Junk Car Pickup in St. Louis — What to Expect on Pickup Day
Most people have never sold a junk car before. The process is fast and straightforward once you know what to expect — but a little preparation goes a long way. Here's exactly what happens from the moment you call to the moment cash is in your hand.
Before Pickup Day: What to Prepare
Remove all personal belongings from the vehicle. Check the glove box, under all seats, the trunk, and any door pockets. People regularly find insurance cards, sunglasses, tools, change, and important documents they forgot about.
Gather your Missouri Certificate of Title (or Illinois title). Make sure it's signed correctly — your signature on the seller's line, with the odometer reading filled in if required. If there's a co-owner on the title, both parties usually need to sign.
Have a valid photo ID ready. The driver will need to verify your identity matches the title seller.
If the car is in a hard-to-reach spot (behind a fence, in a garage with a tight entrance, etc.), clear a path if possible and mention the situation when you schedule the pickup.
When the Driver Arrives
Our driver arrives in a flatbed tow truck. They'll introduce themselves and ask to see the vehicle and the title.
The driver does a quick walk-around of the vehicle — checking that the year, make, model, and general condition match what was described over the phone. This takes 5–10 minutes.
If the vehicle matches the description, the driver confirms the offer. If there's a significant discrepancy (like a major part that's missing that wasn't mentioned), they may need to adjust. This is why honest descriptions matter — it makes the pickup smoother for everyone.
Signing Over the Title
You and the driver complete the title transfer paperwork. In Missouri, you sign the title on the "Seller" signature line and fill in the sale date and odometer reading.
Keep a copy of the signed title or take a photo of it before handing it over. This is your proof that you transferred ownership — important if any issues come up later (like a parking ticket on the vehicle).
If the title has a lienholder listed, you need a lien release document. Bring this along with the title.
Getting Paid and Loading the Car
Payment happens before the car is loaded. The driver counts out your cash — real bills — and hands it to you. Count it. There's no rush.
The driver then loads the vehicle onto the flatbed. For non-running or non-drivable vehicles, they use a winch to pull the car onto the truck. You don't need to do anything — they handle the loading themselves.
The whole pickup, from arrival to the truck driving away, typically takes 15–30 minutes.
After the Pickup
Cancel your auto insurance on the vehicle as soon as possible. You may get a refund on unused premium.
Return your Missouri license plates to the DMV or transfer them to another vehicle. In Missouri, plates belong to the owner — not the car — so you don't leave them on when you sell.
Keep your signed title copy. If you ever receive a citation or bill associated with the vehicle after the sale, the signed title proves you no longer owned it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be home for the pickup?
Yes, in most cases. You need to sign the title and receive payment. If you can't be home, a trusted adult family member can handle it with a signed title and your ID, but confirm this with us when scheduling.
What if I'm not happy with the offer when the driver arrives?
You're under no obligation to proceed. If the offer is significantly different from what was quoted without a valid reason, you can decline. Your car isn't going anywhere until you say so.
Can I sell a car that's in someone else's name?
Only if you have legal authority to sign the title (power of attorney, executor of estate, etc.). We can't purchase a vehicle if the title doesn't match the seller without proper legal documentation.
What if it's raining or bad weather on pickup day?
We operate in all weather. Our flatbed trucks and equipment are designed for it. Let us know if you need the car covered during loading and we'll do our best.
Schedule Your Junk Car Pickup in St. Louis Call (314) 474-5500 to get a quote and schedule your pickup. Most St. Louis pickups happen the same day you call. Free towing. Cash on the spot. No surprises.