Are you thinking about junking your car and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! We’ll guide you through the car-junking process in the state of Maine. Let’s discuss how to junk your car!
How Do I Sell My Car to a Junkyard in Maine?
To get rid of your junk car, you’ll need to sell it to a junkyard. The first step in selling your junk car is to find a local junkyard. Head over to your search engine (Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.) and type the phrase “junkyards in my area” or a similar phrase, and press the enter button. In a few seconds, you’ll have a list of junkyards in your area. There is no right or wrong way to choose a specific junkyard. However, it’s a good idea to check out the junkyard’s ratings before viewing its website.
You need to choose at least 2 junkyards, but 3 could be better, just in case something about the other junkyards doesn’t sit well with you. Of the 2 or 3 junkyards, choose one to investigate first and check out their website. When you’re ready to junk your car, you’ll need to provide information about yourself and your car.
Information about your car will include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make, model, year, and color of the car. Junkyards will also be interested in knowing about any damages the car has sustained. You won’t be turned away because your car has damages, regardless of how severe the damage is. You will also need to provide information about yourself, such as your physical mailing address, email address, name, and phone number.
After you provide the required information, the junkyard will provide you with a quote. You can accept or decline the quote. Keep in mind that if you accept the quote, you also agree to the terms and conditions of the junkyard. However, if you choose to decline the junk car quote, you are not obligated to junk your car with that particular junkyard, and you’re free to receive a junk car quote from a different junkyard.
How Do I Get Rid of a Junk Car in Maine?
To get rid of your junk car in the state of Maine, you can follow the steps provided above to junk your car. You will need proof of ownership documentation, such as the car’s title and the registration card. If you don’t have the car’s title, you will need to request a duplicate car title.
After you provide the junkyard with the required information, you need to schedule a pickup or drop-off time for your car. Even if your car is still drivable, it is illegal to operate it on the roads and highways of Maine, so the car must be towed. You can have your car towed using a roadside emergency assistance membership, such as AAA, or you can have the junkyard come to you and haul the car to their junkyard.
Junk Car Removal Service Locations In Maine
Get cash for your junk car when you sell it in Main including the following locations:
- Portland, ME
- Lewiston, ME
- Bangor, ME
- South Portland, ME
- Auburn, ME
- Biddeford, ME
- Scarborough, ME
- Sanford, ME
- Brunswick, ME
- Saco, ME
Junk Car Removal Companies That Buy Unwanted Vehicles In Maine
- Peddle or call them at (844) 334-0582
- Wheelzy or call them at (855) 602-2139
- CarBrain or call them at (877) 877-7911
How Much You Could Sell A Junk Car For In Maine
How much you make when you sell a junk car in Maine will vary based on the year, make, model, and condition of the unwanted vehicle.
Typically, you can expect to make a few hundred dollars when you sell a non-running car. For damaged running cars, you may be able to sell it for about a thousand dollars, but it will need to be a more recent model.
| Make | Model | Year | City | Sold For |
| Ford | Escape | 2008 | Portland, ME | $ 325 |
| Mitsubishi | Galant | 2001 | Lewiston, ME | $ 345 |
| Ford | Escape | 2005 | Bangor, ME | $ 265 |
| Nissan | Sentra | 2003 | South Portland, ME | $ 575 |
| Chrysler | Town & Country | 2002 | Auburn, ME | $ 350 |
| Ford | Explorer | 1997 | Biddeford, ME | $ 295 |
| Toyota | Corolla | 2004 | Scarborough, ME | $ 305 |
| Chevrolet | Equinox | 2006 | Sanford, ME | $ 345 |
| Toyota | Corolla | 2002 | Brunswick, ME | $ 190 |
| Ford | Escort | 2000 | Saco, ME | $ 175 |
How Much Are Junk Cars Worth in Maine?
Cars that are beyond repair, but have good working parts can be worth as much as $150. If your car hasn’t been deemed a total loss by insurance companies and has functional parts, you can make anywhere from $100 to $250 for your car. You may realize that your car isn’t quite at the end of its rope, but you don’t want to put forth the time, effort, or money to repair it. In this situation, you can still junk your car. You may be able to receive as much as $15,000!
Do You Need a Vehicle Title to Junk a Car in Maine?
It’s a good idea to have the necessary documents prepared before you junk your car. However, car titles can be misplaced, lost, or accidentally trashed, and other mishaps could occur. If you no longer have your car’s title, you can request a duplicate car title by completing a Maine Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form MVT-8). You need to make sure you sign the car title in the required sections, or the title will be invalid.
If the car has a lien that has been released, you will need to complete and submit a Release of Lien (Form MVT-12) at your local Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (ME BMV) branch. To receive your duplicate car title, you must pay the $33 fee. If you’re in a rush, you can pay an additional $10 for speed processing.
Also, if you don’t have the car’s title, you may be able to junk your car still if you provide a different type of proof of ownership document, such as the car’s registration card. In any event, you need to check with the junkyard you plan on using to learn about their junk car acceptance requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Junk a Car in Maine?
The cost of junking a car in Maine depends on different factors. If you don’t have a roadside assistance membership, you will have to pay the towing fees out of pocket, unless the junkyard offers towing services. Keep in mind that some junkyards offer towing services for a fee. It’s possible to find junkyards that don’t have a towing fee.
Proof of ownership documents is also required to junk your car. If you no longer have these items, such as the car’s title, you have to pay to replace them, which are other fees you will have to pay that can range anywhere from $10 or more.
What is a Junk Title in Maine?
A junk car title is a title that is given to vehicles that are damaged beyond repair. These vehicles are damaged to the extent that even repairs could still be unsafe for them to operate on the roads and highways in Maine. A junk title is also referred to as a junk certificate, Certificate of Destruction, or a Non-Repairable Certificate. You will need this for your junk car as proof of ownership documentation. You can’t register a car that has a junk title in the state of Maine, and these vehicles can’t be sold for use.
What is the Difference Between a Junk Title and a Salvage Title?
A junk title is designated for cars that have irreparable damage and are unsafe to drive. Salvage titles, on the other hand, are for cars that are damaged, but can be rebuilt and driven safely on roads and highways. Once cars are repaired to the state of Maine’s standards, the owner can obtain a rebuilt car title from the ME BMV. Salvage cars that have been rebuilt will have to pass different tests to be deemed safe to drive.
Can You Junk a Car With an Expired Registration in Maine?
You sure can! Although you can junk a car that has an expired registration in Maine, you can’t leave the car unattended in a public area, such as the parking lot of a shopping center and on the side of the road or a highway, whether the car is junk or your most prized possession. Even though your car’s registration document is expired, you can still use it as proof of ownership documentation.
What Happens If You Abandon Your Car in Maine?
Abandoning your car may cross your mind. You know, leave your car on the side of the road, and then it’s someone else’s problem, right? WRONG! In Maine, a car is considered abandoned when the owner or lienholder of the car does not remove it and pay all applicable fees for towing, storing, and authorized repair within 14 days after the notices to the owner and/or lienholder are sent by the Secretary of State or 14 days after the advertisement is published as required by Section 1854, Subsection 4 found here.
The last owner on record of the abandoned car will be the owner of the vehicle at the time it was abandoned and deemed the person who abandoned it.
How Do I Get a Junk Vehicle Title in Maine?
If your auto insurance company deems your car a total loss, the insurance company is responsible for applying for the salvage certificate regardless if you keep the car as part of your settlement claim.
However, if your auto insurance company was not involved in deeming your car a salvage, you are the responsible party for applying for the salvaged certificate.
To apply for a salvage car title, you need to visit an ME BMV branch and provide:
- A completed application for a Certificate of Salvage (you can request this application by contacting the ME BMV Title Unit in Augusta, or in person at your local ME BMV branch).
- The car’s title
- Your name, residence, and mailing address (depending on who keeps the car, the insurance provider’s information may need to be provided)
- The settlement agreement date
- A vehicle description, that includes the:
- Make, model, and year
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Body type
- Current mileage
- Chronological information about liens and the lienholders
- Payment for the $33 salvage title fee
For more information regarding obtaining a salvage car title in the state of Maine, you can contact your local ME BMV agency or the ME BMV main office at (207) 624-9000.
What Paperwork Do I Need to Scrap a Car?
So, it’s time to scrap your car. There’s different paperwork you need to complete or submit, such as:
- The Maine Certificate of Title (properly endorsed for transfer)
- Lien sale documents (properly executed for registration and transfer)
- A salvage certificate (properly endorsed for transfer)
If you don’t have the car’s registration card, you need to provide a bill of sale. The vehicle’s bill of sale may be able to be used instead of the vehicle title signatures.
Can You Sell a Car With a Salvage Vehicle Title in Maine?
It’s not illegal to sell a car that currently has a salvage title. However, you will be responsible for making the necessary repairs to ensure the car can safely be driven. If you have already reported your car to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles as a salvage, you have the option of restoring the car and obtaining a revived or rebuilt salvage car title, which is ideal for selling the car.
How Do I Get Rid of a Car I Don’t Want?
To get rid of a car you no longer want, you can follow the steps provided above to junk your car. You can also scrap your car. When you scrap your car, your car will be dismantled and turned into useful building materials, such as steel, bricks, and other materials. Scrapping your car is a great way to keep the planet clean and get rid of a car you don’t want, so it’s a win-win.
As we previously stated, it’s not a good idea to abandon your car. We can’t imagine you would want to pay astronomical fees for a car that no longer runs or a car you don’t want, so avoid the hassles and fees by NOT abandoning your car.
Getting rid of a car you don’t want shouldn’t be a hassle. The good news is, that you can get rid of a vehicle with little to no effort. If your car is a junk vehicle, you can sell it to a junkyard or a scrapyard. If your vehicle is still in operational order, you can still choose to sell it to a junkyard or an individual, as a private sale.
Does the ME BMV Buy Old Cars?
The Maine BMV doesn’t buy old cars, but there are other options. If your car is at least 25 years old, it’s considered a classic car! Let’s say your car is still in overall good condition, meaning it won’t cost someone a small fortune to repair or restore. You can sell your classic car to an individual in a private sale. However, if your car is an older model, needs a ton of repairs, and no longer runs, you should consider junking or scrapping your car.
Can I Scrap My Car Without a Registration Document?
Yes. You can scrap a car without a registration document. However, you must have proof of ownership documentation, such as the car’s title to scrap your car. If you don’t have either proof of documentation, you’ll need to find a scrap yard or junkyard that will junk your car free of charge or at a low cost to recycle the car’s parts.
Can I Scrap a Car That Is Not Registered In My Name?
No. You can’t scrap a car that’s not registered in your name. You will need proof of ownership documentation to scrap your car. If you don’t have the car’s title, you can submit the car’s registration card. Whether you’re junking or scrapping your car, you need documentation that proves you are the legal owner of the car.
Maine junkyard owners also have a responsibility in the junking and scrapping process. The owners must report each car they scrap or junk and provide information about the person who is junking the car.
Can I Scrap a Car Without a Vehicle Title?
Yes, you can scrap a car without its title. However, if you don’t have the car’s title, you will need to provide the car’s registration card. You may also be able to scrap your car without its title or any other proof of documentation, but you will receive less money than you may have been quoted originally because the scrap yard will be responsible for paying for the title and the transfer of ownership fees.
What Do You Need to Junk a Car in ME?
If you decide to junk or dismantle your car in Maine, you need to visit your local ME BMV branch and take the vehicle’s:
- Certificate of Title, which must be either:
- In your name
- Endorsed for transfer of ownership to you
- License plates
Be advised that you may also be required to pay additional fees if the vehicle is not currently registered or designated for a planned non-operation status, which means you have not notified the ME BMV that your car is a junk car. You can contact your local Maine BMV branch for more information.
How Old Does a Car Have to be to Not Require a Vehicle Title in ME?
Most vehicles in the state of Maine are required to have a vehicle title. However, there are certain types of vehicles that do not require a vehicle title including:
- Disaster relief vehicles
- Fire fighting equipment (fire trucks, fire engines, etc.)
- Golf carts
- Forklift trucks
- Hauled vehicles
- Miniature motorcycles
- Vehicles 15 or more model years old
- Cars model year 1995 or older
Current Scrap Metal Prices in Maine?
The current scrap metal prices in Maine probably wasn’t breaking news for you until now. Knowing the prices per pound a scrap yard or scrap metal recycling company in Maine pays before you visit one is good for helping you understand how your car’s parts are priced and giving you an estimate of the amount of money you can expect from junking or scrapping your car. Below are the standard prices in Maine.
| Metal | Price Per Pound |
| Aluminum | $1.22 |
| Aluminum Alloy | $1.07 |
| Copper | $4.41 |
| Brass | $3.45 |
| Lead | $1.20 |
| Nickel | $15.91 |
| Tin | $12.96 |
| Zinc | $1.59 |
| Steel Scrap | $0.20 |
| Steel Rebar | $0.35 |
Maine Junkyard Locations
There are different junkyards located throughout the state of Maine. We created a list of ME junkyards. Check out our list and see if you can find a junkyard near you.
R&K Auto Salvage
465 Morrill Rd
Winslow, ME 04901
(207) 873-1881
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Wheel Auto and Salvage
823 Lower Detroit Rd
Plymouth, ME 04969
(207) 257-2419
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Dixfield Salvage & Sales
803 Canton Point Rd
Dixfield, ME 04224
(207) 562-7067
Monday – Friday (9 AM – 5 PM)Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Alight car-junking guru! You now have the information you need to junk or scrap your car in Maine with little to no hassle. Happy Junking!
