How Do I Donate My Car?

FAQs When You Donate a Car

MY CAR DOESN’T RUN. CAN I STILL DONATE MY CAR?

Yes, we can accept car donations whether they run or not.

MY CAR HAS DAMAGE, MECHANICAL ISSUES OR WONT PASS EMISSIONS. CAN I STILL DONATE MY CAR?

Yes! We’ll take it and make sure you get a car donation tax receipt and your charity gets a generous donation.

WHAT TYPES OF CARS/VEHICLES CAN I DONATE?

We accept most cars and vehicles regardless of condition, however we screen vehicles that will result in a net loss to our charity partners. There are many reasons a vehicle may not be accepted. These include current resell market conditions and towing costs. The easiest way to find out if your vehicle can be accepted is to start the process of donation. If for some reason we aren’t able to accept the donation we will let you know before it is towed.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY CAR ONCE IT IS DONATED?

It depends on the condition of the vehicle.  Every vehicle is assessed and prepared for sale.  Based on the assessment your vehicle may be sold at a retail outlet, wholesale, auction, or to a junk yard for scrap metal or parts.  Our goal is to get top dollar for your donated vehicle to maximize your tax deduction and proceeds to the charity you have chosen

WILL MY DONATED CAR BE JUNKED OR USED FOR PARTS?

It depends on the condition of the vehicle.  Every vehicle is assessed and prepared for sale.  Based on the assessment your vehicle may be sold at a retail outlet, wholesale, auction, or to a junk yard for scrap metal or parts.  Our goal is to get top dollar for your donated vehicle to maximize your tax deduction and proceeds to the charity you have chosen.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS A PROBLEM OR MY CAR STOPS RUNNING AFTER I HAVE DONATED IT TO CHARITY?

After the car is picked up, your worries are over.  We will ensure that we get the most money for the car that we can, regardless of the condition of the vehicle.

WHEN DOES MY LIABILITY FOR THE DONATED CAR END AND WHO TRANSFERS THE TITLE OUT OF MY NAME?

The moment we pickup your vehicle your liability ends.  We handle all the title transfer process and documents according to your local state Department of Motor Vehicle Services guidelines, and provide you with receipts and information for your tax deduction.

WHAT PAPERWORK DO I NEED TO DONATE MY CAR?

In most cases just the title to the vehicle. But, if you do not have the title call us anyway. Other arrangements can be worked out. You may contact us by calling us toll-free at 1-866-701-2277 .

CAN I DONATE MY CAR WITHOUT A TITLE?

We may be able to pick up a vehicle without a title. Call 1-866-701-2277   to speak with a Donation Coordinator for further information.

CAN I DONATE AN ABANDONED CAR/VEHICLE?

Unfortunately we cannot accept abandoned vehicles for donation.  Only the vehicle owner can donate a car or vehicle and there needs to be documentation to prove you are the owner when we take the vehicle in.  Each state has different rules governing abandoned vehicles and you can refer to your local DMV to find out the steps to remove an abandoned vehicle.  Call 1-866-701-2277  to speak with a Donation Coordinator for further information.

CAN A CAR/VEHICLE BE DONATED IF THE OWNER IS DECEASED?

In most cases a copy of the Death Certificate and a Personal Representative Form or Power of Attorney showing that you are the official representative of the deceased’s belongings will suffice.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY LICENSE PLATE AFTER I DONATE MY CAR/VEHICLE?

Please remove the license plates prior to the vehicle being picked up.  Then you can either cancel the license plates with the Department of Motor Vehicles, transfer them to another vehicle or destroy them.

HOW DO I PROPERLY SIGN THE TITLE?

To avoid voiding the title you will want to speak to a Donation Coordinator at 866-701-2277  for assistance.  The place and verbiage to sign as the seller can vary on every title and can also vary from state to state.

DO I HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING TO HAVE MY CAR/VEHICLE PICKED UP OR TOWED?

No!  You incur zero cost.  All of the costs are covered by our donation program.

HOW QUICKLY CAN YOU PICK UP OR TOW MY DONATED CAR/VEHICLE?

Most vehicles are picked up within 24 hours.

DO YOU PICK UP OR TOW DONATED VEHICLES IN MY AREA?

Yes!  We accept vehicle donations in all 50 states.

WHO WILL PICKUP/TOW MY DONATED CAR/VEHICLE?

We have a network of reputable towing agencies throughout the United States.  You will be contacted by a towing coordinator who will schedule a pick-up time and location convenient for you.

DO I HAVE TO BE HOME WHEN YOU PICK UP OR TOW MY DONATED VEHICLE?

No!  After any personal belongings are removed from the donated vehicle and you have removed the license plates, just leave the keys and title in an agreed upon and predetermined safe place and our tow driver will pick it up during the assigned window of time. It’s that easy!

WILL I GET A RECEIPT WHEN YOU PICK UP OR TOW MY DONATED CAR/VEHICLE?

Yes! A vehicle donation receipt will be emailed to you within twenty four hours or less of vehicle pick up.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DONATING MY CAR/VEHICLE TO CHARITY?

  • It is an easy, hassle-free way to get rid of a car that doesn’t run or you don’t need.
  • If the repair costs exceed the vehicle’s value, it may be more economical to donate it to your favorite charity and receive a donation tax receipt.
  • It is a great way to help fund the mission of the charity you support.
  • Car donations are a great way to recycle (which is good for the environment)!

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE VALUE OF MY DONATED CAR/VEHICLE?

The IRS permits the vehicle donor to claim a charitable tax deduction as follows:

  • If the vehicle is sold for less than $500, you can claim the fair market value of your vehicle up to $500, or the amount it is sold for is less than fair market value.
  • If the vehicle sells for more than $500, you can claim the exact amount for which the vehicle is sold.

More Tax Filing Info

IS MY CAR/VEHICLE DONATION TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes.  We will provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit to the IRS or your CPA/Tax Preparation Professional.

More Tax Filing Info

DO I NEED TO SUBMIT PAPERWORK TO THE IRS TO RECEIVE A TAX DEDUCTION FOR MY DONATED CAR/VEHICLE?

Yes. We will provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit to the IRS or your CPA/Tax Preparation Professional.

More Tax Filing Info

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY TAX DEDUCTION RECEIPT?

You will receive your tax deduction receipt within 30 days after the sale date of your car or vehicle.

HOW MUCH OF THE PROCEEDS WILL THE CHARITY RECEIVE?

Cars Helping Charities has over twelve years of experience in the car donation industry, and we pride ourselves on running the most efficient car donation program nationwide. Not only do we make the donating process quick, easy and fun, we make sure we convert your donated vehicle into the highest possible tax deduction for you, as well as and highest possible donation proceeds for the charity you have chosen to support.

Our charity payout agreements vary by location, size and types of donations.  We work with charities in establishing an agreement that allows for the charity to receive the vast majority of the donated vehicle’s value, but with everything there are expenses.  Typical expenses are towing fees, auction fees, repair costs if needed and car processing fees.  Using our proprietary software we determine where to get the most value from a donated vehicle, net of expenses.  This allows us to provide a higher net number to the charity no matter what the payout.  For more information about charity proceeds, please call us at 866.701.CARS (2277).