Introduction
If you have a junk, abandoned, or damaged car sitting unused, it’s a good idea to look into scrapping it. Most people in Ontario simply let these aging vehicles sit around collecting dust, unaware of their real value as scrap. Selling your junk automobile to a scrap yard in Ontario is a smart way to make space, collect cash for something you don’t need anymore, and end the extra costs of insurance and parking tickets.
But to be sure you are receiving the money for your car, and don’t become a victim of a scam, you’ll need to follow a few important steps. Below are ten helpful, practical tips that will help make scrapping your car in Ontario easy, safe, and profitable.
- Recognize When It’s Time to Recycle Your Vehicle
Many car owners hold on to their vehicles longer than they ought to. If your car needs repairs every week or every few weeks, or if you’ve recently failed your safety check for an unfixable reason, it’s worth seriously considering scrapping it. Vehicles with deep rust, high mileage, and accident damage drop rapidly in value.
In Ontario, there are fees associated with insuring and licensing vehicles, regardless of whether you’re driving them or not. By selling it to a scrap yard, you will relieve yourself of paying fees in the future, and you can park in your driveway again! Scrap yards value your car more for its parts and metal than for whether it runs. Even if your vehicle is not running, you will still get something for it.
- Search for Scrap Yards in Your Area
Research trustworthy scrap yards in your city or area. In Ontario, several licensed auto recyclers will pay cash for scrap cars and will take care of removal. You can compare websites, reviews, and customer ratings. You can find out if they provide vehicle retrieval, paperwork management, and if they offer fair quotes. Be careful not to contact other unlicensed or unknown buyers or dealers, as they may not complete necessary steps or pay less than quoted to you. By doing a little research ahead of time, you can be assured of a smoother and safer transaction.
- Check Current Scrap Car Prices
In Ontario, scrap yards determine a car’s value by weight, parts, and current metal pricing. Current scrap metal rates fluctuate from month to month for steel, aluminum, and catalytic converters. You can check a few auto recycling websites and note the day’s rates, or just give them a call and ask what the day’s rates are. Some auto recyclers post their live prices on their websites. An auto recycler may pay more for a car that has reusable parts like a battery, tires, or a stereo, and it’s smart to maximize your car’s value by salvaging reusable parts.
Also Read: How To Choose The Right Scrap Yard In Toronto To Sell Your Scrap Car?
- Assemble Your Car Documents
Prior to selling your car, make sure you have the proper documentation. In Ontario, you’ll need the car’s ownership permit (vehicle portion) and possibly a valid photo ID. If you have misplaced the ownership, you can visit a ServiceOntario centre to have it replaced. The scrap yard will need these documents to inform the Ministry of Transportation that the vehicle has been decommissioned.. Some recyclers will even do that paperwork for you.
- Clear Your Car of Personal Belongings
Take the time to pull everything out of your glovebox, trunk, under seats, and compartments in the car. Look for personal papers, insurance slips, sunglasses, chargers, or any items you might need later. Once the car gets to the junk yard, you will probably never get the chance to get that stuff back. Also, look in the door pockets, sun visors, and floor mats.
- Cancel Your Car Insurance
After you have notified the scrapyard about the date you will be scrapping your vehicle, you will need to contact your insurance. Let them know that you are scrapping the vehicle and want to cancel the policy. In Ontario, some companies will give a refund if you cancel right in the middle of your policy. You will simply need to ask your agent about this option. You could also be held liable if your vehicle is moved before the scrapping date.
- Remove License Plates and Return
Remove the license plates from your car before pick-up or drop-off. In Ontario, you can either transfer the plates to another vehicle or return them to any ServiceOntario facility. The scrap yard does not do this for you. If you forget to take them off and someone misuses your plates, you may have some issues, so make sure you keep your plates and either reuse them or return them.
- Obtain a Written Quote and Confirm Payment Terms
Call a few scrap yards and request a written quote from a few scrap yards based on the make, model, and condition of your car. Trustworthy auto recyclers in Ontario will provide you with a firm offer upfront. Confirm whether they will pay you in cash on pickup or through e-transfer.
Also Read: Scrap Yard vs. Junkyard: What’s the Difference?
- Coordinate a Free Towing or Drop-off Alternative
Most of the legit scrap yards in Ontario will offer some sort of free towing for scrap cars. Check whether your local scrap yard offers this option in your area, or if they allow you to drop the car at their yard and pay you on the spot. You decide what is easiest for you. If you book a pickup, it is a good idea to check the date, time, and details about the driver you will get.
- Locate an Eco-Friendly and Certified Scrap Yard
Scrap yards do not all do business or operate safely, and not all scrap car removal companies operate legally. Certified auto recyclers in Ontario are required to meet strict environmental guidelines. When disposing of scrap cars, they are required to properly dispose of all fluids like engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Batteries, tires, and scrap metal can also be set aside for recycling. Not only does using a licensed scrap yard protect you against being misled, but it also protects the environment.
Conclusion
Scrapping a car isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. If you don’t take care, scrapping a vehicle can create issues such as outstanding insurance, misuse of license plates, and in some cases, poor scrap values. These tips will help you scrap your car legally, safely, and profitably in Ontario to scrap your car legally, properly, and for a reasonable amount of money in Ontario.
If you are scrapping a car anywhere in Ontario, Greenway Auto Recycling is a trusted and licensed scrap yard in Ontario. They provide complimentary scrap car removal, assist with all necessary paperwork, and help you remove and return your license plates, all while ensuring you get a fair deal with no surprise fees.
