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The Government Cash For Clunkers Program

On July 1, 2009, the Federal Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) kicked off. What quickly became known colloquially as the Cash for Clunkers program, CARS was a $3 billion program by the U.S. Federal Government encouraging people driving old junk cars, inefficient, smoggy vehicles to trade or sell the car for new, more efficient, and environmentally friendly cars by offering credits between $3,500 and $4,500 dollars.

Cash for Clunkers was so popular that the original $1 billion allocated to the program ran out in only 30 days. Congress budgeted another $2 billion, which ran out on August 24th, 2009, marking the end of the government car buying program.

All told, CARS (a.k.a. Cash for Clunkers) resulted in 690,114 cars sold for a total cost to the U.S. Government of $2.88 billion. Of those nearly 700,000 cars, 19.4 percent were Toyota, 17.6 percent were General Motors, 14.4 percent were Ford, 13 percent were Honda and 8.7 percent were Nissan vehicles.

So You Can’t Sell Your Car To The Government?

Unless you live in California, there is no cash for junk cars government program currently in effect. If you DO live in California, there is a state government junk car program available known as the Consumer Assistance Program - Vehicle Retirement option.

Under this program, you can sell your old car to the government of California if it fails the smog test and you bring it to an approved dismantler. However, you must pass an application process, and it typically takes a month to a month and a half to receive a decision. If you are approved, you can get $1000 to $1500 for retiring your vehicle, depending on your household income level.

However, if you live in another state, such as Florida, Texas, Arizona or Utah, you’re out of luck — since the California government clunker program is limited to state residents, people living outside of California can’t use it. In fact, not everyone in California today can use it either since your vehicle has to meet a specific set of registration requirements to qualify.

If you don’t qualify for California’s cash for old cars program, no, you can’t sell your car to the government. But there are plenty of other people you can sell it to.

How It Works

	Enter vehicle details By filling out our form with accurate information on DamagedCars.com, we can give you an instant offer on some vehicles or contact you with a guaranteed offer shortly after you click “Submit for Offer.”
	Accept your Offer Happy with the offer? Provide proof of ownership, and we will schedule the pick-up of your car and deliver the payment at the same time.
	Get paid! We will hand you a check during the car pick up.

Who Offers Money For Clunkers Near Me?

Plenty of places can offer a trade-in for clunkers, but if you’re looking to sell your clunker car, DamagedCars.com is the best choice for you.

We've been working in the auto industry for decades, and have hundreds of thousands of vehicles purchased and sold in that time. DamagedCars.com buys older vehicles or cars in less-than-perfect condition fast. Just click the button below and get a guaranteed offer for your car ASAP.

Our offers run on the real value of your car. Request your instant quote, and you’re under no obligation to accept it. It’s even good for three days.

There are no hidden fees and towing is free. Once we give you a guaranteed offer, there are no visual inspections at the time of pick-up.

DamagedCars.com buys all makes and models of cars, including classics and exotics. So, we'll buy your car too.

Engine failure, broken timing chain, blown clutch or a bad transmission, it doesn’t matter. We’ll work to buy your car "as-is."

Don’t let car trouble get in the way of selling your car. Every vehicle has value. Even junk cars and wrecked or broken-down vehicles can put some cash in your pocket.

DamagedCars.com can help you get the most salvage value for your junk car. Click the button below to get your free, no-obligation offer.