Car removal service is a staple offering among vehicle dismantlers. These companies, also called car wreckers, are known for extracting damaged, unwanted, and non-working vehicles. But they play a significant role in the auto recycling industry.
Without companies offering cash-for-cars schemes, steel and car makers won’t have access to scrap metals. At the same time, there won’t be available replacements for busted car electronic components and engine and transmission systems that make car repairs easier.
In New Zealand, cars with low safety ratings, usually those manufactured more than a decade and a half ago, are involved in two out of three car crashes, per government data. Consequently, the government suggests owners scrap old vehicles to keep the roads safe for all motorists.
If you have one and don’t know what to do, it’s time to contact a local car and truck removal company to help you. But before that, read this guide to know what to look for when choosing one.
1. Experience and reliability
Car dismantling is regulated, and vehicle wreckers are trained to dispose of a vehicle safely. For instance, vehicle fluids hold several litres of chemicals that carry environmental and safety risks if not properly handled. Anti-freeze, petrol and brake fluids from an abandoned truck can seep underground and damage the ecosystem.
Professional car removal providers know how to take a truck apart whilst minimising potential risks. They can also adjust to situations and find solutions promptly. That said, car owners like you must find reliable firms with experienced staff to avoid problems down the road.
Earning government recognition means the company follows the regulatory rules and is a legitimate business. These firms are unlikely to take advantage of you for fear of losing their licence and ruining their reputation.
2. Location and service areas
Ideally, a car removal service company should have a physical presence near you. That’s because towing fees vary based on your vehicle’s weight and the distance between your place and its destination. Thus, choosing a local company is best to save on costs.
In most cases, a car wrecking company will offer towing services for free, but these may come with limitations. For instance, free car removal service areas could cover specific city sections, and an owner may have to pay for trucks located outside these zones.
Choosing a nearby car removal professional also provides convenience, as you can visit the office anytime for follow-ups, concerns or discrepancies.
3. Service inclusions
Besides knowing the truck removal service areas, automobile owners must clarify all the other services included in the contract. For instance, the New Zealand Transportation Agency, or NZTA, requires owners to be informed of the sale online or via a phone call. The registered owner must also de-register the vehicle by filing and submitting an application form and handing over the car registration plates. Failing to cancel your vehicle plate registration could entail additional costs, so ensure to have this done before finalising a sale.
Some car wreckers offer this service for free, so you’d have to decide whether to let them do it or cancel the registration yourself. Note that this can be time-consuming, so free up your hours if you take the latter route.
4. Customer support efficiency
One of the major draws for cash for car companies is that they provide quick service. In most cases, a car owner will receive the money as soon as the vehicle is in possession. But fast service isn’t enough. Your chosen company must provide great customer service, attending to your queries and concerns as quickly as possible.
Ideally, you must schedule a car removal service according to your preference. But some companies may be too swamped with work that they can’t arrange the extraction soon. It would help if you could find a company with a 24-hour car removal service.
5. The best price offers
Some scrupulous individuals could take advantage of a car owner in many ways. For instance, they might charge hidden fees for towing, storage and disposal or offer a price lower than your car’s worth. It’s always to shop for the best deals when disposing of your run-down truck.
Car removal companies have various considerations when appraising your unserviceable vehicle. For instance, if you’ve chosen not to remove reusable parts, the buying price should ideally be higher, considering that these can be re-sold on the market.
One of the ways to get the right price is to get familiar with your car’s condition, specifically the problems that make them unusable. Be as precise as possible in filling out the online form on which these companies base their initial appraisals. Ideally, owners should ask for a contract or document stating the agreed price to ensure hidden charges aren’t.
Concluding thoughts
A car removal company is a top option for owners who want to eliminate unwanted, damaged, and unusable vehicles. By selling junk automobiles to a car dismantler, owners help preserve the environment, free up space in their property and earn some cash.
However, owners must choose a reliable company before having their junk cars removed. Besides licences and documents, a certified car removal expert should be trained to make the entire process smooth and transparent. If you’re looking for the best company to handle car or truck removals, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free, no-obligation quote.