How to Scrap a Burned Car and Get Cash for It

Introduction

Your car was burned in a fire. Now, it sits there, completely wrecked. You can’t drive it. You can’t sell it. And no one wants to buy a burned vehicle.

What should you do?

Many people struggle to get rid of a fire-damaged car. Junkyards often reject them. Insurance payouts rarely cover the full loss. And if you leave it sitting too long, it becomes a safety hazard.

But here’s the good news.

You can still scrap your burned car and get cash for it. Auto recyclers specialize in managing fire-damaged vehicles, salvaging valuable metals, and disposing of dangerous materials safely. The process is simple; you don’t have to do it alone.

Not everything in a burned car is worthless. If the fire didn’t spread to the entire vehicle, some parts may still be usable. For example, if only the front of the car burned, components like the fuel pump, rear axle, seats, lights, or even the truck bed might still be in good condition. Many people make money by selling usable car parts before scrapping the rest of the vehicle. A fire-damaged car is similar to a totaled car in an accident—some parts can be saved, while others are not repairable.

The extent of fire damage depends on many factors, like how long the fire burned, where it started, and whether water or wind affected the flames. Plastics and upholstery burn quickly, but metal components like differentials, engine blocks, and frames may withstand extreme heat or suffer warping and cracking.

This blog will walk you through everything step by step. You will learn how to check the damage, find the right car scrapyard, and get the maximum value for your burned car.

So, let’s get started.

Step 1: Check the Damage

Before you scrap a burned car, you must check the extent of the damage. The severity of the fire impacts the value of the scrap car. Check these key areas:

• • Car’s Structure: Fire can seriously damage a car’s frame, body, and auto parts. When flames engulf the entire vehicle, they often weaken the frame.
  • Exterior & Interior Damage: The fire melted plastic, upholstery, and electrical components, destroying the car’s interior. 
  • Mechanical Parts: Some metal components may survive the fire, but extreme heat can impact their strength. Even if some auto parts appear undamaged, they may not be safe to reuse.

Also Read: The Scrap Car Glossary: Key Terms You Should Know

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents

To scrap your fire-damaged car, you will need to gather important documents. This helps make the process smoother and keeps you out of legal trouble. So, make sure you have the following documents ready with you: 

• • Vehicle Title: This document proves your ownership. This means that you own the car and have the right to sell it to a scrapyard or auto recycler.
  • Insurance Documentation: If you have bought insurance for the car, contact your provider to see if you can get any money back.
  • Bill of Sale: Some car scrap yards may ask for proof of purchase, especially if you bought the car second-hand.

Having these documents will help you avoid unnecessary issues and speed up the scrapping process. 

For the complete list of documents, check this guide: A Complete Checklist of Documents You Need to Scrap Your Car in Canada

Step 3: Remove Valuable Auto Parts

Even if the car is burned, some auto parts may still hold value. So, before scrapping the entire car, remove some salvaged auto parts: 

• • Battery: Manage fire-damaged batteries carefully, as they contain dangerous fluids. If the battery is unharmed, you may sell or reuse it.
  • Catalytic Converter: A Catalytic Converter contains precious metals like platinum and palladium, which have good resale value.
  • Wheels & Tires: Check if the wheels & tires are damaged or not. If they are undamaged, you can sell them separately or reuse them for another car.
  • Metal Parts: Some parts that contain aluminum or steel may still be valuable as scrap metal.

Step 4: Choose a Licensed Auto Recycler

Not all junkyards accept burned vehicles. In that case, you need to find an auto recycler that specializes in scrap car removal. Look for a company that:

• • Is licensed and follows Canadian environmental regulations.
  • Offers free towing services and hassle-free paperwork.
  • Gives fair market value for scrap metal and salvageable parts.

In the Greater Toronto Area, Greenway Auto Recycling is a trusted option that manages burned vehicles and ensures responsible disposal.

Step 5: Get a Scrap Car Quote

Once you find a genuine auto recycler, request a quote for your burned car. Be ready to give the following details:

• • Make, model, and year of the vehicle.
  • The extent of fire damage (interior, exterior, or total loss).
  • Any remaining salvageable parts.
  • The location for pickup.

The price will depend on many factors like the car’s weight, metal prices, and the condition of salvageable parts. Compare quotes from different auto recyclers before finalizing the deal.

Step 6: Schedule the Pickup

After accepting an offer from a car scrap yard, arrange a pick-up for the vehicle. Most scrap car removal services in Canada offer:

• • Same-day or next-day pickup
  • Free vehicle towing
  • Instant cash payment upon pickup

Before handing over the car, remove all your belongings and double-check the documents to speed up the process.

Also Read: Understanding the Role of Auto Wreckers in the Canadian Scrap Car Industry

Step 7: Deregister Your Vehicle

Once your car has been scrapped, you must inform your local motor vehicle department to cancel the registration. This prevents unnecessary fees and liability issues. Follow these steps:

1. 1. Submit a vehicle de-registration form to your local licensing office.
   2. Cancel your insurance policy to stop future charges.
   3. Keep a confirmation receipt for your records.

Deregistering the car makes sure that it is no longer legally tied to you and protects you from future liability.

Step 8: Understand the Recycling Process

Reputable junk car buyers follow strict procedures to recycle burned cars. The process includes:

• • Fluid Drainage: They remove dangerous fluids like fuel, engine oil, and coolant to prevent leaks.
  • Metal Separation: Sort valuable metals such as steel, aluminum, and copper for recycling.
  • Safe Disposal: Melt plastics, fire residue, and toxic materials in compliance with environmental regulations.

Conclusion

Scrapping a burned car may seem tough, but following the right steps makes the process smooth. Start by checking the damage, gathering important documents, and removing valuable auto parts. Then, find a trusted auto recycler that offers fair pricing and free towing. Finally, deregister your car to complete the process legally.

If you need to scrap a fire-damaged car in the GTA, Greenway Auto Recycling offers professional scrap car removal services. We handle all the paperwork, offer competitive prices, and ensure environmentally responsible disposal. Contact us today at (416) 783-9026 to get a quote and remove your burned vehicle hassle-free.