If you want to sell an old car that is taking up space on your property, a scrapyard will dismantle the auto parts and pay you cash for the vehicle. However, before a tow truck can haul the clunker away, you must perform a few tasks to make the process legal and ensure you don’t lose anything valuable. Here is what you should do before calling for a tow.

How Can You Prepare to Salvage a Car?

1. Clean Out Belongings

It is your responsibility to take out all personal belongings before handing the vehicle over to the salvage yard. Check the car thoroughly, including inside the glove box and middle console, under the seats and floor mats, and above the visors.

You shouldn't leave any items, especially personal documents like old insurance cards, as these may contain personal information. The junkyard might charge you a fee for having to clean out trash, and any identifying information left inside could be a security risk.

2. Remove the License Plates

Before the tow truck arrives, take the front and back license plates off the vehicle. Some states, including Kentucky, will require you to return the plate to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles before they will cancel registration. Alternatively, you can keep the plates if the vehicle is registered in Ohio. This step might also be necessary before you can cancel the car insurance.

3. Transfer Ownership

You will likely require the title of the vehicle to transfer ownership. In Ohio and Kentucky, the document must be notarized before the transfer is final. If you have a lien on the car, the lien holder will also have to sign off on the title.

Generally, the instructions for transferring the title are clearly stated on the back of the document. Use a pen with blue or black ink to fill out the buyer’s name and address, vehicle's current mileage, seller’s name and full address, date of transfer, sale price, value of the vehicle, and any other information that your state requires. Also, sign the title using a signature that matches the printed name on the document.

If you need to scrap a car, turn to Miamitown Auto Parts & Recycling in Cleves, OH. For over 50 years, this family-owned and -operated recycling center has been providing competitive prices on scrap metal and a wide range of used auto parts. They also provide a reliable tow service for picking up old vehicles in the Tri-State. To learn more about salvage prices or available auto parts, call (513) 353-1111, and visit them online for more information about their services.