How do I sell my car with body damage?
Asked by: Prof. Remington Hammes MD | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (46 votes)
How do you value a car with body damage?
If it's driveable but just doesn't look good anymore, take approximately half the KBB value. But if it's heavily damaged and shouldn't be on the road, it's probably closer to a quarter of the KBB value.
Do dealerships buy cars with body damage?
In short, yes, you can trade in a car with body damage. However, whether it's the most beneficial move for you financially depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, your car's overall condition, and the trade-in offer from the dealership. Always do your homework before you make this decision.
Who pays the most for damaged cars?
CarBuyerUSA is your “Damaged Vehicle” headquarters. No other Car Buying Company pays more for damaged cars. CarBuyerUSA will buy anything from a rollover to a Range Rover and has paid up to $35,000 for wrecked or inoperable vehicles – including Jaguars and Maserati's.
Can I sell my car with body damage?
If your car has a few scratches and doesn't hold any severe damage history then it is totally fine to sell a damaged car with no fix. If the car has major body damage in a collision, then getting a minor damage repaired is recommended prior to selling.
How to Sell My Car (Funny) - Damaged Cars
Is it worth buying a car with body damage?
Is it worth buying a car with body damange? It depends. If the body damage is minor, the vehicle history report explains the type of accident, and everything else checks out; there should likely be no issue buying a car.
How can I get the most money for my wrecked car?
- Conduct independent Research on the Vehicle's Worth. Get an independent valuation of your vehicle before accepting any offer from the insurer. ...
- Provide Supporting Documentation. ...
- Negotiate With the Insurance Company.
How can I get money out of a broken car?
There's a chance someone is looking to pay cash for broken cars like yours, whether for parts or to fix it up and drive it. Sell it to a junkyard or scrap yard. If you decide to sell a car for scrap, you'll be paid cash based on its value as scrap metal. It's weighed and you are paid a set price per ton.
What company will pay the most for your car?
Cars.com, Carvana, Peddle, and CarMax are some of the best places to sell a car online. Peddle is good for junk cars, Carvana is the most convenient, CarMax offers top value, CarGurus has a strong platform, and Vroom has an easy selling process.
Does CarMax sell cars with body damage?
We check every car's history to rule out any with flood damage, frame damage, outstanding liens, or salvage history. Any car that can't meet those condition standards gets sold at auction — not to you. Cars must also pass a 125+ point inspection and undergo a detailed reconditioning process to be sold at CarMax.
Should I take my car to the dealer for body work?
If you want to save money, you're typically better off going to an independent shop. Because of their higher overhead costs, dealerships often charge higher prices. At a dealership you'll be getting service that's specialized for your vehicle, but that doesn't necessarily equate to better technicians.
Is it illegal to sell a car that has been in an accident?
Any significant damage should be disclosed. In some jurisdictions, it may be unlawful to sell a car without disclosing significant accident damage. And regardless of where you're selling your car, any car buyer can purchase a detailed accident history report that will list all the collision repairs on your vehicle.
What is considered major damage to a car?
Severe damage usually means that key components of the car, such as the engine, transmission, or suspension, have been affected. These types of damages often render the vehicle unsafe or unable to be driven until the necessary repairs are made.
Is it worth fixing cosmetic damage on a car before selling?
However, larger dents, deep scratches, or damaged paintwork can deter potential buyers and result in lower offers. If the cost of repairs is reasonable compared to the potential increase in selling price, it's often beneficial to fix cosmetic damage to make the vehicle more appealing and maximize its value.
Does Geico pay diminished value?
Simply put, a diminished value claim is a request for compensation after your car loses value due to an accident, even if it has been fully repaired. After all, who wants to buy a car with an accident history? This loss of value is something insurers like GEICO are supposed to cover if you file a claim.
How to sell a damaged vehicle?
- Make sure you have the title document to prove proper ownership. ...
- Assess the condition of the car. ...
- Gather the necessary paperwork to sell your car. ...
- Research local junkyards and used car companies. ...
- Get quotes. ...
- Decide on your buyer. ...
- Collect your cash and transfer the title.
Will dealerships take a car that doesn't run?
Trade-In at a dealership
Both new and used car dealerships buy used vehicles. If you're buying a new car from a dealership, you can tow your non-running car there and have them determine its value. If the dealer can't resell it, they may find a use for its parts, which can still result in some trade-in value.
Can I sell my car to a junkyard if I still owe on it?
You will need the title before selling the vehicle to a junkyard. Once you have your title, make sure you can sell the vehicle. If it has a lien placed on it, you'll need to pay off the loan before you can sell your car.
How do I get the most money out of a broken down car?
So, contacting a junk car buyer like Pull-A-Part is your best option. You get the most cash for your junk car by dealing with a reputable company, one that gives you the full value of your junk car, but also saves you time and money with no hassles, and we will come tow away your clunker away for free.
Who gets the insurance check when a car is totaled?
If you own the car without any loans or liens, you will receive a check for the value assessed by the insurance company. If there is a loan, the check usually goes first to the leasing company or the lender. If you owe money on the vehicle, you should notify the lending company that your car has been totaled.
How do I get the most out of my wrecked car?
Sell individual parts, such as the engine, transmission, wheels, or other valuable components, on online platforms or to auto repair shops. This can often yield more money than selling the car as a whole.
Do dealerships take cars with body damage?
If your vehicle is in rough shape, dealers could still take it on a trade-in. They may not keep it on their lots to sell themselves, but trading your older automobile for a newer one in better condition may be a more viable option than you think.
How much does body damage devalue a car?
A car typically loses 10% to 30% of its value after an accident. In some cases, the loss can be as high as 50%, depending on the extent of the damage. For example, if your vehicle was worth $20,000 before the collision, you could lose between $2,000 and $6,000 in value due to the diminished value claim.
Will my car pass inspection with body damage?
Body damage
Minor dings and dents aren't typically counted against you in a vehicle inspection. If the damage is extensive enough, however, it may become a potential obstacle to passing.