An old car sitting in an apartment complex parking lot can be a huge problem. Maybe it won’t start anymore. Perhaps it has been parked in a coveted parking spot for months. Or maybe you’re moving and want to get rid of a car before your lease is up.
The good news is that junk car removal in Taylor, MI doesn’t have to be difficult. A little preparation can make pickup go quickly, smoothly and stress-free.
Here’s what to know before scheduling removal from an apartment complex.
First, Make Sure You Have Permission to Remove the Vehicle
If it’s your junk car, the first step is simple: Talk with your flat manager or leasing office. Tell them you have a removal scheduled and ask if the tow team needs permission to enter the lot.
Some apartment communities have assigned parking, gated entrances, visitor restrictions or rules about tow trucks. Letting management know in advance can help prevent confusion on pick-up day.
If the vehicle is not yours do not try to sell it or arrange for its removal yourself. If a vehicle is left on private property without permission, it may be considered abandoned, but the flat owner or property manager must follow the proper process. Michigan’s abandoned vehicle guidance details the rules and next steps in these situations.
Gather Your Ownership Documents
Before you go for the quote, locate the paperwork that pertains to the automobile. The most important document is the title of the vehicle, which establishes ownership.
Prepare the following details:
- Vehicle identification number
- A valid photo ID
- Condition, make, model, and year of the car
- The make, model, year, and condition of the car
- Any information regarding an active lien
If you don’t know where to find the VIN, look in the lower corner of the windscreen on the driver’s side, the driver’s side door frame, your registration or your insurance paperwork.
A good description of the vehicle will help the removal process go more smoothly. If the vehicle has a flat tyre, missing keys, collision damage or a dead battery, tell the buyer. These details allow the pickup team to show up with the right equipment.
What If You Cannot Find the Title?
The most common problem is a missing title, especially if the car sat for a long time. Don’t think that a lost title means you can’t move ahead. Look at your records, glove box, filing cabinet and any paperwork you had when you first bought the car.
If you have lost the title, contact the Michigan Secretary of State to obtain a duplicate. Current information on replacement titles, title corrections, liens and ownership transfers is available on the state’s title services page.
If there is a lien on the vehicle, contact the lienholder before selling the vehicle. Michigan title rules may require the lien to be released or the lienholder to give permission to transfer ownership.
The simplest way is to mention any title problems when you request your quote. A good removal company will let you know what information they need and will help you to understand what the next practical step is.
Check With Your Apartment Manager About Pickup Access
Apartment complex pickups are a little different than driveway pickups. Things to ask your property manager before scheduling
- Is there a preferred entrance for the tow truck?
- Are there any gate codes or access instructions?
- Is there a more community-friendly pickup time?
- Are there low-clearance areas, tight turns, or restrictions in parking lanes?
- Does management want the tow company’s information upfront?
Also smart is to choose a pickup time when the parking lot is less busy. This provides the tow truck with lots of room to safely load the vehicle, and minimizes the inconvenience to your neighbors.
Remove Personal Items from the Car
Do one last walk around of the vehicle before the tow truck arrives. Check under the seats, in the glove box, trunk, center console and door pockets. Old cars have more personal stuff in them than people realize.
Be sure to remove the following:
- Insurance and registration documentation.
- License plates, unless otherwise directed.
- Parking passes/stickers for apartments.
- Garage remotes and keys
- Personal belongings, tools, and electronics.
- Toll payment device, toll transponder.
Michigan recommends that license plates be removed by the seller when selling a vehicle privately. Use the state’s vehicle ownership information to get current title and plate guidance.
Parking Space Preparation
You don’t need to repair or clean the car before having it removed as junk. But, you can make it easier to pick it up by clearing access around it.
If you can, get other cars out of the front and back of the junk car. Make sure the tow truck can get to the parking spot, and that there are no blocked lanes, construction materials, or low hanging obstacles.
If the car is parked in a garage, under a carport or in a tight space please specify that when scheduling your pickup. Some advance notice can help avoid delays on the day of removal.
Choose a Straightforward Removal Process
At ASAP Junk Car Removal, we know that an unwanted car can be the last thing you need to deal with. We aim to simplify the process: describe the vehicle, get a quote, arrange a convenient pickup, and let our team take care of the removal.
We buy old damaged wrecked non-running cars in many conditions. You can also read our FAQs to learn more about how quotes, towing, and paperwork work in general.
Ready to Clear That Parking Spot?
If you want to get rid of a junk car in an apartment complex in Taylor, MI, it’s best to prepare your title information, inform your property manager, and take your personal belongings out of the vehicle. Once that is done you are ready to set up a pick up and reclaim that parking space.
Get a fast quote and dependable junk car removal service from ASAP Junk Car Removal today.