Do you have a scrap car parked in your driveway or garage and don’t know what to do with it? Are you wondering whether it’s better to repair it or send it to the scrapyard?

If your car is too old to repair or the repair cost is simply too high, the best solution is to send it to a junkyard and exchange it for quick cash.

Here’s what people usually do before sending their car to a scrapyard in Ontario:

• Prepare your documents: To scrap your car, you must transfer ownership to the dealer. Make sure you have your vehicle ownership ready. Be aware of fraud! If someone takes your car without ownership paperwork, that’s suspicious and you could be involved in future legal issues. If you lost your ownership document, you can replace it at Service Ontario (fee applies) .
• Remove your personal belongings: Check carefully for any valuable personal items. Look under the seats, in seat-back pockets, side compartments, and all storage areas to make sure nothing is left behind.
• Remove valuable car parts: You can take out entertainment systems, accessories, or other valuable components. You may even swap alloy wheels with steel ones before selling. These parts can be sold on second-hand marketplaces like Kijiji or to local mechanics. Focus on maximizing your return.
• Take off the license plates: Remove your plates and keep them for your next vehicle. If you don’t plan to buy a car soon, you can dispose of them properly or return them to Service Ontario and potentially receive credit for remaining months.
• Cancel your car insurance: Once the car is scrapped, cancel your insurance policy to stop recurring payments. If you prepaid for annual coverage, you may be eligible for a refund for the remaining months.