Top 10 Things to Do Before Junking Your Old Car in Olympia

Planning to junk your old car? Follow these 10 essential steps before contacting a junk car removal service in Olympia, WA to get top cash for cars.

If you've finally decided to sell your old car, it's a smart move. In addition to saving money on repairs, getting rid of an old or damaged car can earn you cash for cars in Olympia, WA. However, before you contact a junk car removal Olympia WA service, there are several important steps to follow to ensure a safe, legal, and profitable process.
     

Below is a simple, actionable checklist of the top ten things to do in Olympia before selling your old vehicle. These steps will help you maximize your payout, avoid common pitfalls, and make the transaction as smooth as possible.

           
  • 1. Remove all personal belongings. Thoroughly clean out your car — check glove box, under seats, trunk, and compartments. Once the junk car removal team arrives, you may not be able to retrieve anything left behind.
    •        
  • 2. Take out valuable or aftermarket parts. Items like a newer stereo, GPS, custom wheels, or upgraded tires can be sold separately or moved to another vehicle — these often aren’t counted by buyers who price cars based on scrap value.
    •        
  • 3. Gather important documents. Have your title, registration, and ID ready. Reputable cash for cars Olympia wa companies will request proof of ownership to avoid legal problems. If you’ve misplaced the title, ask the buyer what alternative paperwork they accept.
    •        
  • 4. Remove the license plates. Take your plates off before the car is hauled away — you’ll need them to cancel or transfer registration in Washington State.
    •        
  • 5. Cancel your insurance policy. After your vehicle is picked up and the sale is complete, contact your insurer to cancel the policy and stop monthly payments. Do this only after pickup is confirmed to avoid being uninsured prematurely.
    •        
  • 6. Check the car’s value. Get a few free quotes from local junk car removal Olympia WA services to compare offers — price varies by make, model and condition, so shopping around gets you the best payout.
    •        
  • 7. Use up any remaining fuel. If the car still runs or has gas in the tank, drive it to use the fuel or safely siphon it — fuel typically isn’t included in the junkyard offer and removing it later can be a hassle.
    •        
  • 8. Take photos for your records. Photograph the vehicle from multiple angles before pickup to document condition and protect yourself from disputes about damage after the sale.
    •        
  • 9. Choose a reputable junk car removal company. Look for licensed, insured local buyers with strong reviews, free towing, and instant payment. A trustworthy company will also handle paperwork and dispose of the vehicle responsibly.
    •        
  • 10. Collect payment and get a receipt. Confirm the agreed price at pickup, receive payment via a secure method (cash, bank transfer), and obtain a written receipt or bill of sale to prove the transfer of ownership.
    •      
     

Final Thoughts

Junking a car is more than just removing an old vehicle — it’s a process that benefits from a little preparation. Following these ten steps will help you get top cash for cars in Olympia, WA, stay compliant with local rules, and avoid unnecessary headaches. Whether your car is damaged, old, or not worth repairing, local junk car removal Olympia WA services can make the process fast and hassle-free.