Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply over the phone?

Applications for service must be submitted online using our service application form. 

Before you begin filling out the form, have your mileage, VIN (vehicle identification number, and vehicle address (if different from your mailing address) handy.

How long will it take to hear back from CarAlternative.com after I submit the service application?

We will respond by email within one hour Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm Pacific time.

I’m hesitant to give out my email.  How can I be sure it won’t get passed on to third parties?

First of all, CarAlternative.com’s customer data is off-line.  This means nobody can “hack” into our system and access your data.  Secondly, CarAlternative.com does not give your email out to any other parties.  It stays with us and goes nowhere else.

If you still feel uneasy about giving out your email we suggest you go to Yahoo or HotMail and create a free second email address specifically for online transactions.  That way you protect your primary email address from any possible spamming.

When will I get to speak to a live customer service representative?

After you submit your service application online we will email you back with our decision to either accept or decline your vehicle within one hour Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm Pacific time.

If we accept your vehicle we give you our toll-free customer service number and advise you to call and book your order.  Until your check arrives in the mail, and you are satisfied, you will have access to live customer service.

If you need to speak with a customer service representative prior to submitting your service application online, send us an email and a customer service representative will call you back promptly (within one hour) during our normal business hours, Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm Pacific time.

After I authorize CarAlternative.com to take possession of my vehicle what kind of paperwork to I get to document the transfer of ownership and guarantee my payment?

Prior to the pickup or delivery of your vehicle CarAlternative.com emails you a pickup/delivery confirmation (receipt) which acknowledges the transfer of ownership of your vehicle to CarAlternative.com, and a promise to pay you the auction sale price less the cost of our service. Our receipt legally binds us to perform our service for you.

What kind of customer service can I expect from CarAlternative.com?

Once we accept your application you will receive our toll-free customer support number and will have access to outstanding live customer service. Our goal is total customer satisfaction. We want all CarAlternative.com customers to recommend the service to others and we do everything we can to make sure that happens.

Because of our own state-of-the-art computer system, and our computer integration with the auction companies, all you have to do is give us your name and in seconds we know exactly where you are in the process and can quickly answer any questions or resolve any problems you may encounter.

Can I speak to a customer service representative before filling out the service application form?

Yes, send us an email requesting a phone call from a customer service representative. We will respond promptly (within one hour) during our normal business hours, Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm Pacific time.

I’ve heard cars can get sold at auction for very low prices.  Is this true?

Generally, auction sale prices equate to the Kelley Blue Book Trade-in value.  The Kelley Blue Book Trade-in value is also known as the “wholesale blue book” or “low blue book” value.  However, some vehicles sell at a premium to book value, while other vehicles sell at a discount to book value.

Please see our estimating sale price page.  On this page we give actual examples of cars we’ve recently sold and discuss the topic in full depth.

How good are CarAlternative.com’s auctions?

They are the finest in the country.  Our auction partners were carefully selected based on 1) there ability to consistently generate good sale prices, and 2) there ability to provide CarAlternative.com with direct computer access to each auction account created for our customers.

CarAlternative.com sets a minimum bid for each car sold at auction.  This means the car cannot be sold for less without our approval.  Any vehicle selling below our minimum bid price is run a second time at auction.

Once my car is at the auction facility how long does it take before it is sold?

On average, 4-6 weeks.  It takes 1-4 weeks for title transfer and 1-2 weeks for the sale.

Can I drive my car to auction instead of having the tow fee deducted from my payment?

Yes, please see our locations served page to find the nearest auction.  You will need CarAlternative.com to set up your auction account prior to delivering the vehicle.

Do I need a title?

Yes, except in the state of Washington (Affidavit in Lieu of Title is accepted in Washington) you will need to have a clean (no Lien) title. 

In California, we can accept an application for duplicate title as long as your vehicle registration does not show a lien holder (you will need to fax us the registration to prove this).  If you have already applied for a California title with DMV, we cannot accept an application for duplicate title.  You will have to wait for the title to be issued by California DMV.

Does the car need to be registered?

No.

Does the car need to be insured?

No.

Does the car need to pass smog?

No.

Does the title have to be in my name?

Yes, except for inheritance cases.

How old can the vehicle be?

It depends on the make, model, mileage, and condition.  CarAlternative.com can go back as far as twenty years on certain vehicles.  Generally, most vehicles ten years and newer are automatically accepted.  Vehicles between 10-15 years old stand a good chance of being accepted.  And vehicles older than 15 years are only accepted when their resale value is very strong (Hondas, Toyotas, BMW’s, popular muscle cars, pickup trucks, 4x4’s for example)

Truly classic cars (mustangs, corvettes for example) can be taken all the way back to the 1950’s and 1960’s.

How do I get an idea of what price CarAlternative.com will get for my vehicle?

Please see our estimating sale price page.

What if my car sells for less than the cost to process the sale?

CarAlternative.com incurs a loss, but you are not charged for towing or any other expenses.  You will receive no cash proceeds when this is the case.

How does the auction sale price generated by CarAlternative.com compare to a trade-in value or a private sale value?

Please see our compare alternatives page for a full explanation.

How long after I book my order does it take for a pickup to occur?

Pickup will occur one to two business days later.

Can a vehicle be picked up at a repair shop?

Yes.  However, the shop must allow the release of the vehicle.  This means you must inform the shop your car will be towed and have paid any charges owed to the shop.

Is towing free?

CarAlternative.com customers do not incur an out-of-pocket expense for towing.  Instead, after we sell the car at auction, the towing expense is deducted from your payment.  If the vehicle sells at a price lower than our cost to process your order, you will not be billed for towing or any other expense incurred by CarAlternative.com.

What is the range for the towing expense?

Tow rates are based on the distance from the car location to the auction facility.  Tow rates range from $40 to $120 in most cases.  Extreme long distance towing (greater than 100 miles) or special towing (oversized vehicles) may result in a higher tow fee.

How do I know CarAlternative.com will pickup a car in my location?

Please see our locations served page. 

Can I drive my car to the auction and avoid having a towing expense deducted from my payment?

Definitely.

If I have my car towed do I need to be present to hand off the car?

No.  However, your title and keys need to either be with car or mailed to CarAlternative.com.

When does my liability for the vehicle end and when can I cancel my insurance?

Once the vehicle is on the tow truck and in-route, you are no longer liable for the car and may cancel insurance.  Alternatively, once you drop off the car at the auction facility and hand over your title, you are no longer liable and may cancel your insurance.

Can my vehicle be picked up or delivered on a weekend?

Pickups and deliveries may be scheduled only between 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday.

Please consult the following pages: payment, cost of our service.  These pages completely cover the topic.

Except in Washington and California you must have a valid clear (no lien holders) title.  In Washington we will accept an Affidavit in Lieu of Title.  In California we will accept an Application for Duplicate Title providing you fax us a copy of your registration and it confirms that there are no lien holders associated with the car.

How Does the sale transaction work?

You sign your title as the "seller", releasing your interest in the vehicle. After we pickup your vehicle (or you deliver the vehicle to the auction facility) CarAlernative.com becomes the legal owner of the vehicle. As a licensed vehicle wholesaler we then transfer our ownership of the vehicle to the auction buyer. In some states your original title is given to the buyer (a "pass-through title method") while in other states the Motor Vehicle Department issues a new title in the name of CarAlternative.com and this new title is given to the buyer. Before CarAlternative.com takes possession of your vehicle we email you a written agreement which explains that you have transferred ownership of your vehicle to CarAlternative.com and that we in turn promise to sell the vehicle at auction "as-is" and pay you the auction sale price less the auction company fees and CarAlternative.com fees.

What are the sale reporting requirements in my state?

See our DMV Sale Procedure page and choose your state.

How do I sign the title?

See our DMV Sale Procedure page and choose your state.

How do I report the sale?

See our DMV Sale Procedure page and choose your state.

Does CarAlternative.com perform repairs on vehicles?

No.  If we did we’d have to deduct the cost of repairs from your payment and we’d have to pay retail rates for the repairs.  By selling your vehicle “as is” at auction the net payment to you is greater.  This is because the auction car buyers have access to cheap parts and labor.

Can I actually get billed for service instead of receiving a payment from CarAlernative.com?

The only way you can get billed for service is if one of the following situations occurs:

1) You grossly overstate the condition of your vehicle and CarAlternative.com determines the actual vehicle condition is such that it does not qualify as an acceptable vehicle.  In this case you would be charged a tow fee and your order would be cancelled.

2) You schedule a pickup and cancel the order after the tow truck has been dispatched.  In this case you would be charged a tow fee.

How does the sale transaction take place?

You gift the car to CarAlternative.com.  CarAlternative.com sells the car to the high bidder at auction.

When can I cancel my insurance?

Once the vehicle is on the tow truck or dropped off at the auction location the legal liability for the vehicle is transferred to CarAlternative.com. You may cancel the insurance at that point.