When a car is damaged in an accident, it needs to be appraised to determine if it is “totaled” or not. In Ohio, a vehicle is a total loss when the repair costs and auto salvage value exceed its actual cost value (ACV) — the worth of the vehicle after depreciation. If it’s declared a loss, you can either receive a check for the ACV or have the title and damaged vehicle returned to you at a reduced cost. If you choose the second option, this guide will help you sell the car to a salvage yard yourself.

How to Get Rid of a Totaled Car

If you choose to hold onto a totaled car, the insurance company will issue a salvage certificate. To sell the car to an auto salvage yard, swap your current title for this certificate at the BMV office. Once you have the salvage title, begin making calls to local businesses that can buy the vehicle for parts or scraps. Find out which types of vehicles they accept, their rates, and whether they offer pickup. Also, ask if they will accept the entire vehicle, or if you’re responsible for disposing of the parts they don't use. After finding a salvage yard that meets your criteria, trade payment for the title.

The Fate of Totaled Cars

The process varies, but when an auto salvage company purchases a totaled car, they remove all salvageable parts. They will either refurbish and sell these to customers directly or sell them to a used auto parts vendor. After the vehicle is stripped down to the frame, the remaining metal is placed in a compactor and crushed or melted down to be recycled.

If you have a totaled vehicle you've been trying to get rid of, contact the team at Marcell’s Inc. This family-owned business was founded in 1956 and has grown into a trusted towing service, auto salvage yard, and auto parts company for all of Southwest Ohio. Call their Hamilton location at (513) 867-8889 for towing assistance and their Fairfield location at (513) 856-7900 to inquire about auto parts. Visit their website to view vehicles they have for sale.