If your vehicle has been damaged by fire, you’re probably wondering what to do next. It’s a confronting sight—charred seats, melted dashboards, warped panels. Whether it caught fire in an accident, due to an engine fault, or something as freak as a bushfire, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: yes, fire-damaged cars are accepted by many wrecking yards in Australia. And often, you can still get decent value out of what seems like a total loss.
Let’s break it down and have a chat about how it works.
What Happens to a Fire-Damaged Car?
When a car is damaged by fire, it doesn’t always mean the entire vehicle is unsalvageable. Depending on the extent of the damage, certain parts can still be recycled, repurposed, or sold as scrap. That’s why wrecking yards, especially those that specialise in vehicle recycling, are often interested in buying them.
For instance, even if the engine is burnt out, the wheels, gearbox, suspension components, or even undamaged panels might still be useful. In fact, some yards will dismantle the car, salvage what they can, and responsibly dispose of the rest.
Why Wreckers Want Fire-Damaged Cars
It’s all about parts and metal.
Australian wrecking yards operate in a market that values usable parts. If your car has anything salvageable—radiators, mirrors, catalytic converters, alloy wheels—wreckers can sell these to mechanics or car owners looking for second-hand parts. On top of that, the metal from your car (aluminium, steel, copper, etc.) can be scrapped and sold to metal recyclers.
Even if the car looks like it’s been through hell and back, wreckers look beyond the surface.
Example: We once had a customer in Dandenong with a fire-damaged Holden Commodore. The cabin interior was gutted, but the engine bay and drivetrain were untouched. We towed it for free and paid him $1,200 because several parts were in high demand. He thought it was worthless—but to us, it was just a different kind of project.
How Much Can You Get for a Fire-Damaged Car?
The payout depends on:
- The make, model, and year
- How extensive the fire damage is
- If any parts are still intact or functional
- The scrap metal weight
In general, you won’t get as much as you would for a fully functioning car, but you can still get paid. Many Aussie wreckers (including us!) offer instant quotes and same-day removal, often paying anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on what’s salvageable.
What You Need to Sell Your Fire-Damaged Car
Selling a fire-damaged car to a wrecking yard in Australia is pretty straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of ownership (driver’s licence and vehicle title or rego papers)
- Details about the damage (be honest—it helps speed things up)
- Access to the vehicle for pick-up
If the car’s in a hard-to-reach area (say, stuck in the garage or behind your house), let the wrecker know in advance. Most of us have the right equipment to handle tricky removals.
Do Wreckers Accept Fire-Damaged Trucks, Vans, and 4WDs Too?
Absolutely. Fire-damaged trucks, vans, utes, and 4WDs are often more valuable than small cars because of their heavier build and stronger demand for parts. Whether it’s a burnt-out Toyota Hilux or a scorched Ford Ranger, chances are, a wrecker will want to take a look.
Insurance Write-Off? No Worries.
Many people assume that once an insurance company writes off their fire-damaged car, it’s game over. But actually, even if your car is labelled as a statutory or repairable write-off, you can still sell it to a wrecker.
Wreckers are licensed to handle such vehicles and ensure that they are either dismantled for parts or recycled in accordance with state laws (like those in Victoria’s Written-Off Vehicle Register).
A Tip from the Trade
Don’t let the car sit there for months collecting rust and taking up driveway space. If it’s been assessed and you know it’s not going back on the road, act quickly. The longer it sits, the more it deteriorates—and the less it may be worth.
Also, avoid trying to fix and sell a fire-damaged car privately. Not only can it be dangerous if not done properly, but you might also run into legal headaches regarding roadworthiness and registration.
So, What’s the Next Step?
If you’ve got a fire-damaged vehicle sitting around, give your local wrecking yard a call. In most cases, you’ll:
- Get a free quote
- Arrange a free pick-up
- Get paid on the spot
Simple, right? No stress, no towing fees, no sneaky costs.
Something to Think About
Fire-damaged doesn’t mean worthless. Your burnt-out car might look like a wreck, but there’s value hidden under the hood (literally). Wrecking yards across Australia are in the business of finding that value—whether it’s in spare parts, recyclable metals, or components still in good shape.
So if your vehicle’s gone up in flames—figuratively or literally—don’t just let it rust away. Give it one last purpose, and let it be part of the recycling chain. You’ll clear up space, put a bit of cash in your pocket, and do something good for the environment too.
If you’re in Melbourne or anywhere across Victoria and have a fire-damaged car to offload, feel free to get in touch with our team. We’re always happy to have a yarn and help you sort it out, no matter how bad the damage looks.
Got questions? Give us a ring or shoot us a message—we’re here to help.
If you are in Moorabbin, and looking to sell your car or get cash for trucks, below is the best way to visit us.
Eastern Cash For Cars
720 High St Rd, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150
(03) 7035 7830
www.easterncashforcars.com.au
Recent Comments