We’ve all seen them—cars left on the side of the road, parked in the same spot for months, or collecting cobwebs in someone’s driveway. Whether it’s a rusted sedan with four flat tyres or a forgotten ute in a back alley, abandoned vehicles are more common than most people realise.
Now here’s the big question: Can you actually get paid for an abandoned car? The short answer is: yes—but there’s a bit more to it. Let’s break it down in simple terms, so you know what’s possible and what’s not.
First Things First: What Counts as an “Abandoned Car”?
An abandoned car is one that’s been left unattended on public or private property without the owner’s permission, usually for an extended period. You might find them:
- Parked on a public street for weeks with no movement
- Dumped on private property or vacant land
- Left behind by tenants or previous property owners
If it looks unloved, unused, and forgotten, it’s likely abandoned. But just because a car looks abandoned doesn’t mean it’s yours to sell—yet.
Are You Allowed to Sell an Abandoned Car?
This is where it gets a bit tricky. You can’t just claim an abandoned car and sell it for cash—not without the proper steps. Even if it’s been sitting in your driveway for ages, someone still legally owns it.
So, before you can get paid for that car, you need to follow the legal process. Here’s how it generally works (depending on your state or local council):
1. Report It to Local Authorities
If the car is abandoned on a public road, report it to your local council or the police. They’ll usually:
- Inspect the vehicle
- Try to contact the owner
- Place a notice on the vehicle
- Tow it if no one claims it within a certain timeframe (often 7-14 days)
Once it’s officially declared abandoned and unclaimed, the vehicle may be auctioned or disposed of by the council.
Can you get paid in this case?
Not unless you legally acquire the car after it’s impounded or auctioned.
2. If It’s on Your Property
Let’s say someone left a car in your driveway or garage and disappeared. In this case, you still need to report it, but you may have more rights—especially if the car was left by a tenant, friend, or previous owner.
You may need to:
- Contact your local council for advice
- Send a written notice to the owner if known
- Wait for the legal claim period to pass
After that, in some states, you can apply for ownership or permission to dispose of the vehicle. Once it’s legally yours, yes—you can sell it for cash.
3. Inherited or Gifted Abandoned Cars
If you’ve inherited a property and there’s an old vehicle on it, or someone gave you a car and then vanished, you might be able to claim ownership—if you have proof. Documents like a will, written agreement, or even a signed vehicle transfer form help a lot.
Once you’ve sorted ownership, you can legally sell the car—even if it’s a wreck or doesn’t run.
So, When Can You Get Paid for an Abandoned Car?
You can sell an abandoned vehicle for cash only if:
- You legally own it
- You’ve gone through the proper process to claim or dispose of it
- You have proof that the car is yours to sell
Once that’s squared away, you can contact a cash-for-cars company like ours—and we’ll pay you cash on the spot, even if the car is:
- Unregistered
- Not running
- Missing parts
- Damaged or wrecked
A Real-Life Example: Tom’s Backyard Surprise
Tom bought a property in the suburbs, and tucked away behind an old shed was a rusted-out station wagon. It hadn’t moved in years. After checking with the council and confirming it wasn’t reported stolen or registered, Tom followed the proper channels to claim it as his own.
A few weeks later, he sold it to us for a tidy sum—just for the scrap metal value. No hassle, no towing fees, no problem.
Final Word
Yes, you can get paid for an abandoned car—but only when the legal side is sorted. You can’t just sell something that isn’t yours (even if it’s been rotting away for months).
If you’re unsure about the process, our team is always happy to help. We’ve dealt with hundreds of situations like these and can point you in the right direction—or take that old eyesore off your hands if it’s legally yours.
Got an unwanted car on your property? Reach out today—we’ll let you know what your options are and how much cash you could get.
If you are in Ashwood, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Burwood Cash For Cars
www.burwoodcashforcars.com.au
(03) 7047 6732