Selling a junk car can be a great way to offload an inoperable vehicle in exchange for some cash. The Clunker Junker, Peddle, and Special Truck and Auto Salvage are a few reputable businesses buying junk cars for cash in the San Antonio area.

We get it, cars have sentimental value. But sometimes, no matter how much you loved a car back in the day, keeping it around today just isn’t worth the hassle (we’re looking at you, 2005

Ford Focus

with the engine that sounds like a freight train).

When you decide to part with your beater, you’ll want to sell it to a reputable business. The process of finding a quality salvage yard can be daunting, so

Jerry

, the

car insurance

comparison shopper , wants to help!

We’ve put together a handy guide for how to sell your junk car in San Antonio. We’ll cover how to sell your car and offer up a few reputable businesses that buy clunkers for cash. Plus, we'll show you how to save on your

San Antonio insurance costs

! Let's get started.

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What qualifies as a junk car?

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure—that’s how that quote goes, right?

But for real, there isn’t a single definition of what constitutes a “junk car.” However, if your car meets any of these criteria, it might be considered “junk.”

Its value is less than $500

It doesn’t run

It’s parked in a spot it hasn’t moved from in weeks or months

It needs

car repairs

that would cost more than its overall value

So there you have it. A junk car could be a beloved beater from high school, an old muscle car that was bought to fix up “one day,” or a brand new

Mustang

that was totaled on the highway (ouch, that one hurts).

MORE:

How to insure a car with a salvage title

How to sell a junk car

Selling a junk car might seem like an overwhelming ordeal, but if you follow these steps, you can stay as cool as a cucumber throughout the process!

First, understand your car’s

true value

Next, gather your documents. You’ll likely need your car’s title, so if you don’t have that, you’ll need to contact the DMV and

replace the lost title

Find a reputable salvage yard or another legitimate buyer. If you sell to a salvage yard in your area, make sure it’s properly licensed and uses a certified scale. If you’re looking to sell to an individual buyer, you may use Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace—just do so with caution!

Clean out the car and collect valuables. Vacuum and wipe down all the surfaces, if necessary. Be sure to check the nooks and crannies of your vehicle for personal items—you don’t want to leave anything behind!

Remove the license plates, if necessary. You may return the plates to the DMV, sell them, or recycle them. You're not required to return your Texas license plates to the DMV.

Sign over the title to the salvage yard or individual buyer. Once you sign it, the car is off your hands for good!

Cancel the insurance on your old vehicle if you haven’t already done so. If you’re looking for

cheap car insurance

for another vehicle, use the

Jerry

app to find the best low rate!

MORE:

How to sell a junk car for cash

Where to sell a junk car in San Antonio

A Google search will yield many results for where to sell your junk car in San Antonio—but beware, some of these places are scams! For your convenience, we’ve rounded up a list of reputable salvage yards and BBB accredited businesses to sell your car to. Let’s dig right in!

The Clunker Junker

Address: The Clunker Junker San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78023

Phone number: (888) 383-4181

BBB rating: A+

The Clunker Junker

is a nationwide company with a breezy pickup process. Simply fill out a quick questionnaire about your vehicle’s condition and you’ll receive an offer in minutes. Once you accept the offer, they’ll schedule a complimentary pickup, and you’ll receive a check when the vehicle is collected.

Peddle

Address: 111 W 6th St Ste 300, Austin, Texas 78701

Phone number: (877) 586-5692

BBB rating: A+

Peddle

is another company that is located in all 50 states. Just go to their website, input your car’s make and model, its operational status, and a few other details, and you’ll receive a quote in seconds. Once you accept the quote, Peddle will pick up your vehicle for free and pay you in cash or with a check.

Rocha’s Towing Service/Special Truck and Auto Salvage

Address: 10462 FM 812, Austin, Texas 78719

Phone number: (512) 243-2020

BBB rating: A+

Rocha's Towing Service

is affiliated with Special Truck and Auto Salvage—a salvage yard that pays cash for car parts. Give them a call at (512) 243-2020 to receive a free quote. They provide complimentary towing.

Doggett Auto Parts

Address: 3601 Old Kurten Rd, Bryan, Texas 77808

Phone number: (979) 778-7536

BBB rating: A+

Doggett Auto Parts

is located a bit farther away in Bryan, TX, but you’ll be able to work directly with a small business that’s been open for 64 years! Give them a call Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am and 5:30 pm to receive a quote for your car.

MORE:

Here’s how to save money on car expenses

How to find affordable car insurance in San Antonio

Whew! We did it. Now you’re up to speed on the process of selling your junk car in San Antonio.

While selling your junk car is one way to pick up a little extra cash, another way to save some dough is on your car insurance premium. The

Jerry

app can help you save on insuring your remaining vehicles!

Jerry's

trustworthy insurance comparison app

can provide you with competitive quotes from the top car insurance companies in the country. Just select the policy you want, and Jerry will handle all the paperwork and can even help you cancel your old policy. On average, Jerry users save $887 a year on car insurance!

“
Jerry
brought my insurance deductible down from $2.5k to $1k without me having to switch companies. I even had a ticket on my record. If it can help me, Jerry will definitely help you save money.” —Maxwell N.

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