How To Junk A Car In Iowa

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The Hawkeye State welcomes you! Has the time come for you to junk your car? We’re with you every step of the way. Let’s jump right in, so junking your car isn’t the highlight of your day.

How Do I Sell My Car to a Junkyard in Iowa?

Selling your car to a junkyard in Iowa is something you can do effortlessly. Part of the good news is that Iowa junkyards aren’t picky about the condition of your car, so whether the car is still functional or stuck where it’s currently located, you’re in the clear. Junkyards will still accept your vehicle. The other part of the good news is that a ton of paperwork isn’t required to junk your car.

To sell your car to an Iowa junkyard, you first need to find a junkyard. On your computer or phone, type the phrase “junkyards in my area” or a similar phrase in the search bar of Google or other search engines, and press “enter”. Now you have a list of Iowa junkyards in your area.

Of the list, pick at least two junkyards. It’s always good to have options in this situation. After you pick your junkyards, check the website of the first junkyard. Take note of their terms and conditions, and the entire junking process.

Once you’ve checked out the website, you’ll need to provide information about your car and yourself. Don’t worry. The information you must provide about yourself isn’t anything you may consider too personal. As far as vehicle information is concerned, you’ll be asked to provide the car’s make, model, and year. You will also be asked to provide the vehicle identification number (VIN). Since you’re completing your junk car paperwork online, you may be asked for your email address, phone number, mailing address, and other information.

After you provide the required information, you will be given a quote. Review the details of the quote, then accept or decline it. If you accept the quote, you are also accepting the junkyard’s terms and conditions and payment terms. You also have the option of declining the quote. If you decline the quote, you can leave the website and choose a different junkyard website.

Once you find a suitable quote, accept the terms and conditions, and schedule your car for pick up. That’s it! Simple enough, right?

Junk Car Removal Service Locations In Iowa

Get your junk car towed away in Iowa including the following locations:

  • Des Moines, IA
  • Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Davenport, IA
  • Sioux City, IA
  • Iowa City, IA
  • Waterloo, IA
  • West Des Moines, IA
  • Ankeny, IA
  • Ames, IA
  • Council Bluffs, IA

Sell Your Junk Car In Iowa To A Junk Removal Company

The below junk car removal companies have nationwide networks that will pick up your car and leave you with a check. You can call or contact them through their website to get a free offer on your car with no obligation to sell it to them.

How Much Is A Junk Car Worth In Indiana

The better the condition and the greater demand for your unwanted car, the more you can sell it in Indiana. Here is a small sample of junk cars and their worth.

MakeModelYearCitySold For
JeepLiberty2011Des Moines, IA $                  365
ToyotaCamry2008Cedar Rapids, IA $                  565
DodgeGrand Caravan2001Davenport, IA $                  665
HyundaiSonata2003Sioux City, IA $                  495
LexusES2004Iowa City, IA $                  395
HondaAccord2003Waterloo, IA $               1,295
FordExpedition2005West Des Moines, IA $                  475
LincolnTown Car2000Ankeny, IA $                  220
FordEscape2007Ames, IA $                  315
MitsubishiEclipse2006Council Bluffs, IA $                  465

How Do I Get Rid of a Junk Car in Iowa?

To get rid of a car in the state of Iowa, you have two options. You can junk the car or scrap it. Scrapping your car is similar to junking your car. You need to make sure you have the required paperwork to make your junking or scrapping experience as smooth as possible.

Do You Need a Vehicle Title to Junk a Car in Iowa?

It’s better if you have all the required paperwork to junk your car. However, if you don’t have the car’s title, you can complete an Application for Replacement of Iowa Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (Form 411033). Some Iowa junkyards will junk your car without a title and other junkyards won’t. If you are allowed to junk your car without its title, be prepared to present proof of ownership documentation. Check with the junkyard you plan to use to learn about their specific junking requirements.

How Much Does It Cost to Junk a Car in Iowa?

Usually, there is no cost to junk your car in Iowa. However, you may be required to pay a fee to the salvage dealer if they tow your vehicle to their lot. The cost of junking your vehicle in Iowa depends on the methods you use to junk your car.

What is a Junk Title in Iowa?

A junk car title in the state of Iowa is a title that is given to vehicles that have no monetary value and has irreparable damage. Cars that have junk titles can’t ever be registered for road use again once they are given the title. Also, vehicles that have a junk title can’t be sold for use in Iowa.

Can You Junk a Car With an Expired Registration in Iowa?

Yes, You can junk a car with an expired registration in Iowa. However, you can’t have an unregistered vehicle in a public place, whether the vehicle is considered junk or not. Keep in mind, that unregistered vehicles shouldn’t be confused with untitled vehicles.

How Do I Get a Junk Vehicle Title in Iowa?

To get a junk car title in Iowa, you must obtain a salvage car title. You are required to submit your request for an Iowa junk car title through your county’s treasurer’s office in the county you reside.

The application process to receive a salvage car title may vary depending on whether you are the original car owner or an agent of the car owner’s insurance company. Regardless of who submits the car titling request, the application must be made within 15 days of the assignment of the title to the transferee.

To finalize your application for an Iowa salvage certificate, you must visit the corresponding county treasurer’s office and you may be required to submit:

  • Complete the standard Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration (Form 411007). Make sure you check the Salvage Title box on the application.
  • Submit your existing title certificate
  • Pay all applicable Iowa titling fees

Depending on your unique situation, when you apply for a salvage title, you may be required to complete additional steps. You may be required to provide lien release forms or other documentation.

If you are handling the junk car process online, you may be required to present the documents mentioned above as well as the following:

  • The VIN (a photo may also be required)
  • Your address, phone number, and email address
  • A photo of your vehicle (may be optional in some Iowa cities)
  • Certificate of Destruction (or similar documentation)

What Paperwork Do I Need to Scrap a Car?

When you want to scrap a car in Iowa, there’s different paperwork you need to complete or submit. The required paperwork to scrap a car in the state of Iowa is as follows:

  • The Iowa 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 possession of your vehicle’s registration, you will be required 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 Iowa?

You can sell a car that has a salvage title in the state of Iowa. However, you are the responsible party for ensuring the car is ready to be sold. If you have already reported your car as a salvage or junk car to the IA DOT, you have the option of restoring your car or obtaining a revived salvage car title, which is perfect for mechanics who are looking for a rebuilding project.

How Do I Get Rid of a Car I Don’t Want?

If you have a car you don’t want, you have a few different options. You can scrap, junk, or sell the car to someone else. If your car is damaged beyond repair, it’s in your best interest to junk or scrap the car. Regardless of the method you choose to get rid of your car, make sure you have the necessary paperwork.

Does the IA DOT Buy Old Cars?

Although the Iowa DOT doesn’t buy old cars, don’t give up because you have other options. If your car is at least 25 years old, it could be considered a classic or antique car. Just because you have an older model car, it doesn’t mean it’s a pile of junk. If your car is still operational and in overall good condition, there’s a good chance many people will be interested in purchasing your car. However, if your car is not operational and has extensive damage, you may receive the best results from junking or scrapping your car.

Sell or donate your junk or unwanted car in Iowa.

Can I Scrap My Car Without a Registration Document?

Trying to scrap your car without its registration isn’t a crime. However, if you don’t have the car’s registration, you will need to find a junkyard that will junk your car for free or recycle it at a low cost. Once your car is recycled, it will be turned into different building materials, such as steel, bricks, and other building materials.

Can I Scrap a Car That Is Not Registered In My Name?

If the car is not registered in your name, you are not the legal owner of the car, which means you can’t legally scrap a car that is not registered in your name. Whether you decide to junk or scrap your car, you are required to submit proof of ownership documentation. In this particular scenario, you won’t be able to use a bill of sale or proof of a valid Iowa auto insurance policy as proof of ownership of the vehicle. On a side note, cash and bribery are not a good idea.

Proof of vehicle ownership is required by junkyards because they must notify the state of Iowa whenever they destroy a vehicle. Junkyards are responsible for reporting the source of the vehicle and any information that is available regarding the person who brought them the vehicle.

Can I Scrap a Car Without a Vehicle Title?

You may be able to scrap a car without a vehicle title in Iowa, but be prepared to get paid less than expected because the junkyard must pay the fee to transfer ownership of the vehicle. You can also complete an Application Replacement of Iowa Certificate to Title a Motor Vehicle (Form 411033).

What Do You Need to Junk a Car In IA?

If you decide to junk or dismantle your vehicle in Iowa, you must visit your local IA DOT office and ensure you bring the vehicle’s:

  • Certificate of Title, which must be either:
    • In your name
    • Endorsed for transfer of ownership to you
  • License plates

You may also be required to pay additional fees if the vehicle is not currently registered or designated for a planned non-operation status. Contact your local IA DOT office for more information.

How Old Does a Car Have to be to Not Require a Vehicle Title in Iowa?

Most cars in the state of Iowa must have a title. Some vehicles are required to be titled and registered while other cars only need to have a title. Depending on your car’s age, you may be eligible to classify your car as a classic or an antique, which will still require a title. Vehicles that may not require a title in Iowa include:

  • Disaster relief vehicles
  • Fire fighting equipment (fire trucks, fire engines, etc.)
  • Golf carts
  • Forklift trucks
  • Hauled vehicles
  • Miniature motorcycles

How Do You Junk a Car in Iowa?

Junking a car in the state of Iowa is not as difficult as you may have imagined. You can junk your vehicle yourself by taking your vehicle to your local IA junkyard or have your junk vehicle towed to a junkyard in Iowa. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure you have the necessary paperwork and payment for any applicable fees.

Current Scrap Metal Prices in Iowa?

Knowing the current scrap metal prices in Iowa probably wasn’t on your list of need-to-know information, but given the current situation, it’s a good idea to know the prices per pound a scrap yard or scrap metal recycling company in Iowa pays before you visit one. Below are the standard prices you need to know about in Iowa.

  • Copper (Clean) – $4.12 – $5.07
  • Aluminum – $0.19 – $1.01
  • Cans – $0.06 – $0.10
  • Clean Brass – $2.47 – $3.30
  • Lead – $0.57 – $0.91
  • Stainless Steel – $0.82 – $1.24
  • Steel Radiators – $1.24 – $2.88

Iowa Junkyard Locations

There are different junkyard locations in the state of Iowa. Take a look at the list we’ve provided below and see if you can find a junkyard in your area.

Bell Salvage
500 Freel Dr.
Aines, IA 50010
(515) 852-4783
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Open 24 hours)

Hawkeye Auto Salvage
36620 N Ave.
De Soto, IA 50069
(515) 834-2436
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Phillips Auto Salvage
6634 Union St.
Ackworth, IA 50001
(515) 961-3871
Monday – Friday (9 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday (9 AM – 2 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

Quandt Auto Salvage, Inc.
18829 Kittyhawk Ave
Carroll, IA 51401
(712) 792-9204
Monday – Friday (7:30 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Everyone bow down to the new car-junking guru of Iowa! You now know the documents and payments you need to junk your car in the state of Iowa. Now you can successfully junk your vehicle with confidence. Happy junking!

Popular Cities in Iowa To Junk Your Car