Junk Car Salvaging and Removal in Georgia for Cash

What is the Georgia Car Wrecking and Disposal Program?

Listed below are seven scrap metal laws for car wrecking and disposal program in Georgia.

• Purchasing: Scrap yards in Georgia cannot accept sales before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
• Verification: There must be a digital photo or video of what is being sold in Georgia.
• Record: Georgia must record the details of any vehicle sales, including the make, model, weight, amount paid, and license plate. All sales records must be kept for a minimum of two years.
• Affirmation: The buyer in Georgia must swear that they have not been convicted of metal theft by signing a statement that confirms they are the owner. The signature must be witnessed by the buyer.
• Receipts: All receipts must be signed by the seller in Georgia, and the seller must receive a copy of the information. The buyer must report this information to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.
• Title: All vehicle sales must include the vehicle’s title unless the car is 12 years old or more and worth less than $750. The seller must officially attest to the car’s value in Georgia, and the buyer must confirm that the car has no outstanding debts by running the Vehicle Identification Number through a database.
• Tag-and-hold: If law enforcement contacts the scrap yard in Georgia regarding a potentially illegal vehicle, there is a tag-and-hold policy for up to 15 days.

These laws are there to deter fraud on either side of the transaction. In Georgia, you’re verifying the owner of the car and certifying that the sale is legal. If the vehicle can’t be identified, then the sale is not allowed to go through. The title law is likely the most important, as it shows proof of ownership. Selling a car without a title — even when it's legal — leads to trouble down the road. If you sell it to the wrong person, they may claim that that the vehicle is still yours, which leads to lengthy arguments and legal disputes.

What Are the Myths About Junk Car Salvage and Removal in Georgia?

Listed below are the three main myths about junk car salvage and removal in Georgia.

• You need the title: While you really should have the title with you to sell a car in Georgia, it’s not required. However, because you can sell, doesn't mean you should. If you can't find the title or it's been lost to a natural disaster, we highly recommend having a duplicate title made no matter what. Not only is it easy and affordable to have a duplicate made, but there's more documentation, which makes for a smoother transaction.
• Only certain cars can be junked: You don't need a specific year or model to junk a car in Georgia, nor does it have to meet certain conditions (e.g., drivable, intact, etc). As long as there's metal on it, find someone who will take it off your hands.
• Junk cars aren't worth anything: Junk cars in Georgia might be worth more than you think, though the actual value of them depends on a host of factors that have little to do with the car. For instance, if global demand for scrap metal is at an all-time low, you may receive a small cash offer.

When Should Junk Your Car?

Junk when you can’t picture putting any more money into it. If it's not running anymore or the value of the car is low enough in Georgia, there comes a time when you'll need to cut your losses. That might mean that it’s old and worn down, or it might be because the car has been totaled. If you’re spending far too much time at a mechanic, then it’s a sign that the car is at the end of its life span.

How long does it take to Junk a Car in Georgia?

It takes less than 48 hours to junk a car in Georgia. As long as you have everything you need, the process goes quickly. In fact, a reputable scrapyard or junk car removal service in Georgia arranges for pick up within 24 hours. Plan on more time, though, the farther the car is away or the busier the junkyard is.

What are the most valuable parts of a junk car in Georgia?

The top three most valuable parts are the engine, transmission, and catalytic converter. If the engine or transmission is working, there's typically high demand for both parts, but even if they're not, there's plenty of aluminum in both parts. Catalytic converters are valuable for their palladium, rhodium, and platinum. There are only small amounts of these metals in a converter, but there's enough to make a valuable part for thieves to steal.  Those are the most valuable junk car parts.

How to Sell Your Junk Car in Georgia?

Listed below are the four main steps on how to sell your junk car in Georgia.

1. Find a junk buyer in Georgia either online or in your area, and get to know their process. Typically, a junk car is being processed for metal. In most cases, the buyer won’t need to have the vehicle assessed or test driven before making an option. However, they do have the option to do so if the vehicle is in good enough shape.
2. Get free quotes, choose one, and then schedule your removal. Make sure you choose a company in Georgia that's known for their reliability and honesty.
3. Gathering all of the information about the vehicle in Georgia. This includes the title, which lists everything from the model to the VIN. A junkyard that’s following all the rules wants this paperwork to back up the legality of the sale.
4. Get cash for your car!

Additional tips to sell junk cars for cash.

• You need a bill of sale when you sell the car in Georgia. It’s important to treat this like a legal document, because it functions as evidence for the seller that the vehicle was junked following all of the rules. Details, including identifiable info about both the buyer and seller as well as any restrictions on the vehicle (e.g., worth less than $750), is important to reference in case of dispute.
• In Georgia, the seller is responsible for transferring the title over to the buyer. If the car is able to be sold without a title, then the seller must swear to the vehicle’s condition.
• Make sure to remove the plates and cancel the insurance.

What Are the Factors that Affect the Value of a Junk Car in Georgia?

Listed below are the six main factors that affect the value of a junk car in Georgia.

• Price of scrap metal varies widely from day to day, so it’s important not to make assumptions about the price in Georgia.
• The condition of your car. Is it drivable? Are the parts intact and in sellable condition?
• The make, model, and year. Some vehicles are more in demand than others, so if you have a rare vehicle, it will likely fetch more in Georgia.
• Farther locations in Georgia mean long tows, which will lower the value of your offer.
• The demand for metal. Some cities in Georgia will have a stronger local demand for scrap metal, while others will rely on foreign interests to purchase the remains of your vehicle.
• Failing to supply the title. Vehicles without a title in Georgia will typically sell for a significant amount less than those that do.

Those factors greatly impact scrap car prices.

How Do You Improve the Value of Your Junk Car?

Listed below are the two main ways to improve the value of your junk car in Georgia.

• Work with the junk yard owner in Georgia to see what needs to be done on your end. For instance, tow the car in yourself (presuming it doesn’t run), you may get more from the sale.
• If you know how to dismantle your car, pull it apart piece by piece and then sell the parts either in your town or through sites like eBay or Craigslist.

Know that the latter option is not always the easiest one, as it requires time and expertise to do. Plus, the parts that you’re selling may not be worth very much in the first place, depending on the make and model. If you're not planning on doing any additional work, the best thing that to do is find the title and shop around. You might consider waiting until the price of scrap metal rebounds, but it's not always possible to time the market.

How to Apply for a Replacement Title in Georgia?

Listed below are the three main steps on how to apply for a replacement title in Georgia.

1. Complete a sign a Tag Application (known as an MV-1 Title Application).
2. If you have a mutilated/damaged title with you, be sure to bring it.
3. Pay the $8 replacement title fee.

If you have a lien or security interest on the vehicle, you’ll need a Form T-4 to show who owes and that it has been paid off. The lien information does not need to be listed on the Tag Application, but rather noted in a separate form. Please note that you will not be able to change the name of the title of a deceased person. You’ll need to go through the inheritance laws in your state if you want to claim the vehicle in this situation. If your name has changed since the title was first issued, you must use your new name and attach legal documentation of the name change (e.g., copy of marriage license).

How Do You Know the Value of your Junk Car?

Know the value of your junk car by studying the general pricing of common models.

Georgia	Minimum Junk Car Price	Maximum Junk Car Price
2002 Ford Explorer	$210.00	$810.00
2005 Honda Accord	$0.00	$805.00
2004 Honda Accord	$335.00	$910.00
2008 Nissan Altima	$0.00	$375.00
2005 Nissan Altima	$225.00	$415.00
2008 Chevrolet Malibu	$345.00	$465.00
2001 Cadillac Deville	$505.00	$545.00
1998 Honda Accord	$215.00	$315.00
2003 Honda Civic	$150.00	$525.00
2009 Chevrolet Malibu	$240.00	$465.00
2013 Ford Focus	$755.00	$1,575.00
2005 Honda Odyssey	$295.00	$635.00
2009 Nissan Rogue	$440.00	$1,235.00
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer	$0.00	$315.00
2004 Honda Civic	$75.00	$640.00
2005 Ford Escape	$405.00	$675.00

Does Georgia Pay More for Junk Cars than Other States?

No, Georgia does not pay more for junk cars than other states. The average price of a junk car in Georgia is lower than the national average of $483 in 2022. However, your car’s value is determined by a number of factors, including the weight of the scrap metal, the model you have, and the condition.

The states that pay more for junk cars than Georgia are:
Junk Car Salvaging and Removal in New York for Cash
Junk Car Salvaging and Removal in California for Cash
Junk Car Salvaging and Removal in Florida for Cash

How many Junk Cars Are Wrecked a Year in Georgia?

Based on national averages, there are 400,000 junk cars wrecked every year in Georgia. (The state of Georgia has around 8.8 million cars registered in the state, and the percentage of vehicles scrapped in the nation is about 5%.)

Do Junk Car Medics salvage cars in Georgia?

Yes. Junk Car Medics salvage cars in Georgia. This is a national service that operates in every state. The process of scrapping a car is as easy as getting a quote and finalizing the details.

What are the Best Junk Yards in Georgia?

Listed below are the three best junk yards in Georgia.

• Cumberland Used Auto Parts. Known for their honesty and customer service in Georgia, Cumberland is an auto parts supplier, car buyer, and scrapyard.
• Atlanta Auto Recycling. Licensed and bonded, this recycling plant buys every kind of unwanted vehicle in Georgia you think of. Customers are impressed by the respect with which they’re treated and the fair offers they receive.
• Emmet Head Used Auto Parts. Famous for their expert repairs, Emmett Head takes wrecked or clunker cars off of his customers’ hands in Georgia and store them on their property until they are recycled.

Who Are the Best Junk Car Buyers in Georgia?

Listed below are the three best junk car buyers in Georgia.

• Junk Car Buyer: Aptly named, this service in Atlanta makes selling a vehicle easy.
• AHS Cash for Junk Cars: Quick cash and breezy service is the name of the game at this shop. The staff is happy to take care of the details for customers, so they can get on with their day.
• Supreme Towing & Junk Car Removal: This business offers towing services, roadside assistance, and car buying options to its customers.

What to Know About the Junk Car Industry in Georgia

Know that the junk car industry in Georgia is a major sector of the economy, even though the world of scrappers and recyclers may seem small. Many national businesses that Junk Cars in the USA have learned how to provide services within different states by making valuable and strategic partnerships. Junk Car Medics has to understand the rules of every state and has build relationships with local services that upholds the standards and values set out by the larger operation.

How to Choose a Junk Car Buyer in Georgia?

Listed below are the nine steps on how to choose a junk car buyer in Georgia.

1. Condition: Your car’s value is based on the condition of the car, so it’s important to know what you’re working with in Georgia. The more accurately you describe your car to the seller, the easier for them to determine how much it’s really worth. So if the transmission is shot but the engine is still in good shape, you might want that information before negotiating the final price. If one part of the car is worth quite a bit, it might be worth learning how to dismantle the vehicle or hiring a mechanic to pull it out so you sell it on your own.
2. Compare: It's frustrating to call five different junk car buyers in Georgia only to wind up with the same number. However, you might be surprised at the range of values you’ll get if you do your research, so it ends up being less than what another junk yard quoted you. The key is to get all the facts before you choose a single buyer. As you’re comparing prices, make sure that you’re comparing reputations too.
3. Locate: The location of the junk yard in Georgia makes a difference to the buyer for a number of reasons. If you’re accepting a tow from the junk yard, then the distance they have to travel affects how much you’re offered for the car. (Car buyers may offer ‘free towing’, but you’re paying for this one way or another.) If you’re planning to haul in the vehicle yourself or it’s in decent enough condition to safely drive it, you'll need to know exactly how many miles it is.
4. Timing: Most of the time, it’s relatively easy to junk a car in Georgia. However, ask about time frames for every business you contact. Some might be backed up with requests, making it difficult for them to arrange for a tow anytime soon. Others may need time to inspect the vehicle before offering you a final price. If the reviews of a company indicate that their payments are delayed again and again, this is a major red flag. Reputable places are able to get cash to you quickly. As long as you have official records and documentation (and it's all verifiable), you should get a check on the spot.
5. Virtual transparency: You want a junk car buyer in Georgia who isn’t going to jerk you around. The easiest way to verify that a company is legit is by checking their website. If the company is upfront about their process and contact information, it’s a good sign. From pricing to timing to towing information, you shouldn’t necessarily have tons of questions by the time you reach out to them. A professional web presence may not be easy to cultivate, but it’s a message to customers that the company has done their homework.
6. Experience: You want the company to have plenty of experience in their industry. The more connections they have, whether that’s recycling plants or towing services, the more likely it is that you’ll get the best deal from your car in Georgia. In addition, more transactions mean that they’re more likely to have worked out the kinks of the process long before you first call them. This means that even an obscure question or situation gets an immediate answer or solution.
7. Future: What happens to your car once you turn it over? Whether it is dismantled and sold for parts or junked as-is, it helps to know the details. This information simply serves as a relief for people who want to to do their part for the planet. But it may help you negotiate prices with junk car buyers in Georgia. For instance, if many of the parts are still usable, you may be able to haggle for more money.
8. Towing: Not everyone offers towing. If you’re sitting on a car that doesn’t run, know their policies before you make any kind of a deal with a junk car buyer or junkyard in Georgia.
9. Customer service: Most junk car buyers in Georgia realize that their customers don’t have a lot of time or mental energy to deal with a vehicle that has been draining their wallet for quite some time now. Work with folks who work with you, and at the very least, the experience will be a little more pain-free.

How Soon Can a Junk Car Service Pick Up a Junk Car in Georgia?

Within 24 hours. Many junk car services in Georgia are efficient enough to get everything done faster than you think. If your car is located in a remote location, it may take 48+ hours to arrange for a tow.

How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Junk Car in Georgia?

Standard towing fees are typically between $75 – $100. However, it's worth noting that the price range be quite stark, as it depends on where the junk car in Georgia is and the condition it’s in. A junk car company charges well into the thousands if the car is flipped over in a ditch somewhere.

Is the Junk Car Industry Big in Georgia?

Yes, the junk car industry in Georgia is big. It includes national and local junkers alike in cities such as Columbus, Augusta, Macon, and Savannah. They work with thousands of vehicles every year, collecting everything from transmissions to engine parts to seats. The industry isn't just the buyers, though. It's the recyclers, the manufacturers who purchase the parts, and the people who ultimately benefit from your old clunker.

What Are the Necessities to Open a Junk Car Facility in Georgia?

Opening a junk car facility in Georgia requires filling out the proper paperwork, getting a business account, and acquiring the licenses and permits required by the state. A junkyard owner needs enough land to store the vehicles, even if they don't have a recycling plant on site. Have some type of marketing strategy to reach out to their target demographic. While some people are content to rely on word-of-mouth advertising, most need to have a virtual presence to get any kind of real traction.

How Does Georgia Define a Junk Vehicle?

Georgia defines its junk vehicles based on the value and functionality of the vehicle. If the car is only good in Georgia for the price of its scrap and maybe a stray part or two, then it is considered a junk car. Abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or tagless vehicles all fall under this category.

Are Motorcycles, Bicycles and Other Vehicles included for Junk Vehicle Removal in Georgia?

Yes, motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles are included for junk vehicle removal in Georgia, though it ultimately falls to the discretion of the junk yard buyer. Speak with each company to find out more individual policies, and whether they pick up anything with metal for removal.

Is It Better to Donate Your Junk Car Instead of Selling in Georgia?

It's better to sell your junk car in Georgia for the value of the scrap metal, but it depends on the vehicle and your tax bracket. If you’re teetering on the edge of a tax bracket and the donation of the car tips you to a lower percentage, donate it to a charity or cause that you support. Make sure to research the organization that you're giving your vehicle to, as some 'charities' will not actually qualify for the tax break.  Learn about donating vs junking a car.

How to Shield a Junk Vehicle from Public View in Georgia?

Shield a junk vehicle from public view in Georgia with the help of garages, fences, hills, and storage facilities. These all provide a hiding place for a junk vehicle in Georgia. There are companies that specialize in shielding materials for cars, ones that go beyond a standard tarp or cover. Junk vehicles potentially attracts the attention of thieves, though most times it's better to get rid of them quickly rather than spend time trying to hide them from sight or money on shielding materials.

What is the penalty If You Break Junk Vehicle Laws in Georgia?

The penalty is $500 or less for abandoned cars. If a vehicle has been left on private property for more than 2 days or public property for more than 3 days, then it’s considered abandoned. (Please note that the timeline is extended for owners who attempt to recover the vehicle.) This is considered a misdemeanor in the state of Georgia.

Information about the State of Georgia and Junk Vehicles

Georgia is the 8th most popular state in the nation at 10.5 million people, and its governor is Brian Kemp. It’s known for its peanuts and peaches, and the famous capital of Atlanta (home to Coca-Cola). As a popular state with a vibrant economy, there are thousands of cars junked every year throughout popular cities such as Columbus, Augusta, Macon, Savannah, and Atlanta. The most junk cars in Georgia are the Honda Accord.