How To Sell a Damaged Car For Cash
A damaged car can be difficult to know what to do with.
Maybe it has been involved in an accident. Perhaps a panel is badly dented, a light is broken or the damage is serious enough that you no longer feel comfortable driving it.
You might be wondering whether it is worth repairing, whether anyone will buy it in its current condition or how you are supposed to move it if it is no longer safe to drive.
A damaged car can still be sold without putting it back into perfect condition first.
Cash For Cars buys damaged vehicles and can arrange collection, giving you a way to deal with the car without turning it into a repair project.
What counts as a damaged car?
Damage can mean different things depending on the vehicle.
Some cars have relatively minor cosmetic damage. Others may have been involved in a collision and need major repairs before they could safely return to the road.
Examples include:
- Dented or damaged body panels
- Scratched or damaged paintwork
- Broken lights or mirrors
- Cracked or broken windows
- Damaged bumpers
- Accident or collision damage
- Damaged wheels or suspension
- Deployed airbags
- Mechanical damage
- Missing or damaged parts
You do not have to know exactly which parts have been damaged.
When getting a quote, you can explain what happened and describe what you can see. If you are aware of any other problems with the car, those details can be included too.
Should I fix my car before selling it?
Not always.
If the damage is small and inexpensive to repair, fixing the car first may make sense. With more serious damage, the repair bill can quickly outweigh the benefit.
There is also the possibility that the visible damage is only part of the problem.
A damaged bumper may be easy to spot, but a collision could have affected components behind it. You may not know the full cost until a garage has inspected the vehicle.
Before committing to expensive repairs, it can be useful to find out what the car is worth as it stands.
You can then compare that figure with the likely cost of putting it right and decide which option makes more sense for you.
Cash For Cars can value the vehicle in its current condition, so you can find out what it could be worth before deciding whether repairs make sense.
Can I sell an accident-damaged car?
Yes.
An accident does not automatically make a car impossible to sell.
The main thing is to give an accurate picture of the damage when requesting your quote. A car with a damaged bumper is very different from one that has suffered major damage to its front end, for example.
If the vehicle still starts and drives, that can be included in the quote details. If the damage means you are not comfortable driving it, that is useful information too.
If you are unsure whether the vehicle is safe to move, collection can be arranged instead.
Cash For Cars buys accident-damaged vehicles in a range of conditions.
Get a quote for your damaged car,
How do I get a quote for a damaged car?
Getting started only requires a few basic details.
The Cash For Cars quote form asks for information including:
- Your registration number
- Your postcode
- Your mileage
- Whether the car starts and drives
- Whether it has any damage
From there, you can explain the condition of the vehicle in more detail.
An accurate description helps make sure the quote reflects the car you actually have.
If the vehicle has more than one issue, those details can be included too. For example, it may have accident damage as well as a warning light or another mechanical problem.
What affects the value of a damaged car?
There is no single value for a damaged vehicle.
The amount offered can depend on things such as:
- Make and model
- Age
- Mileage
- Overall condition
- The type of damage
- How serious the damage is
- Whether important parts are missing
- Whether the vehicle starts and drives
The location of the damage can matter too.
A dented door or damaged wing is different from damage affecting the suspension, wheels or other parts that could stop the vehicle from moving safely.
This is why comparing your damaged car with ordinary used-car adverts does not always give you a realistic idea of its value. Those vehicles are usually being sold in roadworthy condition.
A quote based on the actual condition of your car gives you a more useful starting point.
Can I sell a damaged car that is not safe to drive?
Yes.
A damaged car does not have to be driveable before you can ask for a quote.
Accident damage can sometimes affect a wheel, suspension component, windscreen, steering or another important part. In that situation, getting the car to a buyer yourself may not be practical.
If the vehicle cannot be driven safely, collection can be arranged instead.
That means the car can be sold in its current condition without first having to make it roadworthy.
How does collection work?
Once you accept your quote, the Cash For Cars team will contact you to confirm a few extra details and arrange collection.
This can include where the vehicle is parked, how easy it is to access and whether it can roll on all four wheels.
Details such as flat tyres, damaged wheels or steering problems can help the collection team plan the recovery.
The same applies if the car is kept in a garage, behind a gate or somewhere with restricted access. Knowing about this in advance helps the collection team plan around the location and condition of the vehicle.
Cash For Cars offers free collection for vehicles it buys, subject to safe access.
When the driver arrives, they will check that the vehicle matches the condition described. The paperwork can then be completed and the car loaded onto the recovery vehicle.
The vehicle can be collected in its current condition, without being repaired or made roadworthy first.
What should I have ready for collection?
There are only a few things worth thinking about before the car is collected.
It is worth having a quick look through the vehicle for any personal belongings, including items in the boot, glovebox and door pockets.
If you still have the keys, V5C logbook or any other relevant paperwork, having them to hand can help make the collection easier.
It can also be worth checking for things such as a parking permit, phone holder or any paperwork linked to a personal number plate.
If something is missing, such as the keys or V5C, the Cash For Cars team can explain what options are available before collection.
Is it better to sell a damaged car privately?
You can sell a damaged car privately, but it can involve more work.
You may need to create an advert, take photographs, answer questions and arrange for potential buyers to inspect the vehicle.
Buyers may also want to negotiate based on the repairs they believe are needed.
That option can work well for some people.
If you would rather avoid arranging viewings or dealing with a vehicle that may be difficult to move, selling to a specialist car buyer can be a simpler alternative.
FAQs about selling a damaged car
Can I sell a car with bodywork damage?
Yes. Dents, scratches, damaged panels and other bodywork problems do not necessarily stop you from selling a vehicle.
Can I sell a car after an accident?
Yes. The quote can be based on what happened and the condition of the vehicle as it stands.
Do I need to repair my car before getting a quote?
No. Cash For Cars can value your vehicle in its current condition.
Can you collect a damaged car that does not drive?
In many cases, yes. Details such as damaged wheels, flat tyres or restricted access can be discussed when collection is arranged.
Do I need to clean the car before collection?
A damaged car does not need to be made to look ready for resale. A quick check for personal belongings is usually the main thing to think about beforehand.
Get a quote for your damaged car
If your car has been involved in an accident or has damage you do not want to repair, you can find out what it may be worth without spending money putting it right first.
Tell us about the vehicle in its current condition and we will use those details to work out your quote.
If you decide to go ahead, collection can be arranged too, so you do not have to worry about moving a damaged car yourself.