scrap metal. Some even repair and resell salvage vehicles. For speed and convenience, junk car buyers and online platforms, like Capitol Auto Auction are better. If you don’t need to sell your car fast, try an auto salvage yard—especially if your car still has working parts. Towing companies should be your last resort if you're simply trying to avoid storage fees or remove a car quickly.

Here’s a simple guide to who buys wrecked cars and what to think about when choosing the right one:

1. Junk Car Buyers

A junk car buyer is someone who buys cars that are damaged, wrecked, or don’t run—usually for quick cash. They are often local people or small businesses that buy cars for scrap or parts. They don’t mind if your car is totaled, has missing parts or won’t start. If the car isn’t too badly damaged, they might fix it and sell it again.

Best for: Heavily damaged or non-running cars you want to sell fast

• Purchase vehicles directly from owners, often without requiring a title
• Provide immediate cash offers
• Offer free towing services

When using a junk car buyer, look for one that offers free towing, pays on the spot, and has strong reviews to avoid scams or lowball offers. To find one, search online for “junk car buyers near me,” and check their ratings on Google or the Better Business Bureau. This option is perfect if you want the car gone fast and with little effort.

Pros:

• Fast and convenient—many offer same-day pickup and payment
• Free towing is often included
• Great for non-running or total-loss vehicles

Cons:

• You may get less money, especially if your car has valuable parts
• Some buyers may offer lowball quotes or add hidden fees
• Must research reputation to avoid unreliable buyers

2. Auto Salvage Yards

Local auto salvage yards buy wrecked, damaged or old cars to resell parts that still work and recycle the rest for scrap metal. They often resell parts to repair shops or people nearby. If your car has something valuable, like a working engine or transmission, they may pay you more.

Best for: Old or totaled cars that still have parts worth more money

• Maximizes value by selling parts individually rather than the whole car
• Accepts cars in any condition, including non-running or heavily damaged vehicles
• Fast and local, with many yards offering same-day drop-off or in-area towing

To find one near you, search online for “auto salvage yards near me” or “local junkyards,” check Google Maps or use directories like Yelp. Be sure to read reviews and call ahead to ask if they buy cars and offer towing.

Pros:

• Higher payout possible if your car has valuable parts (engine, transmission, etc.)
• Supports recycling by reusing parts and scrapping responsibly
• Accepts severely damaged or older vehicles

Cons:

• May require you to transport the car yourself
• Slower process—some yards take time to assess value
• Not all yards offer free towing or immediate payment

3. Online Car Buyers

An online car buyer for wrecked cars is a company that lets you sell your damaged, totaled or non-running vehicle entirely online—from the comfort of your home. These services handle paperwork like title transfer and are ideal for sellers looking for convenience.

Best for: Quick and convenient sales on cars with clean titles but heavy damage

There are two main kinds of online car buyers for wrecked cars. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare:

Instant-Cash Offer Online Car Buyers

The first type gives you an instant offer. If you accept, they pick it up and pay you, usually in a few days. This is a good choice if you want to sell your car fast and are willing to accept less money.

Instant-Offer Pros

• Instant online quotes with no in-person haggling
• Free towing and contactless pickup (in most cases)

• Great if you want the car gone quickly

Instant-Offer Cons

• Offers for wrecked cars are usually very low
• Some won’t buy badly damaged vehicles at all
• They may lower the offer after inspection

Online Auction Car Buyers

The second type is an online auction, where your car is listed for people to bid on. After a few days, it goes to the highest bidder. This takes a little longer, but it can be worth it. If your car still has working parts or can be fixed, you might get a lot more money from buyers who want to repair or resell it.

Best for: People who want a shot at getting more money for their wrecked car

Auto Auction Pros

• Buyers may compete and drive up the price, even for wrecked cars
• Salvage yards, rebuilders and parts dealers often buy at auctions
• You might get more than a lowball trade-in or instant offer
• Fast payment if the car sells

Auto Auction – Cons

• You might need to tow or deliver the car to the auction
• Sale isn't guaranteed—some cars don’t get bids
• You have to wait for the auction day
• There could be fees for listing or selling

When using an online car buyer compare quotes from top-rated platforms, like Capitol Auto Auction, that distinguishes itself by offering both in-person and online auctions accessible to the public.

4. Towing Companies

If your car was towed after an accident and you don’t plan to get it back, the towing company might offer to buy it. This works well if your car is already at a tow lot. The offer might be lower, but you avoid more storage or towing fees. It’s a good option if your car was totaled or you need it gone fast. You’ll get less money, but it’s quick and easy.

Best for: Accident-damaged cars already in a tow yard

• Your car was recently towed after an accident or breakdown
• You don’t want to pay storage fees to get the car back
• You need it gone fast and don’t mind a lower payout

When selling a wrecked car to a towing company, look for one that offers cash for vehicles and has clear terms about ownership transfer. To find one, search online for “towing companies that buy wrecked cars near me,” check their reviews, and call ahead to confirm they purchase vehicles—not just tow them.

Pros:

• May offer to buy your wrecked car on the spot
• No need to move the car—it’s already in their possession
• Quick removal if you're abandoning the car

Cons:

• Typically offers the lowest payout—their main goal is removal, not resale
• Not all towing companies buy cars; some only tow or charge storage fees
• Less transparency—may not give formal quotes or itemized offers

How to Get the Best Price for Your Wrecked Car

1. Know Your Car’s Condition

Write down the type and extent of the damage. Note whether the car runs and list any working parts like the tires, engine or lights. This helps you give accurate info when you ask for offers. Don’t try to hide damage or claim the car runs if it doesn’t. Being honest builds trust and helps avoid last-minute price changes.

2. Gather Your Paperwork

Having your title and registration ready makes the sale go smoother and can get you better offers. Some buyers will accept a car without a title, but they’ll usually pay less.

3. Compare Multiple Offers

Reach out to at least three different buyers—junk car buyers, auto salvage yards or online car buying services. This helps you understand your wrecked vehicle value and protects you from lowball offers.

• See Who Offers the Best Perks

Some buyers include free towing, same-day pickup or even help with paperwork. Talking to multiple buyers lets you compare services—not just prices.

• Avoid Scams or Shady Deals

Reputable companies will give you clear, honest quotes. If one offer seems too low (or too high), comparing it to others can help you spot a scam or unfair deal.

• Better Negotiation Power

When you know what others are offering, you can use that as leverage. You might even get a higher offer just by saying, “Another buyer offered me more.”

4. Research the Buyer

Look up online reviews and check the Better Business Bureau. Make sure the buyer is trustworthy, especially if you’re working with online services or arranging pickup from your home.

5. Prepare for Pickup

Before the tow truck arrives, remove all personal items, take off the license plates (if required in your state), and be ready to sign over the title and hand off the keys.

6. Cancel Your Insurance

Once the sale is complete, call your insurance provider to cancel the policy. This saves you money and avoids confusion.

What If My Car Doesn’t Run?

You can still sell it. Non-running cars are valuable for parts, scrap or repairs. Even if the engine is dead, items like doors, wheels or mirrors might be useful. You’ll likely get less than for a running vehicle, but it’s still better than letting it sit.

Do I Need a Title to Sell?

Not always, but it helps. Buyers are more likely to offer a better price if you have the title. Without it, some may still buy but will need proof of ownership. If you're exploring how to donate a vehicle, most vehicle donation programs also require a title.

How Fast Can I Sell My Wrecked Car?

Many junk car buyers and online services offer same-day pickup. Some will tow your car within 24 hours, even on weekends. Junk car buyers are almost always the fastest option. They specialize in buying cars in any condition, and they’re built for speed and convenience.

Fastest Modes of Selling a Wrecked Car

Method	Turnaround Time	Expected Payout
Junk Car Buyers	Same day to 48 hrs	Low to Medium
Online Car Buyers	24–72 hrs	Medium
Local Salvage Yards	1–3 days	Low to Medium
Towing Companies (that buy junk cars)	Same day to 2 days	Low
Online Auction for Wrecked Cars	3–7 days (incl. auction)	Medium to High

Selling damaged cars doesn’t have to be hard. There are many options from a junk car buyer to auto salvage yard to a wrecked car auction. If you’re still unsure where to start, trusted brands like Capital Auto Auction, make buying a salvage titled vehicle at auction easy and gives sellers a chance to earn more money by reaching the right audience through a competitive auction.