How Do I Sell a Non Running or Wrecked Car in Florida?

Will anyone actually buy a car that doesn't run?

Yes. Licensed cash for cars buyers purchase running, non running, wrecked, salvage, flood, fire, and mechanically dead vehicles every day. A car that won't start, has a blown engine, or sits on a flatbed because it can't move under its own power is normal inventory for us. Condition changes the price (it's valued for scrap and parts rather than resale), but it almost never changes whether the car is eligible to sell. A dead car is rarely worthless.

How do I sell a car that won't start?

The process is short, and it works whether or not the car moves:

1. Get a quote. Call (689) 309-2252 or use our online form with your year, make, model, and condition. Mention whether it runs, whether the catalytic converter is still on it, and what's damaged.

2. Schedule a free pickup. We bring a tow truck, so the car doesn't need to start, have keys, or have wheels.

3. Get paid at pickup. You hand over the signed title and ID, and we hand over cash. The offer is what you receive, and towing isn't deducted.

That's it. A non running car has to be towed or winched, which is why a buyer with free towing is worth more to you than a distant yard. If you're comparing offers, ask any buyer whether towing comes out of the quoted price, because some out of area buyers deduct haul out before they pay.

Do you buy wrecked, totaled, or salvage cars?

Yes. Collision damage, frame damage, and salvage or totaled status don't disqualify a car. The engine, transmission, catalytic converter, wheels, panels, and metal all still have value. If your insurer totaled the car and you kept it, or you're holding a salvage title, we can still make an offer. The cleaner and more complete the car (cat still attached, parts not stripped), the closer the offer lands to the top of the range. Whatever the damage, call (689) 309-2252 for an exact quote.

Can I sell a flood damaged or water damaged car?

Yes, and in the Tampa Bay area this comes up every storm season. Flood and water damage often kill a car's resale value while leaving real scrap and parts value intact. Even a car that took on water and won't turn over has a recoverable catalytic converter, sellable body and drivetrain parts, and a frame full of steel. Florida's title rules treat seriously damaged vehicles differently, so if your car was branded flood or salvage, let us know when you call and we'll guide the paperwork.

What does Florida require when I sell it?

The authority here is FLHSMV (flhsmv.gov). A few things to handle:

• Title. You normally sign over the title to transfer ownership. No title? There are legal paths: duplicate, bonded, or for a true junker, a derelict certificate. See our guide on selling without a title.
• License plate. In Florida the plate stays with you, not the car. Remove it before pickup. If you aren't moving it to another vehicle, surrender it at your county tax collector.
• Notice of Sale. File a Notice of Sale with FLHSMV to take your registration off the car and limit your liability after it leaves.
• Bill of sale. Keep one noting the VIN, date, price, and buyer.

Form numbers and fees change, so confirm specifics at flhsmv.gov or your county tax collector.

How fast can this happen?

Quotes take minutes by phone. Pickup is often same day or next day across Tampa Bay, and you're paid cash on the spot. See how it works, check what we buy, or get started for Tampa, Spring Hill, Lakeland, or Wesley Chapel. Questions? Just contact us.