How and Where To Sell a Damaged Car (2024 Guide)

Copart Direct

Years in business: 41
Direct purchaser: Yes
BBB rating: A+

Copart Direct will buy cars in any condition. If you have a damaged or wrecked car, Copart offers free towing after purchase, relieving a bit of the stress of having to transport a non-running vehicle.

How It Works

Copart’s three-step process of selling is simple and easy. You can either complete the instant offer form on Copart’s website or call the company directly. You’ll confirm details about your vehicle and a Copart representative will put together an offer. If you choose to accept the offer, you’ll schedule a pickup time — most can happen within 24 hours. Copart offers cash for cars at the moment of pickup, meaning you’ll get paid the moment you hand over the keys and title. We awarded Copart the title of Quick Payments thanks to its prompt pickup and payment process.

CarBrain.com

Years in business: 6
Direct purchaser: Yes
BBB rating: A+

CarBrain specializes in “less-than-perfect” cars according to its website. This means the company will buy cars with body damage, mechanical problems or excess wear and tear. CarBrain will assess the market value of your broken or wrecked vehicle and work to get you a fair price.

How It Works

CarBrain’s car buying process is similar to most online car dealers. First, you’ll enter vehicle details into CarBrain’s offer tool. In most cases, you’ll receive a cash offer instantly. Once you accept the offer, you’ll turn over the keys and title. CarBrain will contact a towing partner to come pick up your vehicle, usually within 24 to 48 hours of accepting the offer. 

DamagedCars.com

Years in business: 16
Direct purchaser: Yes
BBB rating: A+ 

DamagedCars.com started as its own entity in 2007 but has since become a part of CarBrain. The company also specializes in buying cars with various types of damage, purchasing scrap vehicles and accident-damaged cars in almost any condition.

How It Works

First, you’ll fill out the instant offer form on DamagedCars.com. If you don’t receive an offer immediately, a representative will contact you with a guaranteed offer. If you accept DamagedCars.com’s offer, you’ll need to arrange to provide the keys and title to the company. DamagedCars will arrange towing and you’ll get paid at the time of pickup.

CarBuyerUSA.com

Years in business: 11
Direct purchaser: Yes
BBB rating:  A+

Though CarBuyerUSA currently purchases all types of vehicles, the company started out buying only damaged, inoperable and crashed cars, trucks and SUVs. According to the company’s website, CarBuyerUSA pays more for damaged cars than any other car buying site.

How It Works

Like most online car buyers, CarBuyerUSA has a form on its website to input your car’s information. You’ll then provide pictures of the car and any damage to the company and speak to a live agent to receive your offer. The company will schedule an appointment for an inspection and pickup, and you’ll then receive payment for your vehicle.