Selling your junk car is one of the best ways to make a little money back on such a large investment. Extreme Cash for Junk Cars, IAA, Clunker Junker, and Max Cash for Junk Cars are a few of the best junk car businesses in Atlanta.

If a car is too far gone to sell but you don’t want to donate it without profit, then selling it for scrap to a junkyard or a car recycling service is a great way to get it off your hands.

Jerry

, the

car insurance

broker and vehicle expert, is here to help walk you through everything you need to know about junk cars, including the best junk-cars-for-cash businesses to consider in Atlanta.

And if you're spending too much on

Atlanta insurance costs

, Jerry can help with that, too!

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What qualifies as a junk car?

So you have a car that’s hanging on by a thread, but you’re not quite sure if it can be classified as “junk.” There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to what a junk car is, but there are a few guidelines you can reference for when you think you might have one on your hands.

Generally, a junk car is recognizable in the following ways:

It won’t run anymore

It needs serious repairs that will cost more to fix than the vehicle’s worth

Its resale value is under $500

It’s permanently parked in one place

If your car has stopped operating or has become more of a financial sinkhole than useful transport, it may be time to scrap it for junk. It can be tough to let go, but sometimes it’s the most practical option.

MORE: How to insure a car with a salvage title

How to sell a junk car

Without the proper information and preparation, selling your junk car can seem very confusing and difficult. Jerry has put together the ultimate mini-guide so you know how to best navigate selling your junk car—and how to maximize your money and time!

1. Collect any required car documents. In Atlanta, you can typically sell your car for junk without a certificate of title if it’s older than 12 years—but this will require a VIN check to ensure it’s not stolen. And some salvage yards will still require a title to score cash for your junk car. If you need to

replace a lost title

, head to your local DMV to have a duplicate copy printed.

2. Locate a reputable junkyard or individual buyer. Search for salvage yards in your area that are properly licensed and use a certified scale. If you’re trying to track down an individual, newspaper listings and Craigslist are typically the best available resources.

3. Clean out your car. Besides a simple vacuuming and surface wipe down of your car’s interior, be sure you don’t leave anything left behind. Check the glove box, trunk, and other storage compartments for personal items.

4. Relinquish the car’s license plates. In Georgia, license plates are registered to you and should only be used on your vehicle. Additionally, some junkyards will only take your car after it's stripped of non-metal parts. Take a weekend with friends or hire a mechanic to remove any non-metal materials, including seats, plastics, and carpeting.

5. Salvage any usable parts. In some instances, you may be able to reuse or sell parts that are still functioning, such as a transmission, alternator, or catalytic converter.

6. Close the deal. To complete the transaction, you’ll need to sign the title and turn it over to the new owner.

7. Cancel your insurance. Don’t forget this step so you don't end up paying for a car you no longer own! And remember,

Jerry

can help you find an affordable policy for your new car quickly and without any hassles.

MORE: How to sell a junk car for cash

Where to sell a junk car in Atlanta

Weeding out the good junk cars from the bad can be a lengthy process and leave you feeling pretty ambivalent about your prospects. Luckily, we’ve vetted cash for junk car businesses throughout Atlanta—jumpstart your search with these top picks.

Extreme Cash for Junk Cars

Address: 1201 W Peachtree St NW Suite #2393, Atlanta, GA 30309

Phone number: (470) 210-6006

BBB rating: A

Acclaimed as one of the top junk car buyers in Atlanta,

Extreme Cash for Junk Cars

has been in the junk car removal service for over 10 years. They’ll take cars from small to large—just be sure you have the title ready to go. Fill out the

contact form

or call to schedule an evaluation and get paid out immediately in cash!

IAA - Atlanta South

Address: 1930 Rex Rd, Lake City, GA 30260

Phone number: (404) 366-2298

BBB rating: A+

You can rest assured that the junk car selling process will be pretty standardized with

Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc

. The nationwide company will take your junk vehicle off your hands, slide you the cash, and sell it at auction.

The Clunker Junker

Address: The Clunker Junker Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 30301

Phone number: (888) 383-4181

BBB rating: A+

The Clunker Junker

is a national junk car removal service that will pick up your vehicle and pay you cash on the spot. They may be able to buy your car without a title, but it’s best to prepare and head to the DMV for a replacement if you can’t locate it. Get an instant online offer at any time or call to get a quote!

Max Cash for Junk Cars

Address: 2985 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30315

Phone number: (678) 592-5740

BBB rating: N/A

While

Max Cash for Junk Cars

is not BBB accredited, they have enthusiastic customer reviews and a great overall rating. They’ll offer cash for your junk vehicle with or without the title and promise outstanding service. Fill out the contact form at the bottom of their website or call to set up an assessment and collection time.

MORE: Here’s how to save money on car expenses

How to find affordable car insurance in Atlanta

Atlanta tops the list of most dangerous cities to drive in. The best way to protect yourself and your car is with a top-notch

car insurance

policy. But it might seem like getting an affordable plan is out of reach. Whatever your situation, you should check out

Jerry

After downloading the Jerry app and filling out a short intake form, you’ll receive customized quotes from leading insurance companies in the nation. Pick a policy and rate that works for you and leave the rest up to Jerry. If you need a little extra help or have any questions, simply shoot over a text to one of Jerry’s helpful, licensed agents.

With Jerry, you can save an average of over $800 a year on your car insurance!