Sell Impounded Cars for Cash

The following list outlines the steps to successfully sell a vehicle that has been taken into custody by law enforcement:

1. Find out whether the vehicle has been classified as a junk vehicle. You can do this by checking with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other vehicle identification agency. In Arizona, a vehicle with an original title can be classified as junk if it is over seven years old and has been declared junk by the owner, state, county or city. A vehicle can also be stolen or in some other way cannot be registered and therefore considered a junk vehicle.
2. Obtain a new title that meets state standards. This is done by presenting proof of ownership to the DMV and paying fees.
3. Show proof of ownership (such as the new title) when you sell the vehicle.
4. If applicable to the state in which you are selling the vehicle, provide documentation from the vehicle identification agency that shows the vehicle is classified as junk.

If you want to sell a vehicle that was impounded in Arizona, it is not as difficult as most people think. You do not have to go to the tow yard to retrieve your vehicle. If you have your paperwork showing you are the owner and a valid ID, we can coordinate with you to pick up your car from the lot. There are no fees charged by us for the towing and you do not have to step foot in the impound lot. The most challenging piece is simply finding a buyer with prior experience releasing vehicles from impound lots. That is where we help.

Who Purchases Impounded Cars in Arizona?

Several types of buyers are interested in purchasing impounded vehicles. Companies that purchase vehicles for cash like Sell Us Your Car frequently purchase seized vehicles and can provide an estimated value based on the information you provide without inspecting it in person. We handle all the paperwork required to release the vehicle to the new owner and work with the tow company to arrange pickup from the impound lot.

Scrap yards and auto recyclers also purchase impounded vehicles; however, they only pay a weight-based price that may not even cover the amount you owe to the towing company. Pick-a-Part operations take longer to complete the sale of an impounded vehicle because they do not assist with the release process. Most privately owned buyers do not have access to or knowledge of the impound release process. Additionally, most dealerships will not buy impounded vehicles. A professional cash buyer specializing in involuntary or towable vehicles who can quickly finalize the sale is the best choice.

Can I Pick Up My Vehicle From the Impound Lot in Arizona?

Yes, if you are selling your vehicle to us, we will verify that you have legal ownership of the vehicle by calling the tow lot to check for any lien and, upon verification, set up pickup from the lot so that you do not have to drive there.

If I Cannot Afford to Pay the Impound Fees, Will I Still Be Able to Sell My Impounded Vehicle in Arizona?

Yes. Many people sell their impounded vehicle because they cannot cover the towing charges and daily storage costs. If you sell to a cash buyer, you are not required to pay any fees to get the car out of the lot and will instead receive cash for the vehicle.

Will a Junk Vehicle Buyer Pay for the Costs Associated With the Tows?

In many instances, junk vehicle buyers deduct towing charges and storage charges from their offer. We have those costs incorporated into the price we quote you, so you know exactly how much you will be paid for your vehicle.

What Documentation Do I Need to Be Able to Sell My Impounded Vehicle in Arizona?

You will need to have a title showing you are the legal owner of the vehicle and some form of valid government-issued identification. Some impound facilities may require you to sign a release authorization as well. If your title has been lost, you can get a replacement from the Arizona MVD prior to starting your sale process. If possible, it will also help speed up your process if you have your towed vehicle case number and the name of the company that towed your vehicle.

How Much Money Will I Get for My Vehicle After I Pay the Fees to the Impound Yard?

How much you get for your vehicle will depend on the amount owed to the impound yard deducted from the amount you are offered by the buyer. If there is residual value in your vehicle for resale, or if valuable parts can be sold for more than the whole vehicle as a total, then you will receive a fair amount. If your vehicle is an older model or has high mileage and you owe more than it is worth, you should get an offer from a cash buyer before paying fees, as this will offset any money you owe.