You can junk a car that has been in an accident. Accident-damaged vehicles are commonly sold to junk car buyers, junkyards, salvage yards, and scrap yards.
Options for selling an accident-damaged car:
- Junk car buyers: Purchase wrecked vehicles in any condition. Offer based on parts value and scrap metal.
- Salvage yards: Buy accident cars to resell undamaged parts. Higher offers for popular models with usable components.
- Scrap yards: Pay by weight for vehicles with no parts value.
- Insurance claim: If insured, file a claim. The insurer may total the car and pay market value minus deductible.
- Sell to a rebuilder: Some buyers specialize in repairing salvage vehicles. They may pay more for cars with repairable damage.
Value after an accident depends on:
| Factor | Higher Value | Lower Value |
|---|---|---|
| Damage location | Rear or side impact | Front end or frame damage |
| Drivetrain condition | Engine and transmission undamaged | Mechanical components destroyed |
| Parts demand | Popular make and model | Rare or older vehicle |
| Airbag deployment | Airbags intact | Airbags deployed |
After an accident, your car may receive a salvage title if the damage exceeds a percentage of its value (typically 70% to 100%, depending on state). Salvage-titled vehicles can still be sold to junk car buyers who pay cash for accident-damaged cars.