After your vehicle has been in a collision, your insurance company will assess the damage. If it is extensive and components such as the engine have been compromised, your car may be declared a total loss. In this case, your provider will cover any payments you have left for the car. However, you must choose what to do with the vehicle itself. Many drivers take their junk cars to a auto salvage yard.

To better understand what a salvage yard is and how it works, continue reading below.

Auto Salvage Yards: What Are They & How Do They Work?

What Is a Salvage Yard?

An auto salvage yard, otherwise known as a junk yard, is a place where people can take old or substantially damaged vehicles for auto recycling. There, a team of mechanics will salvage the portions that are still functional and resell them to auto body shops and other drivers.

If My Vehicle Is a Total Loss, How Is There Something Left to Salvage?

A total loss means the cost of repairing your vehicle is more than 70% of its market value. Essentially, it is not worth repairing. In many cases, the car may never drive again; however, there are still portions that can be used for other vehicles or industries. 

Which Parts Are Salvaged?

Salvage yards try to save as much as they can from any vehicle. They remove windows and windshields for use in fiberglass factories. They may also drain any fluids left in the vehicle for resale. The internal components, such as the battery, radiator, and other parts of the engine, are often sold as well. Finally, the metal from your vehicle may be used for scrap.

Is There Financial Compensation?

Depending on the state of your car when you take it to the junk yard, you may be given some financial compensation. However, this amount is usually no more than a few thousand dollars.

If you have a vehicle that is in bad shape and you are interested in recycling it, contact Rudy’s Towing & Auto Salvage. Based out of Philadelphia, PA, this auto salvage yard is committed to reliable, honest junk car removal throughout the area. To learn more, visit them online or call (267) 235-9421 to receive a quote.