How to Get Cash For Junk Cars in Tampa

You can get cash for junk cars in Tampa at Cash for Cars, Central Florida Auto Salvage, Cash for Junk Cars Tampa FL, and SellMyHoopty.
Written by Nathan Porceng
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
background
Selling a junk car is a smart way to get rid of an old vehicle and put some money in your pocket. Cash for Cars, Central Florida Auto Salvage, Cash for Junk Cars Tampa FL, and SellMyHoopty are just a few of the many Tampa-area companies that buy junk cars.
Did your sporty old Wrangler finally give out? Are your
Ford Ranger’s
best mudding days behind it? Selling your car to a junk company is an excellent way to unload a burdensome vehicle and make a bit of money in the process.
To help you sell that rustbucket sitting in your driveway,
car insurance
comparison app
Jerry
has compiled a guide to the best junk car companies and even how to save on
car insurance in the Tampa, Florida
area. 
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings

What qualifies as a junk car?

You loved your car. You worked so hard and saved so dearly to purchase it. Sure, it hasn’t run in years or was nearly totaled in that accident, but you have so many fond memories of that car. How could it ever be junk?
There’s no one, clear-cut definition of what constitutes a “junk car,” but your car could be considered junk if it: 
  • No longer runs 
  • Has a resale value of under $500 
  • Is permanently parked in one place 
  • Needs major
    car repairs
    that would cost more than the car’s value
The eye test alone won’t determine if a car is junk or not. Some cars look great but won’t run, others look like trash but keep on trucking. The best way to tell that your car is junk is if it feels more like a financial burden than a functional vehicle—if that’s the case, selling it may be your best option.

How to sell a junk car

Selling a junk car can be a difficult process. Where do you begin? How do you get the most cash for your vehicle? Here is an overview of the steps involved in selling a junk car:
1. Gather the car’s documents, if available. It is possible to sell a car for scrap without its certificate of title, but you’ll usually fetch a better price if you have it. If you can’t find it, you can
replace the lost title
at the DMV. 
2. Search for a reputable junkyard or other buyer. Run a quick internet search for salvage yards in your area. Make sure they have a license and use a certified scale. To find an individual buyer, try Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace—just beware of scammers!
3. Clean the car and remove all personal items. Vacuum and wipe down the interior of your car. Make sure you remove all personal items before selling your car for scrap.
4. Remove the license plates and non-metal components (if necessary). You're required to return your Florida license plates to a motor vehicles service center, along with a request to cancel and recycle the license plates. Some salvage yards will only accept the metal parts of a car, so you may also need to remove upholstery and other components. 
5. See if there are any working parts you want to keep. You may be able to maximize your profits by removing and selling working parts from your vehicle.
6. Sign over the title. In order to finalize your transaction, you’ll need to sign the certificate of title and hand it over to the new owner. 
7. Cancel your insurance.
Jerry
can help you cancel your insurance and find the best rates for your new ride!

Where to sell a junk car in Tampa

Google “where to sell my junk car in Tampa,” and you’ll find a bunch of results—some trustworthy, some not. Consider starting with the following locations.

Cash For Cars

Address: 12020 US-301 Ste B, Riverview, FL 33578
Phone number: (813) 703-8552
BBB rating: A+
A nationwide company,
Cash For Cars
will buy your car and put cash in your hands in less than 24 hours. They’ll even come and pick up your car for you.

Central Florida Auto Salvage

Address: 39850 CR 54 E, Zephyrhills, FL 33542
Phone number: (813) 862-1106
BBB rating: A+ 
Central Florida Auto Salvage
is Tampa’s “trusted auto salvage yard.” Family-owned and operated, Central Florida Auto Salvage prides itself on being environmentally friendly, properly containing and recycling all fluids and materials of the junk cars they salvage.

Cash for Junk Cars

Address: 916 W M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Tampa, FL 33603
Phone number: (813) 300-6100
BBB rating: A+ 
Cash for Junk Cars
scraps everything that moves, be they cars, RVs, campers, or even boats! The company offers free vehicle removal and will pick up your car from anywhere in the state of Florida!

SellMyHoopty

Address: 1709 E Yukon Street, Tampa, FL 33604
Phone number: (813) 699-2278
BBB rating: N/A
SellMyHoopty
is dedicated to offering you the best price on the market for your junk car. You’ll get your cash up front and they’ll take your car—quick and easy!

How to find affordable car insurance in Tampa

Selling your junk car is just one way to put a little extra money in your pocket. Another is purchasing a new car insurance policy with
Jerry
, the
trustworthy insurance comparison app
.
Once you’ve junked your old car, Jerry can set you up with a brand-new policy for any remaining vehicles. Jerry partners with dozens of the nation’s top insurance companies to find you the lowest rates on the coverage you need, all without any long phone calls, needless forms, or long wait times. Jerry users save an average of $880+ a year on car insurance!
“I was tired of looking around multiple websites, so I decided to give
Jerry
a try. Let me tell you—the process is so easy and simple, and they really find you the best prices for your coverage level. Getting insurance for my new car was quick and easy!” —Joanna D.
Find out if you can reduce your monthly car payments in minutes
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Check your rate
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Reduce your monthly car payments in minutes?
Find out if Jerry can reduce your payments by an average of $150/month
Check your rate!

Browse Questions from Car Experts

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings