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 ensure you receive full payment for your car and don’t fall victim to 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 should. 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’ll save on future fees and finally free up space in your driveway. 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. Check whether they provide vehicle retrieval, handle paperwork, and offer fair quotes. Avoid unlicensed or unknown buyers, as they may skip essential steps or pay you less than the quoted amount. 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. Check a few auto recycling websites for daily rates, or call them directly to ask about current pricing. Some auto recyclers post their live prices on their websites. Some auto recyclers pay more for vehicles with reusable parts like batteries, tires, or stereos. It’s smart to check which parts can add to your car’s value.
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
Once you’ve informed the scrapyard about your scrapping date, contact your insurance provider to cancel the policy. 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 remain liable if your vehicle is moved or involved in an incident 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 remove them and someone misuses your plates, it could cause legal issues. Always keep your plates and either reuse or return them.
- Obtain a Written Quote and Confirm Payment Terms
Call a few scrap yards and request written quotes based on your car’s make, model, and condition. 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 free towing in your area, or if you can drop off the car and get paid 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 for the best possible value anywhere 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.
