Search the car
- Glove box, center console, door pockets, and under the seats.
- The trunk, under the trunk floor, and the spare tire well.
- Sun visors and seat-back pockets. People keep cash, registration, and photos there.
- Child seats, phone mounts, chargers, dash cams, and any aftermarket stereo you want to keep.
Take what is tied to you
- License plates. In Colorado they stay with you. See plates, insurance, and registration.
- Toll transponder. Peel it off the windshield and update your ExpressToll account.
- Garage door remote and parking permits.
- Anything with your name and address, like old mail, receipts, and insurance cards.
Have the paperwork ready
The title (do not sign it until the deal is done), your ID, and any lien release or power of attorney. Details are in what paperwork you need. Keys too, even if the car does not run.
Clear the path
Move other cars, bikes, and bins out of the way. Unlock the gate. Make sure the truck can get close. If something about access has changed since you got the quote, call first. More on pickup access.
Do you need to drain the gas?
No. Do not try to siphon fuel or drain fluids yourself. That is part of the recycling process, done with the right equipment. See what happens to a recycled car.
After it leaves
Report the release of liability on myDMV within five days, then deal with insurance. Haven't gotten a quote yet? Use the quote form or call. Car is in Denver? See junk cars in Denver.