After a fire
A car fire usually ends the car. Even a fire that started under the hood and was put out fast can ruin wiring, hoses and the interior. What’s left still has value as metal and parts, and we buy it.
Before you call:
- Make sure the car has been released to you if police or the fire department were involved.
- Check with your insurer. If you have comprehensive coverage and a claim is open, the insurer may end up owning the car. Our guide to totaled cars in Illinois explains what happens to the title.
- Don’t try to start or move it yourself.
After a flood
Heavy rain can flood low streets, viaduct underpasses and garages, and cars parked there take the damage. A car that sat in water up to the seats is usually not worth repairing: the electrical system, sensors and interior absorb water and problems show up for months afterward.
Tell us:
- How high the water came. Floor, seats, dashboard or over the hood.
- How long it sat before the water went down.
- Whether it’s been started since. Starting a flooded engine can wreck it.
Selling a burned or flooded car
Same as any other car. You get an offer on the phone, we tow it free, and you’re paid at pickup by Cash App, Zelle or cash. Burned and flooded cars often can’t roll or steer; tell us so the driver comes prepared.
Fire and flood cars are no different to us from wrecked cars when it comes to papers: tell us what you have and we confirm on the call. We pick up in Englewood, West Englewood, Summit and the rest of the Southwest Side and suburbs.
People sometimes ask whether they should haul a burned car to a junkyard instead. It’s an option if you can move it, but most burned cars can’t drive. Our junkyard or junk car buyer guide compares the two.
Questions people ask
The fire department or police were involved. Can I still sell the car?
In most cases yes, after the investigators are done with it and it has been handed back to you. If there's a report number, keep it with your papers. If an insurer is paying a claim, check whether they're taking the car before you sell it.
Should I try to dry out a flooded car first?
There's no need to, for us. Don't try to start a car that sat in deep water; that can damage the engine further. Tell us how high the water got and how long the car sat, and we price it as it is.
Is a flood car worth anything?
Usually something, because the metal and many parts still have value even when the electronics are ruined. The amount depends on the car and how bad the damage is, so describe it and send a photo if you can.