How to Find Out What a Wrecked Truck Is Worth

When a car or truck has been damaged to the point where repairs would cost more than the value of the vehicle, it is considered "totaled." You insurance company will likely compensate you for the vehicle instead of paying for repairs. If you have a wrecked truck that doesn't need to be replaced or repaired or isn't covered by insurance, you might be able to earn some cash by selling it to a local scrap yard or recycling company.

  • Look up the value of your vehicle using the Kelley Blue Book. This is a standardized method for assessing the value of a car. Even if your truck is wrecked, you should still be able to get a rough idea of what to expect when trying to sell it.

  • Take the vehicle to a local junkyard and get an estimate from an on-site employee. You may wish to visit several yards, as each will probably give you a different number and may have different requirements.

  • Call a junked car pick-up service and ask them to come to your home to assess the truck's value. This is the best option for truck owners who cannot drive or tow their wrecked vehicle to a lot for an estimate.

  • Browse through re-sell websites and see if there is a demand for parts from your make and model of wrecked truck. Depending on the truck, you may be able to get more money parting the vehicle out yourself than you would gain from a scrap yard or recycling company.

  • Speak with your insurance representative. If the truck is insured, you should be able to get an estimate on its total value from a nearby estimator. Many insurance companies also have home-visit services.