How to Get Cash For Junk Cars in Long Beach

Selling your old, rusted-out jalopy in Long Beach is easy—just follow these seven steps and you’ll have a pocket full of cash and a load off your mind.
Written by Matt Nightingale
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Selling your junk car is a fantastic way to rid yourself of that ugly, rusted-out beater on your lawn, and put some cash in your pocket while you’re at it. So-Cal Towing, All Ford Auto Wrecking, and Westside Auto Recycling are just a few of the agencies offering cash for junk cars in Long Beach.
The process of selling a junk car in California is fairly simple and there are tons of wreckers and salvage yards who are willing to help you out! Some companies will fill out all the necessary paperwork and haul your junk car away for free—but make sure you find a buyer that’s legit!
So, let’s turn that junk car into cash!
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What qualifies as a junk car?

At what point does that car that only you know how to start become junk? There’s no hard, fast definition for a junk car, but generally speaking, if it meets any of these criteria, it’s probably junk:
  • It doesn’t run anymore
  • Its resale value is less than $500
  • It needs repairs that would cost more than the car’s value
  • It’s permanently parked in one place
California
has strict smog laws and all cars must pass regular emissions tests. Some cars are so old that they require major upgrades to bring them into compliance. Even if the car is running smoothly, if these upgrades cost more than the vehicle's value, it may be time to junk it.

How to sell a junk car

The requirements for selling a junk car differ from state to state, but in California, the process is pretty straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:
1. Gather proof of ownership. In order to sell your junk car for cash in Long Beach, you’ll need to prove that you own it. In
California
, you do not need a
certificate of title
to junk a car. All that is required is a copy of the registration and your driver’s license.
2. Find a buyer. Figuring out where to sell a junk car in Long Beach is half the battle. Most wreckers will pick up the vehicle for free and give you cash on the spot. Do your research to ensure that the one you choose is reputable.
3. Clean out and prepare the car. Be sure to go through the interior of the car to ensure you haven’t left any personal belongings inside. You may also have to prep the vehicle for the junker. Some yards only accept the metal components of a car, in which case you would need to remove the upholstery and plastic components. 
4. Remove your license plates. The state of California does not require you to surrender your license plates when you sell your car. You may keep them or destroy them.
5. Remove any working parts. You may want to remove any working parts from the vehicle and resell them yourself. Just make sure that you haven’t already promised these components to the wrecker.
6. Provide your contact information. Once you’ve proven you are the legal owner of the vehicle, the process is fairly simple. Just give the wrecker your name, address, and phone number.
7. Cancel your insurance. Once the deal is complete be sure to cancel your insurance to avoid messing up your credit score with missed payments or having payments automatically withdrawn from your bank account.

Where to sell a junk car in Long Beach

There’s no shortage of salvage yards and auto wreckers who want your old bucket of screws. Here are a few names that offer cash for junk cars in and around Long Beach.

Westside Auto Recycling

Address: 2531 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone number: (310) 473-3221
BBB rating: Not rated
Westside Auto Recycling
is AAA rated by the Business Consumer Alliance and has been serving Long Beach and the Greater Los Angeles area for over 29 years. They buy most cars no matter the year, model, or condition, and they’ll pick yours up for free. You can even call or email them for a free estimate before you sell.

All Ford Auto Wrecking

Address: 1515 N. Jefferson, Anaheim, CA 92807
Phone number: (704) 993-2110
BBB rating: A+
Locally owned and operated in nearby Anaheim since 1983,
All Ford Auto Wrecking
is a full-service auto salvage yard specializing in—you guessed it—Ford vehicles. If you’ve got a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury junk car that’s taking up a little too much space in your garage, these good folks will likely buy it from you.

So-Cal Towing Inc.

Address: 667 S. Sydney Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90022
Phone number: (323) 867-5499
BBB rating: Not rated
If it’s nasty, disgusting, rusty, or in any way putrid,
So-Cal Towing Inc.
is interested in buying it. So-Cal has been buying clunkers for a decade with a mission to reduce the environmental impact of sedentary junk cars. They offer money on the spot and free tow away.

Samson Auto Salvage

Address: 8102 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90001
Phone number: (818) 504-1091
BBB rating: A+
Samson Auto Salvage
will pick up your junk car anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area. They’re open seven days a week, and they’ll help you with all the paperwork that you need to sell your junk car in Long Beach. 

How to find affordable car insurance in Long Beach

Shopping around and comparing quotes is a great way to get the best deal for your junk car. It’s also the best way to get a great deal on
car insurance
. And that’s exactly what
Jerry
does.
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