Salvage auto trade-ins near you work by allowing you to exchange your damaged or totaled vehicle for a credit towards the purchase of a new or used car. Typically, you bring your salvage car to a dealership or salvage yard, where they assess its value and offer you a trade-in amount. This amount can then be used as part of the payment for a different vehicle on their lot. Salvage auto trade-ins can be a convenient way to get rid of a vehicle that is no longer drivable and find a replacement.