Wrecked Cars

Sell a wrecked car in New Orleans

After a crash, the repair estimate often comes back higher than the car is worth. If your insurer paid the claim and left you the car, or you had liability only and the car is on you, a salvage yard is a buyer that expects the damage. Tell the yard what was hit and what still works, and it gives you its number.

(504) 708-5950 Describe your car

A wrecked midsize car with heavy front-end damage parked in a driveway

How selling a wrecked car works

Say where the car was hit and whether the airbags went off
Say whether it still starts and rolls, and whether the wheels are straight
Say where the car is now: home, a body shop, or a tow lot (tow lots charge storage daily)
If insurance is involved, say whether the claim is settled and who holds the title
The yard gives you its number and arranges the pickup
Take your plates, toll tag and personal things before the car goes

When does this fit?

The repair estimate is more than the car is worth
You kept a car the insurer totaled
You had liability coverage only and the repair is on you
The car is sitting at a body shop or tow lot and running up storage
The frame or suspension is bent and the car is not safe to drive

Common questions

My car is at a tow lot. Can it be picked up from there?

Ask the yard when you call. You will usually have to pay the lot’s towing and storage charges and show ownership before the car can leave, so ask the lot for the total first.

The insurance company totaled my car. Can I still sell it?

If the insurer paid you and kept the car, it is theirs to sell. If you kept the car, the title is usually branded, and a salvage yard can still buy it. Tell the yard what title you have.

What should I do with the plates after I sell it?

Take the plates off and file your notice of sale with the OMV within 15 days, under R.S. 47:510. The plates guide covers what to do with them.