A collision can leave you with a damaged vehicle, an insurance claim and a lot of decisions. Sometimes repairs make sense. Other times the vehicle is written off, or the repair cost is more than the car is worth. In those cases, a cash for cars Red Deer buyer can purchase the damaged vehicle as-is and pay you on the spot.

Your Options After an Accident

Repair Through Insurance

If you have collision coverage and the repair cost is reasonable compared to the vehicle's value, your insurer will usually approve repairs after your deductible.

Accept a Total Loss Settlement

If the repair cost is close to or higher than the vehicle's value, the insurer may declare it a total loss and pay you a settlement. In some cases you can keep the vehicle and receive a lower payout.

Sell the Damaged Vehicle As-Is

If you kept the vehicle after a settlement, did not have collision coverage, or simply do not want to repair it, you can sell it as-is for cash.

Why Sell a Damaged Car for Cash?

• No repair costs to pay up front
• Free towing, since the vehicle may not be safe to drive
• Fast quotes and pickup
• Payment at pickup
• No storage fees piling up at a tow yard or body shop

What Is an Accident-Damaged Car Worth?

A buyer considers whether the vehicle can be repaired and resold, which undamaged parts can be reused and the value of the metal. Factors include:

• Year, make, model and mileage
• Where the damage is: front, rear, side or structural
• Whether airbags deployed
• Whether the engine and transmission still work

Lightly damaged vehicles can still receive solid offers. Heavily damaged vehicles are priced more on parts and metal. A buyer that offers cash for junk cars can handle vehicles that are no longer worth repairing.

If Your Car Is at a Tow Yard or Body Shop

After an accident, vehicles are often towed to a yard or shop. Storage fees can add up daily, so it helps to act quickly. Ask about any outstanding fees, then arrange for the buyer to pick up the vehicle from that location.

Paperwork to Have Ready

• Alberta registration and photo ID
• Insurance settlement paperwork, if any
• Lien payout details if the vehicle is financed
• Your licence plates, removed before pickup

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell a car with deployed airbags?

Yes. Deployed airbags lower resale value but the vehicle still has parts and metal value.

Can I sell a car the insurer let me keep?

Yes. Have your settlement documents and registration ready.

Does the car need to run?

No. It will be towed for free.

Get an Offer on Your Damaged Car

Scrap My Car Calgary buys accident-damaged vehicles in Red Deer and across Alberta, with free towing and payment at pickup. Call (403) 477-6858 for a free quote.