How Long Does Pickup and Towing Take When Selling a Non-Runner?

Overview: typical pickup timelines for non-running vehicles

For non-running vehicles sold to a professional buyer, typical pickup times in South Africa range from same-day collection (in metros) to 3-7 business days in more remote areas. Exact timing depends on vehicle location, access, documentation readiness, and local towing capacity. At Sell Your Damaged Car we aim to provide transparent timing estimates when we send an offer; see how we operate on our About / How it works page.

Quick reference: common pickup windows

• Urban centres (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban): same day to 48 hours, depending on scheduling.
• Large towns and suburbs: 1-3 business days.
• Remote or rural locations: 3-7 business days, sometimes longer for very remote farms or inaccessible sites.

Factors that change pickup time

• Documentation readiness (ID, vehicle papers, proof of ownership).
• Access constraints: broken driveways, locked gates, or vehicles stuck off-road require specialist equipment.
• Local towing demand and weather (heavy rain can delay safe recoveries).
• Whether the vehicle is under finance - additional steps may be needed to settle or obtain lender consent.

Repair cost vs value retained (example table)

These figures are illustrative for South Africa and should be treated as estimates. If you want an idea of how we value non-running cars and the documentation we need, see our Sell Non-Running Car page for practical examples.

Accessibility and equipment needs

Towing a non-runner from a driveway is usually quicker than a recovery from a site with limited access. Standard flatbed or tilt-tray trucks handle most jobs; however, vehicles in ditches, on steep slopes, or heavily damaged may require winches or specialist recovery teams, which increases collection time and coordination.

City-by-city expectations: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and beyond

In Johannesburg and surrounding Gauteng suburbs, towing fleets are concentrated - you can often expect a same-day window or next-business-day collection. Cape Town and Durban tend to have similar metropolitan responsiveness, but coastal weather can affect schedule reliability. For smaller towns outside these metros allow 2-7 business days. Sell Your Damaged Car coordinates nationwide collection and will confirm the expected pickup window when the offer is accepted; learn more about our service on the homepage and our Sell Damaged Cars page.

Legal & paperwork considerations that affect timing

Paperwork readiness is one of the fastest ways to shorten collection time. Most buyers require proof of ownership (vehicle licence/registration or letter from the registered owner), a copy of the seller's ID, and bank details for payment. Vehicles under finance may require lender consent or settlement information - resolving finance can add days to the process. In South Africa deregistration and transfer steps are handled differently by provinces; we assist with deregistration to reduce delays in finalising the sale.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

Practical tips to speed up pickup

• Have ID and any vehicle documentation ready before collection day.
• Provide clear photos and a precise pickup address with gate codes or access notes when you upload details.
• Clear temporary obstacles around the vehicle (loose debris, dogs) to avoid delays.
• If the car is under finance, advise the buyer early so lender steps can begin simultaneously.

What happens after collection

After collection most professional buyers will complete the sale paperwork at pickup or shortly after. Payment is arranged according to the agreed terms - many services confirm payment shortly after collection and verification. Where deregistration is required, the buyer typically handles the admin and provides confirmation once completed. Because provincial registration systems vary, final deregistration timelines can differ, but the sale and bank payment are usually finalised before administrative deregistration is fully processed.

Example costs avoided (estimates)

Arranging your own tow in South Africa can cost roughly R800 to R2,500 or more depending on distance and equipment - these are illustrative estimates only. Using a purchaser that includes free towing removes this potential expense and reduces coordination time.

Sources

• South African Government - driving licences and vehicle registration services
• AA South Africa - roadside assistance and towing guidance
• South African Police Service - advice on accident reporting
• National Credit Regulator - information on credit agreements and finance processes