Should You Sell or Fix A Wrecked Car?
A car crash can be devastating. Especially a major one that left you with a wrecked car. Whether the accident was your fault or not, you will still have to figure out what to do with your unusable vehicle.
You have two options: fix it or sell it. There are benefits and drawbacks to both. While it can be difficult to sell a wrecked car, repairing it will cost thousands. Moreover, having insurance coverage might make a difference in cost and your options overall.
Continue reading below to learn more about your options for your accident-damaged car.
Pros and Cons of Fixing
When your car breaks down, your first thought is probably that you now have to fix it. The same is likely true if you find yourself with a completely wrecked car. After all, you spent thousands purchasing the car, it would be a waste to not fix it.
Pros
On one hand, fixing a totaled car can be a good idea. This was, you get to keep your car and not worry about purchasing a whole new one.
Cons
On the other hand, pay for repairs for a totaled vehicle might wind up costing more than the car is even worth. As a result, you will wind up paying thousands of dollars that won’t increase the value of the vehicle. For instance, replacing an entire engine can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. However, your car’s value will not increase by the same amount.
Also, repairs can take weeks or months to complete depending on the mechanic, required parts, and amount of repair that needs to be done. So, you might be without a working car for a while.
Pros and Cons of Selling
Selling a wrecked car is another option, even if it might sound ridiculous or impossible.
Pros
A benefit to selling your wrecked vehicle is that you will get rid of it and repairs will no longer be your responsibility. Then, you can use the money as a down-payment for another, newer vehicle.
Cons
One of the biggest drawbacks of selling a damaged car is finding someone who wants it. Unlike used cars, it’s harder to find a buyer looking for a non-running, destroyed vehicle. So, you will likely be spending a lot of time searching for a buyer.
How Insurance Plays a Role
Determining whether you will sell or fix your car are important considerations. However, your insurance coverage, or lack thereof, also plays a significant role in deciding on the best financial option.
With Insurance
Having insurance is most beneficial when you find yourself with a completely wrecked car. The best-case scenario is that your insurer will replace your damaged car with a new one.
The title of a “totaled” car is defined by your insurer. A vehicle is defined as totaled when the estimated cost of repairs exceeds the car’s pre-accident value. Depending on which state you live in, the minimum ratio of cost to value will vary. For example, the damage must be 75% or more of the value of the car in Alabama but 100% in Colorado.
Your insurance company can definitely help with your wrecked car. However, not all drivers are eligible for car replacement or a payout. Only those with collision or comprehensive coverage qualify for this much financial assistance from their insurer.
Without Insurance
Without any car insurance, you will have to pay for all the damages out-of-pocket. This can be financially devastating since all responsibility falls on you, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
In such a case, you would have to carefully weigh your options to determine if selling or repairing is better. Often, purchasing another car causes less financial strain. That is because car parts can cost thousands of dollars. With the amount you spend fixing up a severely damaged car that might break down again in the future, you could purchase a brand new one with the same amount of money.
Make it Easy with WeBuyTotaledCars
There is an easier way to handle your totaled car. You can sell it to WeBuyTotaledCars.com. Unlike your insurance company, we offer fair market rates for wrecked cars. So, you can be sure that you’re getting the best deal possible.
Not only will you get paid the most for your car, but you will also get your check in 24 to 48 hours! And it only takes 90 seconds to get a guaranteed quote.
Our entire process is entirely online. There’s no need to schedule an appointment with an appraiser and wait to get your car evaluated. All you need to do is provide details about your car and maybe some pictures. Then, you will get your quote instantly! Our proprietary technology will accurately assess the value of your wrecked cars without the need for an in-person check.
Moreover, towing is free when you use WeBuyTotaledCars. We work with local towing companies all over the country and can get a driver to pick up your car in two days or less.
We make selling accident-damaged cars easy and fast. Get your quote from WeBuyTotaledCars.com now!
It’s a Quick and Easy Process
Vehicle Details
Answer a few quick questions and provide a picture if you can.
Offer
In less than two minutes, you’ll have a guaranteed offer.
Accept
Accept the offer if you’re happy with it.
Get Paid
Within 24-48 hours, we will tow your car for FREE and pay you on the spot!