So it finally happened: your car finally bit the dust. It’s finally gone the way of the dinosaurs and, now, all you’ve got left is the lifeless shell of something that was once incredible. Quite tragic, but you can’t keep that fossil just laying around; You need to get it towed to a junkyard.
But that tow is going to cost you, isn’t it?
The goal for getting an end-of-life car off your hands is to get something (read: money) for your wheels. Getting it towed, however, will eat into those profits nearly every time.
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The “Tow-Tax”
Most of us view requesting a tow as a “last resort.” It’s an emergency function that we reluctantly activate and pay the cost because we “have to.” But, what if that cost wasn’t actually a necessity?
There exist a myriad of auto salvage businesses that provide free towing for vehicles they purchase. Any buyer who charges you for towing will put you in a position to lose money unnecessarily. Let’s break down what typical charges exist for towing within the U.S.
The Flat Rate
The flat price you pay for the towing service, which is also known as the “hook up fee.” Unfortunately, this “hook up” isn’t a discount or “on the house” in any sense of the word. This is the base fee, which is between $35 and $100 on average.
However, if you need a heavy-duty vehicle towed, that hook up can cost around $175.
Worst-case scenario, you’re already $175 in the red getting your car towed.
Per Mile
If the hook-up fee isn’t offered, you can expect to be paying the junkyard for every mile they tow your vehicle.
Again, the average ranges from $2.50 to $5.00 for most vehicles. However, heavy-duty vehicle owners get the short end of the stick once again: per mile towing charges can range from $5.50 to $7.50 per mile for heavy-duty vehicles.
In a scenario where you’ve got to tow your standard consumer vehicle twenty miles to a junkyard, you’re out of pocket $100 before you get a chance to see any profits.
The Winch
An unanticipated towing cost is the use of the winch. If your vehicle gets stuck in a ditch or any other strange place that requires a winch to get it out and ready to be towed, expect a hefty addition to your tow tax.
Winch operation runs an average of $50 per hour to $200 per hour! That’s an immediate pain point biting into any profit you’ll see from your clunker!
Free Towing With CarJunkYardsNearMe
Fortunately, CarJunkYardsNearMe understands that your goal for selling your clunker is to get paid for getting rid of it. Extra space in your garage is cool, but extra cash in your pocket is cooler. That said, we provide free towing whenever we come to pick up your clunker.
To get a quote, all you have to do is submit your VIN and a few photos of your wrecked car. After that’s done, you’ll get a quote from us within 90 seconds. Once you accept the offer quoted, a pick-up will be scheduled for the next 24-48 hours.
Hassle-free and, most importantly, “tow-tax” free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will junkyards tow my car for free?
Most junkyards are going to charge you to tow your vehicle. Whether it's a flat rate or per mile, they’re going to charge or deduct it from your payment. However, you should never pay to have your car towed. If they insist, it’s best to do your business with a company that won’t charge to tow.
CarJunkYardsNearMe is one such company. We never charge for towing and can have a truck out to you within 24-48 hours after you accept our offer!
How much will I get for my clunker?
On average, $250-$500. It varies as prices go up and down as well as due to factors like the car’s year, completeness, and damage. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, CarJunkYardsNearMe can ensure you get the best value for your vehicle!
Will a junkyard take a car without a title?
Many junkyards will accept title-less cars and pay for them with cash. The intent is not to make the car driveable again, but to sell the car parts separately.