What to do with my totaled car? Sigh.

[Zeze]

Got into a collision last night. Thankfully wife and I are okay.

The car is 2003 Mazda 6i (valued $2-3K). Both airbags went off and front of crushed, rest are okay. Clearly this is totaled.

It got towed and I have to wait til tomorrow (Monday) to get it out when they open.

What's the protocol here?

1. Find a junk yard that can salvage it
2. Get another towing company to tow destroyed car to the junk yard. (to stop the bleeding of towing $$$)
3. Get what $ you can.

Is that correct? I'm so upset because tires are only 3 months new... Goodrich T/A, paid $550.

I know my car's doors are sold for like $400 from junk yards.. I know I'll get a fraction of this, if that.

How much should I expect from junk yards?

 

[Yuriman]

Offhand, I'm going to guess you could get $800-1500, depending on the damage, if they do the pickup/pay for towing.

 

[kitatech]

Once the car is deemed "totaled" do you still have any control over it...?

My was and I didn't....I just rented a car (covered by the insurance co.) and began the hunt for a replacement...I got 75% of retail value less deductible....

Glad you are all are okay and good luck in getting one you like.

 

[thedarkwolf]

If it was total by the insurance company then the insurance company owns the car unless you buy it back. If you just have liability then the car is still yours since the insurance company isn't going to give you squat.

Are you up for parting it out?

 

[cabri]

What is the insurance coverage on it?

Who was at fault?

If you want to part it out (and it will be owned by you, not an insurance company); you will have to have it stored somewhere where a disabled vehicle will be allowed.

Junk yards will give you 10-25% of the parts value at the most. Remember, they have to store the vehicle for 2-5 years before it is stripped to the point that it will go to the crusher.

 

[toronado97]

I'm pretty confused. My car was just totaled out by Progressive, and they gave me the option of 1700 up front and they keep the car, or 1500 and I keep the car. Blue Book was about 1600-1800 depending on condition, so I was thrilled. Your insurance company should be cutting you a check unless you had liability only and the accident was your own fault. If your insurance is paying for it, it should be up to you to decide whether you keep the vehicle or sell it to the insurance company. Depending on how much hassle you want with either parting it out yourself or selling it as-is for parts on CL, or selling it to a junkyard, I'd take the money and keep the vehicle unless they're charging an arm and a leg for it.

 

[kitatech]

Part of the equation is time...how soon does OP need a replacement...
...and the other part is $$$...how much money is needed to put towards the replacement.

...and finally how "picky" will OP be when comes to choosing the new car...

 

[Zeze]

I'm sorry, I should've mentioned I had 0 collision coverage (appropriately so).

So my question is how much can I salvage it for roughly?

 

[franksta]

I'm sorry, I should've mentioned I had 0 collision coverage (appropriately so).

So my question is how much can I salvage it for roughly?

Are you talking about scrap value? It's based on the current rate of metal and how much the car weighs. $600-800 USD is typical in my area.

 

[DaTT]

I'm sorry, I should've mentioned I had 0 collision coverage (appropriately so).

So my question is how much can I salvage it for roughly?

The way it is up here in the North, if it's not your fault, it doesn't matter if you have collision coverage. Your car will either be fixed or totalled, in which case you would get a cheque.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

$500.- max on scrap. Not sure where these other posters are getting such high values. Call around to junk yards near the location where the car is stored and get a quote with pickup. Take the highest, set an appontment for pickup, bring the title, and it's gone.

Glad to hear nobody got hurt.

 

[onza]

Well there goes your petty car Now you need 2 cars..

 

[BurnItDwn]

You could try to sell the tires/rims on Ebay if you think it's wroth it. Or you could sell any other parts you think might be worth selling ... I'm sure it would hurt the scrap value somewhat, but, if you are willing to go through the time/effort, it might benefit you to some extent?