So, it’s finally time. The old car that’s been sitting in your driveway like a forgotten relic—collecting leaves, leaking fluids, and slowly turning into a bird toilet—is about to make its final journey. Whether it’s barely running or flat-out dead, junking a car isn’t just about calling a tow truck and waving goodbye. There are a few important things to square away before you hand over the keys (and hopefully get some cash in return).
Here’s what you absolutely need to do before junking your car—and why it matters.
1. Remove All Personal Belongings (Seriously, Check Twice)
It sounds obvious—until you forget your favorite sunglasses, a garage door remote, or that one random tool you only realize you need a week later. Junkyards don’t exactly have a lost and found. Once your car is hauled off, getting anything back becomes a long shot.
Check the glove box, under the seats, inside the trunk, center console, seat pockets—everywhere. You’ll be amazed how much stuff finds its way into nooks and crannies over the years.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget paperwork, registration stickers, or mail that might have your name and address. Identity theft is real, even in the junkyard biz.
2. Remove the License Plates (Don’t Let ‘Em Ride Off With It)
In many states, you’re required to return or report your plates to the DMV when you cancel insurance or transfer ownership. Even if not legally required, keeping your plates is smart. You don’t want to be hit with fees, fines, or—worst case—someone doing something shady with your old plate attached.
Just unscrew them and throw them in your garage. They make cool wall décor if you’re into that vintage garage vibe.
3. Cancel Insurance and Notify the DMV
Here’s the thing: if you don’t formally cancel your car’s insurance, you could keep getting billed. Same with registration—your state might still think the vehicle is active, which could mess with your record or cost you later.
Give your insurance company and DMV a quick call or go online. Let them know the car’s been junked, and you’re no longer the legal owner. It’ll save you stress and potential headaches down the road.
4. Get Your Paperwork Ready (Or At Least Know What You Don’t Have)
Most junk car buyers or scrapyards want to see a title, but some will still take the vehicle if you’ve lost it—just with extra steps. Either way, have your paperwork ready: title, bill of sale, release of liability form, or whatever your state recommends.
It’s also smart to jot down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and snap a few pics before the tow truck rolls in. Proof matters—especially if there’s ever a question down the line about what happened to the vehicle.
Why All This Matters (a.k.a. Don’t Get Burned)
You might be thinking, “It’s just junk now—why all the fuss?” But here’s the thing: cars, even broken ones, still carry your name, history, and potential liability. If someone buys it from a shady yard and wrecks it, or it ends up in some legal limbo, you don’t want that trailing back to you.
Clean break = clean conscience.
Ready to Junk That Car? Let’s Make It Painless.
If you’re in the DeSoto area, CashForCarsDeSoto.com makes junking your old ride as easy as texting a friend. We handle everything—quick quotes, free towing, instant cash. No games, no hidden fees, no waiting around.
Visit CashForCarsDeSoto.com, shoot us the details, and we’ll get that old hunk of metal out of your life—and put some money in your hand instead.
Final Word: Don’t Just Dump It—Do It Right
Junking your car isn’t just tossing it into the void. It’s about closing a chapter cleanly—and maybe even walking away with a little bonus for doing it the smart way.
Handle the basics. Protect your name. Then kick back and enjoy the extra driveway space.
