After a serious accident in Ontario, your car might be declared a total loss. In such situations, many vehicle owners wonder: Can I go ahead and scrap the car while the insurance company is still deciding who was at fault?
The answer is yes, but there are a few key steps to take before calling a scrap car removal service in Toronto.
It’s tempting to get rid of a damaged car quickly, especially when it’s sitting in your driveway or taking up space at a tow yard. However, doing so without proper precautions could impact your insurance claim or delay the liability decision.
Many people wrongly assume that scrapping the car early might reduce their payout — but once the insurer has completed their inspection, this usually isn’t the case.
Notify Your Insurance Company First
Before reaching out to any car scrap yard in Toronto, make sure to contact your insurance provider. Even if the car looks beyond repair, insurers often require a physical inspection to evaluate the damage, estimate its value, and help determine who was at fault.
Disposing of the vehicle before the insurance company completes this process could complicate things. You might even risk losing part of your settlement if the vehicle is scrapped too soon.
Make Sure You’re the Legal Owner
Auto scrap yards in Toronto will not accept vehicles without proof of ownership. Make sure the car is still registered in your name, and be ready to show government-issued ID and vehicle registration papers.
If ownership has been transferred to the insurer or is still under financing, you’ll need to clarify those details before the car can be legally removed.
How Scrapping Can Affect Liability Claims
The liability decision determines who was at fault in the accident—and that can significantly affect your insurance payout. In some cases, the physical condition of the car might serve as important evidence.
Damage patterns, angles of impact, and other signs can be useful during the investigation. If the car is removed too soon, that evidence might be lost. That’s why most insurance adjusters prefer to inspect the car before giving you the go-ahead to scrap it.
When in doubt, ask your adjuster directly whether you can proceed. Some will clear it right away; others may need time to finish their assessment.
Keep a Record of Everything
Once you get the green light, be sure to document the entire scrap car removal process. Save receipts from the scrap yard, take photos before the vehicle is picked up, and keep written confirmation from the company that removed it.
Having this paperwork on hand protects you in case questions arise during the insurance process. It’s a small step that can save a lot of hassle later on.
Be Transparent With the Scrap Yard
When speaking with scrap car removal companies in Toronto, it helps to be honest about the vehicle’s condition. Let them know the car was involved in a major accident and has been declared a total loss. This allows them to provide a fair and accurate quote based on what’s still salvageable.
Many scrap yards in the GTA regularly deal with collision-damaged vehicles, so they’ll know exactly how to process it—especially if major components like the engine or catalytic converter are still intact.
What If You’ve Already Scrapped the Car?
If the vehicle has already been removed, it’s not the end of the world. Just be sure you have the necessary documentation — like receipts from the scrap yard and proof of pickup. Notify your insurance company right away and provide copies of the paperwork. This helps avoid delays and keeps your claim process clear and transparent.
What About Third-Party Claims?
In multi-vehicle accidents, liability decisions affect more than just your insurance payout. If another party is involved, and you’re found to be at fault, your third-party liability insurance may come into play. In such cases, the damaged vehicle might still be relevant for legal or investigative purposes.
This is why scrapping a car before the liability process is complete should always be done with caution and professional guidance.
If you’re unsure about the next step, your adjuster should be your first point of contact. In complex situations, quick legal advice can also help protect your rights while moving forward with your vehicle removal.
How Long Does a Liability Decision Take?
In Ontario, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the insurer and the nature of the accident. If your vehicle is incurring storage charges at a tow yard, ask your adjuster whether it can be released after documentation. A quick call can sometimes save you from unnecessary fees.
Scrapping Can Proceed—If You’re Smart About It
Yes, you can scrap your totaled car while waiting for a liability decision, but only if you do it the right way. Don’t rush into it just to free up space or earn a quick buck. Instead:
- Get approval from your insurer.
- Make sure you’re the legal owner.
- Document the entire process.
- Be honest with the scrap yard.
- Understand the impact on claims and liability.
By handling the situation responsibly, you’ll avoid future problems and still move forward with removing your unwanted vehicle.
Trusted Scrap Car Removal in Toronto and the GTA
At Cash For Scrap Car GTA, we help you navigate this process with ease. Whether you’re dealing with insurance delays or just looking for scrap car removal in Toronto, our experienced team makes it simple and hassle-free. We’ve helped countless drivers across the city and the GTA scrap cars legally and responsibly—even during ongoing claims.
We offer fair quotes, fast pickups, and help with all the paperwork. And yes, we pay cash for scrap cars in Toronto, no hidden fees or fine print.
📞 Call us today at 416-414-2977 to schedule your pickup or ask any questions. We’re here to help from start to finish.