Navigating the Aftermath of Totaling a Car: What You Need to Know

Posted on January 17, 2023 by gcsjunk

Being involved in an accident that totaled your car can be a stressful experience. You may be wondering what to do next and how to handle the situation. It’s important to know your rights and understand the process of dealing with a totaled car so you can make sure you get a fair resolution.

In this blog post, we will provide an overview of navigating the aftermath of totaling a car, including understanding auto salvage lots, junk car buyers, and other options for getting compensated after having your vehicle totaled. We hope this guide will help you navigate this difficult time more easily and confidently.

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What is a Totaled Vehicle?

First, it’s important to understand what totaled means in the context of a car. A totaled car, or total loss car, is one that has been deemed with severe damage that would cost more to repair than its actual cash value (ACV). Once your vehicle has been totaled, you will need to file an insurance claim with your auto insurance provider. They will determine the actual cash value of your totaled vehicle.

What To Do With a Totaled Car

Once you have determined that your car is a total loss, there are a few options for what to do next. You can either sell it to an auto salvage lot or junk car buyer in Louisville, donate it to charity, or keep it as-is, depending on the circumstances.

Sell. If you decide to sell your totaled car, auto salvage lots and junk car buyers are two of the most common options. Auto salvage yards buy totaled cars from drivers in order to resell their parts or rebuild them for later sale. Junk car buyers purchase total loss cars for scrap metal. Both auto salvage lots and junk car buyers will typically offer you a lower price than the actual cash value (ACV) of your junk car, but it can still be a good option if you need cash quickly.

Donate. If you don’t want to sell your totaled car, there are other options available. You can donate it to a charity or keep it as-is. Donating your total loss vehicle may be a good option if you don’t need the money, as many charities accept totaled cars and will offer tax deductions for them.

Keep. Keeping a total loss car is an option if the damage isn’t too severe, but it is important to understand that driving a totaled car is illegal in many states.

Get Compensated for a Total Loss Vehicle

Navigating the aftermath of totaling a car can be overwhelming and stressful. Knowing what to do and understanding your rights are key to ensuring you get the fair resolution you deserve. We hope this guide has been helpful in giving you an overview of navigating the aftermath of totaling a car, including auto salvage lots, junk car buyers, and other options for getting compensated.

Is your car totaled or totally junked? If so, trade it in for cash on the spot, then place that profit towards a new car! Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell a junk car in Louisville, Kentucky for an instant cash payout. We provide FREE junk car removal!

What Happens to a Junk Car After it is Sold to a Salvage Yard?

Posted on November 3, 2022 by gcsjunk

What happens to a junk car after it is sold to a scrapyard in Louisville? The answer is really exiting! Not only are you making fast cash by selling your car for recycling, but you are contributing to one of the most important global environmental initiatives: preserving our natural resources and boosting our economies!

Continue reading to learn the basic process of automotive recycling, plus where to take your junk car for the highest payout in Louisville!

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Louisville Junk Car Selling Process

Most people don’t know what to do with their old, run-down cars. They might try to trade them in when they buy a new one, but usually that doesn’t work out too well. The dealership offers them way less than the car is actually worth, and then they’re left trying to figure out what to do next. That’s where we come in!

Here at GC’s Junk Cars, we are a licensed Louisville junk car buying company that operates throughout the state of Kentucky. We’ll come to you, pick up your car, and pay you cash on the spot! It’s a pretty simple process, and it’s one that we’re happy to walk you through step by step.

The first thing you need to do is give us a call. We’ll ask you a few questions about your car, such as its make, model, and year. We’ll also need to know where the car is located. Once we have that information, we’ll be able to give you a quote. If you’re happy with the quote, we’ll send a tow truck to your location to pick up the car. We’ll handle all of the paperwork and will even give you a ride to wherever you need to go.

And that’s it! You’ll have cash in hand and will be rid of that old clunker. So, if you’re looking to sell your junk car, give us a call. We’re always happy to help out! Wonder what happens after we buy your junk car? We are happy to explain, as we are proud to be an environmentally conscious and responsible auto salvage yard here in Kentucky. We operate within all local and state laws that govern auto recycling, plus we adhere to all Federal and EPA regulations and industry best practices for junk car scrapping.

Kentucky Auto Recycling Process

Junk cars are sold to our Kentucky scrapyard every day. But what happens to them after that? Most people assume that the car is just shredded and recycled, but there’s actually a lot more that goes into it. First, our scrapyard will inspect the car to see if there are any parts that can be salvaged and sold separately. This includes the engine, transmission, and other major components. If any of these parts are in good condition, they will be removed and sold individually.

Once all the salvageable parts have been removed, GC’s Junk Cars will then begin the process of shredding the car. This is done for the sake of reducing the size of the car so that it can be more easily recycled. The shredded car will then be sold to a metal recycling facility where it will be melted down and turned into new steel products. So, that’s what happens to a junk car after it’s sold to a scrapyard. It’s actually a pretty interesting process!

Are you ready to make fast cash by selling your junk car in Kentucky to our trusted Louisville auto scrappers? If so, contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your totaled car in Louisville Kentucky for cash on the spot. We provide free junk car removal too!

Are There Precious Metals in Junk Cars?

Posted on August 9, 2022 by gcsjunk

You can expect to find steel, iron, and even copper in the entirety of a vehicle. But would you expect to find precious metals like gold or silver? Well, you should! All motorized commodities contain some degree of precious metal their design. Continue below to learn which precious metals are more likely to be included in the manufacturing of a vehicle, plus how you can make the most money by selling your junk car in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Junk Car Precious Metals

The most common precious metals in cars are platinum, palladium, gold, and sometimes silver. The quantity and type of precious metal in your junk car will depend on several factors, namely the make and model, but also the current condition.

Silver

Silver can be found in car batteries and circuit boards. Silver-oxide batteries are used in military fleet vehicles, so it is unlikely that your junk car has precious metal in its battery. As for electronic circuit boards, newer model vehicles contain traces of silver, which can be recycled and repurposed into new commodities.

Gold

As just mentioned, automotive computers operate on electronic circuit boards that contain silver, but these circuit boards also contain gold-plated fingers. Newer model vehicles that have onboard computerized systems like GPS, navigation, stereo, Bluetooth, and even engine modules will contain these gold-plated components. Gold can also be found in car airbags, although only in trace amounts.

Platinum

Platinum isn’t just for jewelry. It is very likely that your personal vehicle contains platinum. All cars and trucks manufactured within the last three decades have a catalytic converter, which is an automotive part that filters toxic emissions generated by burning fuel. Within a catalytic converter is the catalyst, which is typically lined with platinum.

Palladium

Palladium is a metal you might’ve seen in a recent superhero movie or read in your favorite comic books. That is because palladium is a rare-occurring, exotic metal that is high in economic value, making it perfect for fantasy story lines. But the truth is, palladium is also used in the manufacturing of common automotive parts like catalytic converters. Palladium alloy made with platinum and rhodium is often used as a catalyst lining, serving as cost-effective alternative to former manufacturing methods for catalytic converters.

Are you interested in selling your junk vehicle for a high amount of cash in the Louisville area? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to speak with a trusted Indianapolis junk car buyer for details on how to get started! We offer free junk car removal and accept all old or broken auto parts!

Do I Have to Repair My Wrecked Car?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by gcsjunk

After you get into a car accident, you will likely make a claim with your auto insurance carrier. But does this automatically require you to repair your vehicle? Can you choose to not repair your car after an insurance claim accident? If you are asking these questions, continue reading to learn what you need to know about auto accident insurance claims and car repairs.

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Auto Loans and Insurance Continuation

When making an auto accident insurance claim, you will be subjected to a few requirements, especially when it comes to repairs. If you are interested in continuing with your comprehensive or collision coverage, the insurance carrier will require you to repair your vehicle. That is because all insurance companies refuse to cover a vehicle that has endured ambiguous structural and mechanical damages.

Insurance companies also mandate repairs after a wreck if you are still paying off an auto loan on the vehicle. In fact, your lender may also require you to have the vehicle repaired, and by one of their own approved auto repair providers.

You Are Required to Repair Your Car If:

☑ You are still paying off an auto loan.
☑ There is a lien on your car.
☑ You want to stay insured.

Opting Out of a Claim

If the vehicular damage is minor enough that is does not interfere with the safety, performance, or efficiency of your car, or you do not care about aesthetics, you can choose to forgo making a claim through your insurance carrier. If you want, you can make the repairs to your vehicle on your terms, when it is economically available to you. But if you decide later on to take your car in for repairs, you will have to pay for the work out of your own pocket.

Doing Your Own Repairs

If you own your vehicle in full, you might be allowed to repair the damages yourself, that is, if you are handy in auto body work and automotive mechanics. Just be sure DIY auto work won’t void any of your current coverage. Check your policy first to see of you are allowed to perform your own repairs. If there is a lien on your car, you will not be allowed to repair it yourself.

Is your vehicle uninsured and simply too damaged to bother with repairs? Great news! Just contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your junk car in Louisville Kentucky for cash on the spot. We provide free junk removal too!

How to Junk a Car That is Registered in Another State

Posted on May 10, 2022 by gcsjunk

Are you ready to sell a junk car in Kentucky but you are concerned that you might face some challenges because it’s registered in a different state? Continue below to learn what you need to know about selling an out-of-state junk car.

Regulations Regarding Out-of-State Junk Car Sales

There are many reasons why a person might have an out-of-state vehicle to scrap. Someone people wreck their cars on cross-country road trips, while others relocate but never get around to updating the registration. Regardless of why you need to scrap a junk car in another state, your first step is to verify the legal documents required for the task.

Although it is not illegal to junk a car that is registered in another state, there are several regulations and requirements that must be followed. Otherwise, attempting to sell a junk car in another state would pose the same challenges as trying to sell a car without a title. There are laws in place to prevent out of state car scrapping for good reason. For example, it prevents the demolition of vehicles that are used to commit crimes.

Junk Car Selling Process for Out of State Vehicles

Before selling an out-of-state vehicle, the information for the car must be officially transferred to the current state. There are certain forms that must be filled out and submitted to make this happen. Talk to the local BMV for information on how to do this. While waiting for all paperwork to go through, you will need to have your transferred to a secure space.

Both towing and storage will be out-of-pocket expenses, and they will not come cheap. Many people choose to have their vehicles transported to a paid airport parking lot, while others rent a parking spot at a storage facility. Either way, expect to pay a lot of money.

The alternative to filing the paperwork and moving forward with the process of selling a scrap vehicle out of state is to have your junk car towed back to the state it is registered in. You can pay for a towing company to transport your car to a junkyard there, or if you are lucky, the junk car buying company might pick up the car for free. This way, you get paid for your junk car in full, rather than deducting fees for towing and storage.

Are you ready to sell a junk car in Kentucky? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your junk car for cash on the spot to a trusted Louisville junk car buyer! We offer free junk car removal in all surrounding counties.

The Environmental Benefits of Junking Your Car

Posted on March 9, 2022 by gcsjunk

When you drive past a junkyard, you might see a bunch of old, rusted out vehicles piled up into stacks. You might think this is an eyesore or waste facility. But the truth is, auto salvage companies do a lot more to preserve and protect our environment than you think.

Continue below to learn how junk car lots are helping to save the planet and boost the economy, and how you can contribute to the initiative by junking your car in Kentucky!

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Junk Cars Can Pollute the Environment

Litter is litter, simply put. And when a junk car is not responsibly disposed of and handled, it is considered a form of pollution. Junked cars also contain hazardous waste and chemicals that are extremely toxic to the environment and all living organisms. It is important to junk your car with a responsible auto salvage lot in Kentucky that adheres to all EPA and local regulations for auto recycling. Such companies will use industry best practices and state of the art technologies to safely strip and dismantle cars, as well as properly dispose of dangerous chemicals and responsibly reuse all recyclable materials.

Junk Car Recycling Preserves Our Natural Resources

Not only does junk car recycling preserve our natural resources, but it also reduces air pollution. You see, junk car recycling fuels the metal recycling industry. Metal recycling is one of the largest and most effective enterprises that reduce society’s need to mine for new ores. In turn, this reduces the emissions generated by the metal refining process.

Junk Car Selling Boosts the Economy

Selling a junk car to an auto salvage lot boosts the local economy in more ways than one. First, junk car lots provide jobs, which pay people who then spend their money in the local community. Additionally, junk car recycling pays out cash. You can earn a hefty profit by selling a junk car in Louisville to a professional Cash for Cars Company! This cycle of cash in and cash out is a wonderful tool to support economic wellness.

Are you looking to sell a bunch of old auto parts or an entire totaled car for cash in Kentucky? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to speak with a trusted Louisville KY junk car buyer for details on how to get started! We offer free junk car removal and accept all old or broken auto parts!

Should I Part Out a Junk Car or Sell it Whole?

Posted on February 28, 2022 by gcsjunk

If you have a junked vehicle in your possession, you might be ready to sell. But which selling strategy will render the highest gain? Selling your junk car as one piece, or parting it out and selling each piece individually? This decision is an important one considering it will have a major impact on your profit margin. Continue reading to learn the pros and cons of parting out a junk car, plus which auto salvage yard to trust for the fairest payouts in Louisville.

Junk Car Value

A junk car that retains all of its parts, whether working or not, will have a decent return value. The scrap metal market is good right now, so you can expect to make anywhere from $100 to $300 for your junk car. Newer model vehicles with all parts retained may render a junk car cash payout of $300 to $600. It all depends on various factors, such as the car’s make, model, condition, and location, as well as the current scrap metal prices, discretionary rates of the junk car buying company, the accuracy of your junk car appraisal, and more.

Parting Out Versus Selling Whole

Parting out a junk car and selling each individual auto part separately can certainly rake in more profits. Currently, the most valuable car parts are engines, catalytic converters, air conditioners, alternators, starters, radiators, tires, and wheels. However, there are good reasons why few people choose this approach. In order to dismantle a vehicle according to industry standards, a specific set of tools and materials are required.

Furthermore, it takes automotive acumen, skill, and training to know how to properly dismantle a car. If you are not a trained mechanic with this knowledge and equipment, you will need to hire one for the job. This costs money, usually between $500 and $1,000. This cost is deducted from the total profit you stand to make from your selling efforts.

Another downfall is the hassle. Listing, negotiating, selling, and distributing your auto parts will take a lot of time and effort. If you are not up for the job, you can hire an assistant or third-party seller to do it for you, but the key word here is hire. This costs money, which takes away from your final profit. Will the cost to hire a mechanic exceed what you will make back from your car parts? Is it cost-effective? Do I have the time to sell everything? These considerations are ones you need to make before moving forward with auto dismantling.

When you sell your junk car whole, you do not have to cover any additional expenses unless the auto salvage yard charges fees for intake or towing. It is important to choose a certified Louisville junk car buyer to avoid having to pay any such fees. A reputable cash for cars company will not charge you fees for towing, haul away, estimates, or service fees.

Are you ready to sell your car whole? Or do you want to sell some old or junked car parts? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your car for cash on the spot to a trusted Louisville junk car buyer! We offer free junk car removal in all surrounding counties.

These 7 Things Will Slowly Total Your Car Overtime

Posted on August 27, 2021 by gcsjunk

Do you think you have bad or good driving habits? Depending on how you drive, you could be doing damage to your vehicle. Continue reading to learn the top seven things that will slowly damage your vehicle over time, and potentially even render it a total loss.

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You Can Harm Your Vehicle By…

Revving the Engine

Many drivers believe they can warm the engine up faster by revving the gas pedal over and over again, but this is not good for your vehicle because it leads to engine damage. If it is cold outside, it is best to allow your vehicle’s inner fluids to warm up; but revving the engine is not the right way to do it.

Continuously Pressing the Brakes

Many people also have a habit of “riding the brakes”, which basically means slightly adding pressure on the brake pedal while driving so that they can stop instantly at any time. This practice, often executed on downward hills, is highly damaging to a vehicle’s overall braking system. Driving at lower speeds will help eliminate the urge to keep your foot on the brake petal at all times.

Not Slowing Down for Speed Bumps and Potholes

Speed bumps, potholes, and other surface blemishes can be highly destructive to a vehicle’s suspension and undercarriage parts if you fail to significantly reduce your speed while passing over them. In fact, potholes should be avoided at all costs. Speed bumps should be driven over, cautiously, and slowly.

Driving Around With Very Little Gas

Gas prices are certainly a bummer, but you do not want to drive around with $10 in your tank at all times. Be sure to always fuel up all the way at every fill-up in order to prevent forcing your vehicle to use the old, mucky fuel at the bottom of the fuel tank at some point in time. This will lead to engine damages and clogged filters.

Abruptly Taking Off and Braking

Whether in rush hour traffic or in a big hurry to not be late to work, you do not want to resort to sudden stopping and starting, over and over again. This habit of driving puts a lot of pressure on the internal workings of the braking system and rotors, and significantly increase fuel consumption.

Driving With Improper Tire Inflation

Proper tire inflation is heavily significant to the overall safety and performance of a vehicle. Not only are improperly inflated tires unsafe, but they will also eventually cause other damages to a car. Be sure your tires are not over or under-inflated by checking the levels regularly with a manual tire pressure gauge.

Failing to Stay Current on Routine Auto Maintenance

Routine car maintenance, such as inspections and fluid chances, are imperative for vehicle safety, performance, and longevity. Be sure to have your car serviced according to the instructions in the owners’ manual if you want to avoid unsafe driving conditions and repeated repair costs.

Have you done too much damage to your car and now it is junked? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your junk car in Louisville, Kentucky for cash on the spot! We provide free junk car removal!

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4 Things Auto Mechanics Do Not Want Drivers to Know

Posted on July 22, 2021 by gcsjunk

When it comes to auto repair, it is vital that you do your research and choose an automotive shop with trusted client reviews and a long-established reputation within the community. Otherwise, you could end up at an auto garage operated by unethical mechanics who don’t want you to know certain things about car care; things that put money in their pockets and take money out of yours.

In fact, continue reading to learn the top 4 things that mechanics do not want you to know because it costs them, not you. At the end of this blog, you will be better protected against price gouging and exaggerated service coaching the next time you take your car in for repair or routine service.

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What a Mechanic Might Not Want You to Know

❶ You don’t really need a car battery replacement.

Although many mechanics will suggest that a driver’s car battery has completely died and they need a new one, this is often untrue. In most cases, the reason why a car is having recurrent battery issues has to do with the wires that are connected to the battery rather than the battery itself. These wires can become corroded or soiled with buildup over time, thus causing a weaker transfer of power to the battery.

❷ You can probably fix your check in light problem yourself.

When your check engine light comes on, you typically panic. Mostly because this illuminated light can signify all sorts of different problems within the vehicle, from very minor to very severe. However, what your mechanic doesn’t want you to know is that the majority of the time, check engine lights illuminate simply because the gas cap is loose. Try tightening your gas cap before calling your local auto repair shop when your check engine light comes on.

❸ You don’t need an oil change just yet.

When you take your car into the auto shop, whether for routine service or for an acute auto repair, mechanics almost always recommend getting an oil change while there. You see, they will tell you that your oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles or so, but with new advancements in technology, you really don’t need an oil change till about 7,000 or 8,000 miles. For people who don’t drive very much or very far, an oil change every 10,000 miles this likely sufficient. So, save yourself 50 bucks and forgo the oil change option at the auto shop until your owner’s manual tells you it’s time.

❹ They didn’t rotate your tires like they said they would.

In the case of an unethical or immoral auto repair shop, it is very common for mechanics to charge $45-$50 for tire rotation service but never actually follow through with it. Since clients really can’t tell if tires have been rotated or not, they never even think to question it when I come to pick the car up. To overcome this challenge, bring Chuck with you the next time you take your car in for service. Mark each tire with the chalk so that when you come back to pick it up you know that the tires have actually been rotated.

Did you just pick up your car from the auto shop with a diagnosis of totaled? If so, contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your junk car in Louisville Kentucky for cash on the spot. We provide free junk removal too!

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Is My Car Totaled if the Airbag Deploys?
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How to Delete Your Personal Data From a Junk Car Before Selling It

Posted on June 21, 2021 by gcsjunk

Before you get rid of any type of data-containing electronic, such as a tablet or smart phone, it is advised to swipe all of the personal information on it for the sake of identity protection and more. When it comes to selling a modern car that has been totaled, the same principle of protection applies. Many drivers overlook the fact that their car, although a total loss and being sold to an auto salvage yard, still contains personal data about their residence, address, place of employment, conversations with friends and loved ones, and much more. With all the modern automotive technology in use these days, there are all sorts of applications and portals available via the Internet.

Continue below to learn exactly how to delete personal data from a junk car before you sell it to a local Cash for cars Company.

Deleting Personal Information From Junk Cars

Modern cars are more like laptops, computers, and smart phones. They collect in safe a load of personal information and data in a very short period of time. Whether you are selling, recycling, trading, or returning after borrowing, it is vital that you delete any personal data or digital information collected or entered into the cars electronic system. This includes credit card numbers, bank information, addresses, contacts, downloads, and Siri data. Not only will this protect you from identity theft, but it also protects you from anyone knowing where you live, where you work, the routes in which you frequently travel, who you associate with, and basically where to find you if they wanted to. It is also possible for text messages and emails to be accessed by the new owner or possessor of the car.

Tips on How to Wipe a Car’s Computer System Clean

In many cases, the buyer of a junk car, especially for the dealership, will typically offer to implement a reconditioning process, which basically wipes out all of the personal data and information of the previous car owner. However, it is important that you make the effort yourself in order to have full peace of mind.

Here are some tips on how to delete your personal information from a junk car before selling it or recycling it:

First check your car’s owner’s manual to see if it has an automatic reset process that deletes all of the personal information inside the system.

Cancel any data plans connected with the car, including subscriptions for Wi-Fi, high-speed Internet, music streaming, satellite radio, and communication services.

Delete all saved contacts in the car’s computer system.

Log out of all apps connected or paired with your car so that you are not automatically logged back in, and your passwords and usernames are exposed.

Undo all Bluetooth pairings.

If Applicable To Your Junk Car:

Delete all music and downloads from the built-in hard drive.

Delete all of your saved information in the GPS system.

Return the automatic garage door opener button to a default setting so that no longer works for your garage.

If you are having a lot of trouble clearing all of the data from your car, consider using a data security company for data destruction services. Even if you are just renting a car, is it important to take the steps to make sure your personal information is not exposed to the public.

Are you ready to sell your junk car for the most cash in town? Contact GC’s Junk Cars at 502-804-5605 to sell your junk car in Louisville, Kentucky for cash on the spot! We buy all make and model vehicles no matter the condition or location.

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Is My Car Totaled if the Airbag Deploys?
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