Everything you need to know before, during, and after the pickup — from documents to payment.
The cash-for-cars process is a four-stage procedure that takes a vehicle from initial valuation through collection and payment, typically completing within 24–48 hours. It involves submitting your vehicle details for an estimate, receiving a firm cash offer, scheduling a free pickup at your location, and completing the ownership transfer with cash payment on-site.
Most vehicle owners only need proof of ownership and basic preparation to complete the sale. Before contacting Cash For Cars, gather these items to ensure a smooth, same-day transaction.
Documentation varies by province. Here's what you need in the three highest-demand regions:
British Columbia: The ICBC Transfer/Tax form (APV9T) is required for all vehicle ownership transfers in BC. You can obtain this form at any Autoplan broker or ICBC office. Both the seller and buyer must sign. If the vehicle has an active ICBC claim, disclose this during your initial contact. For full details, see our guide on how to scrap a car in BC.
Ontario: You need the signed vehicle permit (ownership). The seller portion on the back of the Ontario vehicle permit must be completed with the buyer's information, sale price, and date. You should also provide a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) — available from ServiceOntario for $20. For full details, see our guide on how to scrap a car in Ontario.
Alberta: A Bill of Sale is required, along with the vehicle registration. Alberta does not require a safety inspection for vehicles being sold for scrap. Ownership transfer is completed through a Registry Agent office.
Don't have your paperwork? Contact us — our team can advise on alternative documentation options for your specific province before scheduling pickup. Not sure if your vehicle qualifies in the first place? See what we buy.
Selling your car for cash through Cash For Cars takes four steps and typically completes within 24–48 hours from first contact to payment.
Enter your vehicle's year, make, model, condition, and location into our scrap and junk car value calculator. The form takes about 2 minutes to complete. You'll see an estimated value range immediately based on current 2026 Canadian metal prices and parts demand. No account creation required, no phone call needed.
Tip: Include photos of damage if applicable — this helps our team provide a more accurate offer.
Our team reviews your submission and sends a firm cash offer. This is not a negotiation starting point — the number we quote is the number you receive. Offers are calculated using vehicle weight, current scrap metal rates, salvageable parts value, catalytic converter content, and provincial demand. This is why accurate vehicle details — particularly running condition, mileage, and any missing parts — directly affect your final quote. For more on how we arrive at your number, see our guide on factors that affect scrap car value.
What if I disagree with the offer? You're under no obligation. If the offer doesn't work for you, you can decline with no fees and no follow-up pressure.
Accept the offer and our team schedules a pickup at your preferred time and location — home, office, parking lot, or storage facility. Most pickups occur within 24–48 hours of acceptance. Towing is always free regardless of vehicle condition or location.
What to have ready at pickup:
When our driver arrives, here's exactly what happens:
The entire on-site process takes approximately 15–20 minutes. There are no surprise deductions, no fees subtracted, and no "we'll mail you a cheque later." You walk away with cash in hand.
After pickup, the process is mostly complete, with only a few administrative steps remaining.
Contact your provider the same day to stop coverage. Most insurers will issue a prorated refund for remaining prepaid months.
In Ontario, return plates to ServiceOntario. In BC, plates stay with the owner (not the vehicle). In Alberta, return plates to a Registry Agent.
Retain a copy of the signed ownership transfer and any receipt of payment for your records. We recommend keeping these for at least 2 years.
Some provinces require you to notify the transportation authority of the sale. In Ontario, this is done through ServiceOntario. In BC, ICBC processes this through the APV9T form signed at pickup.
Questions about post-sale steps? Contact us — our team can help.
Most vehicle owners complete the entire process in 24–48 hours — from submitting their vehicle details to receiving cash payment at pickup. The on-site pickup itself takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Learn more about the full cash for cars service.
Same-day pickup is often possible in major metro areas — including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton — when the offer is accepted before noon. Pickups in smaller cities and rural areas typically occur within 24–48 hours of acceptance. Submit your vehicle details early in the day if you need urgent removal.
Yes, but you must settle any outstanding lien before transferring ownership. Cash For Cars can guide you through the lien release process. In most cases, your lender can provide a lien release letter once the loan balance is paid. This may reduce your net payment.
We pick up vehicles from any accessible location — your home, workplace, storage facility, underground parking, or roadside. Provide the exact pickup address when scheduling and note any access restrictions (gates, narrow driveways, low-clearance areas).
Yes — the registered owner must be present to sign the ownership transfer documents and receive payment. If the vehicle has multiple registered owners, all listed owners must sign or provide written authorization.
If your vehicle's condition differs from your initial description, the offer may be adjusted at pickup when our driver inspects the car. Significant differences — such as undisclosed damage, missing parts, or non-running status when listed as running — may reduce the final quote. You're never obligated to accept a revised offer if you disagree.
Absolutely — our scrap and junk car value calculator provides a free, no-obligation estimate. There is no commitment until you accept a firm offer. You can decline at any stage with no fees.
You've seen the process. Now get your offer — free, fast, and no obligation.
Or contact us to speak with our team.
Cash For Cars is a national service — see our full cash for cars across Canada coverage.
