Steps to Disposing of Unusable Family Car

It is well known that having a car brings many responsibilities with it.

Not only do you have to take care of the regular maintenance and check-ups, but you also need to be prepared for the eventuality that your car will reach the end of its life.

When this time comes, you might be wondering what the best way to dispose of your unusable family car is.

While it might be tempting to simply leave your car on the curb or sell it for scrap, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure that you are disposing of your car in a safe and environment-friendly way.

In this article, we will go in-depth about each step you must take when disposing of your unusable car.

So whether you are planning on selling your car, donating it, or sending it to the junkyard, make sure to read this guide first!

Assess the Vehicle’s Condition

The first step you need to take when disposing of your unusable car is to assess its condition.

Take a good look at your car and try to be as objective as possible. If your car has been in an accident or is otherwise damaged beyond repair, then it is likely that the best option for you is to sell it for scrap.

However, depending on the severity of the damage, you might be able to sell your car for parts instead. And if your car is not too badly damaged and is simply too old or inefficient to drive anymore, then you might be able to donate it or sell it.

The easiest way to assess the condition of your car is to get a professional opinion.

Take your car to a mechanic and ask them for their honest assessment of the vehicle. They will be able to tell you whether or not your car is still safe to drive and how much it would cost to repair any major issues.

Research Your Options

When it comes time to dispose of an unusable family car, there are a few options you can consider.

You can either sell the car to a junkyard, donate it to charity, or have it recycled. Each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do your research before deciding which route to take. 

Having the Car Recycled

When it comes time to dispose of an unusable family car, one option you can consider is having it recycled.

Recycling a car is a process by which the vehicle is broken down into its parts and then reused or melted down to create new products. There are a few benefits to recycling a car.

First, it’s environmentally friendly. It saves energy and reduces pollution, making it better for the planet than sending the car to a junkyard or donating it to charity.

In addition, recycling a car costs less than buying a new one, so it’s a more affordable option for some people. You may also get a tax deduction for recycling your car.

Selling the Car to a Junkyard

Another option you can consider when disposing of an unusable family car is selling it to a junkyard.

The best thing about selling your car to a junkyard is that you’ll get paid for your car, which is more than you would get if you simply recycled it.

In addition, selling your car to a junkyard is a quick and easy way to get rid of it, which can be convenient if you’re short on time or don’t want to deal with the hassle of recycling it yourself.

The easiest way to junk a car is to call a professional to come and pick it up for you. These services will often come on the same day and tow the car away, making it a very convenient option.

You will also get paid in cash on the spot for your car, which is more than you would get if you simply recycled it. 

Donating the Car to Charity

Another option you can consider when disposing of an unusable family car is donating it to charity.

When you donate a car to a charity, the charity will either sell the car and use the proceeds to fund their programs or they will recycle the car and use the proceeds to fund their programs.

By donating your car to charity, you can help a good cause and get a tax deduction. While the tax deduction may not be as much as you would get if you sold the car to a junkyard, it’s still a nice perk.

In addition, donating your car to charity is a quick and easy way to get rid of it, which can be convenient if you’re short on time or don’t want to deal with the hassle of recycling it yourself.

Check if your state issues a Certificate of Destruction

Once you’ve decided how you want to dispose of your unusable family automobile, the next step is to check if your state issues a Certificate of Destruction. It’s a document that proves that your car has been destroyed and can no longer be driven on the road.

In some states, it’s required by law to have a Certificate of Destruction before you can dispose of a car. This Certificate is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles and can be obtained by contacting them directly or by going to their website. 

Remove All Personal Items from the Car

Once you have the Certificate of Destruction, the next step is to remove all personal items from the car.

This includes any belongings that you may have left in the car, as well as any aftermarket parts or accessories that you’ve added to the car.

It’s important to remove all personal items from the car before you dispose of it because once the car is gone, there’s no getting those items back. So make sure to check under the seats, in the glove box, and in the trunk for any items that you may have left behind.

Cancel Your Car Insurance and Return  Your License Plate

The last steps include canceling your car insurance and returning your license plate. You can cancel your car insurance by contacting your insurance company directly or by going to their website.

Once you cancel your car insurance, you’ll no longer be liable for any damages that may occur to the car including any damage that may occur during the disposal process.

You should also return your license plate to the DMV so that they can cancel your registration. The easiest way to do this is to mail the license plate back to the DMV. Just remember that once you cancel your car insurance and return your license plate, you can no longer drive the car on the road.

While disposing of an unusable family car may seem like a daunting task, it’s quite easy to do if you follow the steps outlined in this guide.

Whether you decide to sell the car to a junkyard, donate it to charity, or recycle it yourself, you can rest assured knowing that you’re taking the necessary steps to dispose of your car safely and responsibly.

So next time you have an unusable family car, keep these steps in mind and you’ll be able to get rid of it without any hassle.