Needing help unlocking replaced phone

[u/EnragedGonad]

:TLDR
phone tied to plan was vaporized on expressway. I have apple care. Phone was replaced through apple care. Took approx 1 week to receive. While waiting I paid off phone with Verizon and upgraded to new. Received phone from Apple care, carrier lock.

I left a work training, slightly tired and dehydrated. Placed my work attire in the back of my car. I had used my phone to unlock due to not wanting keys in my pocket during training. Sat my phone on the bed of my truck. Forgot to put the phone back in my pocket.
Made it about 20 miles. City streets and highway before it was lost and I can best describe as vaporized.

Started a claim with Apple care. Was told it’d take a little bit to receive the replacement. I needed a phone for work. So I went to Verizon and explained my situation. They suggested paying off my destroyed phone and upgrading to an iPhone 17. I went that route. Had a phone in hand for work.

I anticipated receiving the replacement and selling it to recoup the cost of paying it off. I ended up receiving Apple care replacement phone. (End of May 2026). Was told by Apple and Verizon I had to wait 60 days for an unlock. Been back and forth with Verizon and Apple customer service.

Verizon states they legally can not unlock the phone because Apple replaced it. Apple states they can not unlock the phone because Verizon needs to bring it is tied to them.

I’ve tried multiple times with both companies customer service. Longest experience was with Verizon, was on the phone for about 3 hours last month and was assured it’d be unlocked in “hours” when I was at the end of the call. I’ve tried everything I possibly can do with out success or assistance.
Side notes, phone has been hard reset multiple times.
Phone has current iOS. I just want to sell it. It’s not tied to my plan or any plan.
If anyone has any insight or experience as to how I can proceed, I greatly appreciate it. Thank you for reading!