Questions about selling a junk car

We quote each car individually from its year, make, model, condition, completeness and paperwork. Weight and reusable parts drive most of the number. Send the details or call and you get an offer for that car; our guide on what a junk car is worth in Chicago explains each factor.

An offer is only as accurate as the description behind it. Mention missing parts such as the catalytic converter, engine or wheels, and anything unusual about where the car sits, so the offer reflects the real car.

We buy cars at the end of their road: dead, wrecked, rusted out or not worth repairing. A car that runs but needs more work than it is worth fits. A good running car will usually fetch more on the private market than from any junk car buyer.

A title in your name is the simplest way to sell. If you don't have it, tell us which papers you do have, such as the registration, a bill of sale or an insurance card. Illinois rules decide which papers work for a scrap sale, and we confirm on the call whether yours are enough or whether you need a duplicate title first.

In Illinois the plates stay with you, not the car. Take them off before the tow and keep them to transfer to another vehicle or return them as the Secretary of State directs. Our step-by-step guide to junking a car in Chicago covers plates, insurance and the city sticker.

Often yes, but the paperwork depends on the situation, for example whether the owner has died and whether there is an estate. Tell us whose name is on the title and what documents you have, and we will tell you what is needed before anyone books a tow.

Yes. There is no charge for the tow and no towing fee taken off your offer anywhere in our service area: Chicago and the Cook, DuPage and Will County suburbs.

Same-day pickup is often possible. It depends on where the car is and that day's schedule, so we agree a time when you accept the offer.

Yes. Tell us when you ask for the offer if the car has flat tires, missing wheels, locked brakes or sits in a tight garage or alley, so the right truck comes for it.

Everything personal: glovebox papers, garage door opener, toll transponder, phone mounts, and anything in the trunk and under the seats. Remove the plates. If the car has an app or connected service, delete it from your account.