Questions about scrap cars and scrap metal
Short answers from Smart Scrap Metal Buyers on selling a scrap car in Chicago, the Illinois paperwork around scrap, and buying processed metal from us. Longer explanations live in the metal notes.
Selling a scrap car
- What kinds of vehicles do you buy?
- Cars, trucks, vans and SUVs, in any condition: wrecked, fire-damaged, flooded, stripped or not running.
- Can you take more than one vehicle?
- Yes. One visit can clear several, so list them all when we call.
- Do you collect from shop yards and residential lots?
- Yes. Just arrange access with the shop or building, or get their OK, before the truck arrives.
- Is towing free?
- Yes. Towing is free, and nothing is taken out of your offer to cover it.
- When am I paid, and how?
- At pickup, as the vehicle is loaded. Most sellers take an app transfer (Zelle, Cash App or similar); cash works too.
- How long does your offer stay good?
- It doesn't run out. The number we quote holds with no deadline, so take the time you need.
- What are your hours?
- 06:00 to 21:00 Central, seven days a week. Calls, offers and pickups all happen inside that window.
- How fast can you pick up?
- Same-day pickup is often possible. We agree the time on the call when we make the offer.
- Where do you pick up?
- Across Chicago and the Chicagoland suburbs in Cook, DuPage and Will counties (Joliet and Aurora included), plus Northwest Indiana up to Gary: Hammond, Whiting, East Chicago, Munster, Highland, Griffith, Gary, Merrillville, Hobart, Lake Station and New Chicago.
Paperwork and Illinois rules
- Can I sell a car without a title?
- Title gone missing? We can still help. List the papers you do have, like a bill of sale, the registration or an insurance card; Illinois rules settle which of them count for a scrap sale, and we confirm it with you on the call.
- What does Illinois require when a car is scrapped?
- A licensed scrap processor records the car's VIN and a proof of ownership and keeps the records for three years (625 ILCS 5/5-401.3). Junked titles go to the Secretary of State with a Junk Vehicle Notification within 15 days, and the state won't title that car again (625 ILCS 5/3-117.2).
- What ID do you need to sell scrap metal in Illinois?
- For recyclable metal worth $100 or more, a licensed scrap processor must record your identity from a valid driver's license or State ID and keep a color copy or scan. Without one, the processor can't complete the sale (625 ILCS 5/5-401.3). We don't buy loose metal ourselves; this is what you'll meet at a scrap processor.
- Can I sell a catalytic converter on its own in Illinois?
- Generally no. Illinois makes it a violation to sell a converter that isn't attached to a vehicle unless the seller is a licensed automotive parts recycler or scrap processor (815 ILCS 325/4.1). We don't buy loose converters; the value stays with the car. More on converters.
Buying metal and metal basics
- Do you sell scrap metal?
- Yes. We sell processed scrap metal. See scrap metal for sale and reach us through the contact page.
- Do you buy scrap metal like copper or aluminum?
- No. We don't buy loose copper, aluminum, brass, appliances or catalytic converters from the public. We buy whole cars.
- Can I visit your yard?
- No. We're a service-area business with no public yard, scale or drop-off. We come to the car.
- Why do scrap metal prices change week to week?
- Scrap is priced off metal markets: steel scrap follows mill demand, copper and aluminum follow their own markets. What moves scrap prices in Chicago.
- How much copper is in a car?
- The Copper Development Association puts a typical U.S.-built car above 50 pounds: about 40 in electrical parts and 10 elsewhere. Metals in a car.