How to Get Cash for Junk Cars in Minneapolis
You can get cash for junk cars in Minneapolis at IAA, Junk Car Medics, Ace Auto Parts, and Auto Recycle Centers.
Written by Brittni Brinn
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
You can sell a broken-down vehicle as a junk car to make some extra cash—and clear a space in your garage at the same time! IAA, Junk Car Medics, Ace Auto Parts, and Auto Recycle Centers are a few companies in Minneapolis that are worth a look.
Whether it’s your very first car that’s been collecting dust in the garage or a totaled hand-me-down rusting out in the backyard, some cars cannot be saved. You can turn them into cash instead by selling them to salvage companies or individual buyers—some of which will even offer to tow your car for free!
However, some buyers are more legit than others. To help you sort through the many options in Minneapolis,
car insurance
expert app and licensed broker Jerry
is here with a guide to selling your junk car. RECOMMENDED
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What qualifies as a junk car?
That
Ford
you’ve been meaning to fix or your brother’s Toyota Prius
rusting away under that drop cloth in the driveway? Although it can be hard to label a beloved vehicle as “junk,” it’s an important first step if you’re looking to sell your clunker.Your vehicle might be considered a “junk car” if it:
- Won’t start or has trouble running
- Is valued under $500
- Hasn’t been moved in a long time
- The repairs needed to get it back up to code would cost more than the car’s value
Some junk cars may look alright from the outside, while some are not road-worthy. No matter what your junk car looks like, if it is more of a financial burden than a useful vehicle, it’s probably time to send it on its way.
MORE: How to insure a car with a salvage title
How to sell a junk car
Selling a junk car may seem straightforward, but there are a few extra steps that you should follow to make sure your sale is in line with state laws.
1. Find the car’s title and registration documents. If you can provide the car’s certificate of title, you’ll likely get a better price for your junk car—and some buyers may not accept a junk car without it. If you need to
replace a lost title
in Minnesota, you’ll have to apply for a duplicate title at a Deputy Registrar's Office.2. Search for a reputable buyer. Salvage yards are a good place to start—just be sure to make sure they’re properly licensed and use a certified scale so you don’t get stiffed. Individuals and other companies are also options for selling a junk car—you can check on Craigslist or other online listings for interested buyers.
3. Empty the inside of the car and clean it. It’s important to remove all your personal items from your car before the buyer shows up! You should also vacuum and wipe down all surfaces, checking for items as you go.
4. Take off the license plates and non-metal components. You don’t have to turn in your plates, but Minnesota encourages drivers not to place license plates in curbside garbage. You can recycle them, turn them in as scrap metal, or keep them to remember your beloved junk car. Depending on the buyer, you may have to remove upholstery and other non-metal components from the car before it can be accepted.
5. Keep any working parts. If you’re confident in your mechanic skills, you can remove parts from the junk car to sell separately or use in another vehicle.
6. Sign the title over to the buyer. Finalize the sale by signing over the car’s title to the buyer—once you receive payment, selling your junk car will be complete!
7. Cancel the car’s insurance. Don’t forget to cancel the junk car’s insurance as soon as it’s out of your hands—there’s nothing worse than having to pay for something that’s no longer yours! If you need to find insurance for a new vehicle,
Jerry
can help you find affordable rates in no time!MORE: How to sell a junk car for cash
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Where to sell a junk car in Minneapolis
Typing “where to sell my junk car in
Minnesota
” in your search will pull up a variety of hits—but seller beware! Make sure you look at reviews, the buyer’s website, and if the company’s BBB accredited. Double-check what’s offered to find the best option for selling your junk car, too. Here are a few places to look at if you’re not sure where to start!
Junk Car Medics
Address: Junk Car Medics, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone number: (612) 712-6748
BBB rating: No rating
With a motto like “We buy ALL cars,” you can be sure
Junk Car Medics
will take your junk, used, or abandoned vehicle off your hands. You can call or request a quote online—Junk Car Medics will come pick up your junk car and pay you cash on arrival.Ace Auto Parts
Address: 754 Rice St, Saint Paul, MN 55117-5433
Phone number: (651) 224-9479
BBB rating: A+
Serving St. Paul and the Twin Cities area,
Ace Auto Parts
is a BBB-accredited company that pays for junk cars and offers free towing. You can call them or fill out the online form to book a time and get a quote for getting rid of your old clunker.IAA
Address: 1280 Jackson St, Saint Paul, MN 55117-4613
Phone number: (708) 492-7000
BBB rating: A+
Headquartered in Chicago, IL,
Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc.
auctions off vehicles in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. As a large international company, IAA can auction off your junk car or provide a number of selling options depending on your schedule and budget. Auto Recycle Centers
Address: 11251 Monroe Dr, Becker, MN 55308
Phone number: (763) 464-4441
BBB rating: Not rated
Serving the greater central Minnesota area,
Auto Recycle Centers
will tow your junk car for free—whether it’s an SUV, car, or even farming equipment. On top of the cash you’ll be paid on removal, you’ll also get the added bonus of knowing that if your car cannot be salvaged or repurposed, it will be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way.How to find affordable car insurance in Minneapolis
Getting paid for someone else to cart your junk car away is a good feeling—as long as you get a good deal. You can also save some extra money on
car insurance
for your remaining vehicle (or vehicles!) by finding great deals through the Jerry
app. As a licensed broker and
trusted comparison tool
, Jerry partners with 55+ top insurance companies to find you the lowest rates on the coverage you need. You won’t have to worry about filling out mountains of paperwork or calling around for quotes, either—Jerry takes care of all the busy work, from securing your new plan to searching for new rates when it’s time to renew. On average, Jerry users save $800+ a year on car insurance!
“I just financed a new car and knew my insurance premium was going to rise.Jerrywas well worth it to use. They helped me find a lower premium and canceled my old policy instantly when I was ready to switch!” —Meghana D.
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