Junkyards in San Mateo County: Reviews, Benefits & Contact Info
California

In order to sell your car to a junkyard in San Mateo County, CA, you typically need to meet these legal requirements:

1. Proof of Ownership: You must provide proof of ownership, which is usually your vehicle title. If you don't have the title, contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a duplicate.
2. Valid Identification: You'll need to show a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport.
3. Complete a Bill of Sale: Some junkyards may ask you to complete a Bill of Sale, indicating the sale price and stating that you're selling the vehicle "as-is."
4. Release of Liability: Submit a Release of Liability to the San Mateo County, CA DMV to remove your liability for the vehicle once it's sold. You can do this online or by mailing the appropriate form.
5. Smog Certificate: Depending on the age and location of your vehicle, you may need to provide a valid smog certificate. Junkyards often handle this if required.
6. Remove License Plates: Before handing over your vehicle, remove the license plates. You can either transfer them to another vehicle or return them to the DMV.
7. Payment: Ensure you receive payment for the vehicle. The payment method may vary, so discuss this with the junkyard beforehand.
8. Cancellation of Insurance: Contact your auto insurance company to cancel coverage on the sold vehicle.

Please note that specific requirements can vary depending on the junkyard and the condition of your vehicle. Always check with the junkyard you plan to sell to and refer to the California DMV for the most up-to-date information and forms.

If you try to sell a car without a title, your choices might be more restricted than those of other sellers who have a readily available title.

• If you are still in the process of paying off a car loan, the likelihood is that the bank or lienholder still possesses your car's title. You must reach out to your bank to get a payoff amount. It's important to ensure that your car's selling price can cover it.
• If your car title is missing, lost, or stolen and you're wondering how to sell your car, you need to request a replacement title.
• If your car is totaled, has a salvage title, has no title at all, or you have no way to obtain a valid title, car junkyards often buy cars without a title an pay you in cash. However, the lack of a title might lower your selling price.

There are several advantages, including:

• Cost: They are typically much cheaper than new parts. This can save you a lot of money on car repairs.
• Availability: Junkyards have a wide variety of parts available, including parts for older and less common vehicles. This can be helpful if you are looking for a part that is difficult to find elsewhere.
• Environmental benefits: Buying junkyard parts helps to reduce waste and conserve resources. When you buy a junkyard part, you are essentially recycling a part that would otherwise be scrapped.
• Quality: They can be just as good as new parts, especially if they are inspected carefully before purchase. Many junkyards also offer a warranty on their parts, so you can be sure that you are getting a quality product.

Most of them do not require appointments for visits. Contact them in advance can help you confirm their operating hours, entrance fees, and any specific rules or guidelines they may have for customers.

If you get injured at a junkyard, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention if necessary. Once you are safe, you should also take the following steps:

• Report the accident to the junkyard owner or manager. This will help them to investigate the accident and take steps to prevent future accidents.
• Document the accident. This includes taking photos or videos of your injuries and the scene of the accident. You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• File a claim with your insurance company. Your insurance company may be able to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you to understand your legal rights and options.

To report an illegal junkyard, you can contact the following authorities:

• Local law enforcement: Illegal junkyards may violate local zoning ordinances or environmental regulations. You can report the junkyard to your local police department or sheriff’s office.
• State environmental agency: Illegal junkyards may also violate state environmental regulations. You can report the junkyard to your state’s environmental agency.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA is responsible for enforcing federal environmental laws. You can report an illegal junkyard to the EPA’s hotline at 1-800-424-9346.

When you report an illegal junkyard, be sure to provide as much information as possible, including:

• The location of the junkyard
• The types of vehicles and parts that are stored at the junkyard
• Any observed violations of local, state, or federal laws
• Any other relevant information

You may also want to take photos or videos of the junkyard to support your report.

The authorities will investigate your report and take appropriate action. This may include issuing a warning to the junkyard owner, requiring the junkyard to clean up the site, or even shutting down the junkyard.

It is important to report illegal junkyards because they can pose a number of risks to the environment and public health. Illegal junkyards may store hazardous materials, such as gasoline and oil, which can leak into the ground and contaminate groundwater. Illegal junkyards may also attract pests and rodents, which can spread disease.

There are a number of risks associated with visiting a junkyard, including:

• Cuts and scrapes from sharp metal edges
• Injuries from falling objects
• Exposure to hazardous materials, such as gasoline, oil, and battery acid
• Dog bites
• Vehicle accidents