FAQs
Frequently asked questions about donating your car!
Frequently Asked Questions
A car donation is a process by which a car, truck, van, or other type of vehicle is donated to a charity by an individual in exchange for a tax deduction.
The simplest explanation is that Cars2Charities picks up your vehicle, liquidates it by sending it to auction (or sells it via private party for maximum value), processes the sale through the Department of Motor Vehicles, and then sends the proceeds minus expenses to your favorite nonprofit organization. More on your tax deduction below!
Donating a car is the best way to get rid of an unused or unwanted vehicle. If your car is no longer running, has some body damage that is too expensive to fix, or perhaps doesn’t qualify for a trade-in, then donating your vehicle to charity is a great option for you! Of course, there are many other reasons to donate your old car, like supporting your favorite charity or just wanting to do something for your community. Maybe you just want the tax deduction! Donating your car to charity is a win-win for all involved whatever the reason.
You’ve probably noticed there are many charities competing for your car donation. Most actual charities are not able to process their own vehicle donations – so they hire a car donation servicing company, like Cars2Charities. So what should you look for in deciding where to donate your vehicle? (Since — whether you know it or not — 90% of the charities you love do use a service company.) Look for one that gets the highest value for your car. Our program does exactly that. We maximize the value of every donation we can. We’re also female and family-owned which is always a plus.
Your car donation is tax deductible! And the best part is, your vehicle donation helps contribute actual money to the charity you love. How, you ask? Simple. We sell all donated vehicles to create cash proceeds for the charities we represent. Once a donation sells, you receive a tax deduction receipt, and the charity gets the money raised by the sale of the vehicle, minus expenses. Everything is done in only a matter of weeks! Vehicle donations have never been easier, and if you have additional questions about how Cars2Charities vehicle donation program works, our friendly operators are here to guide you through the entire process!
Unfortunately, no. Cars2Charities does not give away or sell donations to the public. All of our donated vehicles are sent to auction or sold through pre-established, vetted partners ensuring anonymity and security through the proper legal channels. Our processes provide maximum value for our donors and charity affiliates without sacrificing any personal information or unsanctioned liabilities. Maybe try a local nonprofit that is better suited to help with your particular situation.
What are our donors saying?


2002 Ford Windstar
Mount of Olives Lutheran Church got more value
"You fixed my bad alternator? Great! Wow, my tax deduction's a lot more than I expected!"
Beverly C., Van Donation - Mission Viejo, CA

1998 Honda Civic LX
UCSD got more value
"I'm very glad that they were able to take this car off my hands quickly,
getting me a nice tax deduction while I can support a charity."
Lindsey E., Car Donation - Poway, CA

Children's Hospital got more value
"Wow, you rebuilt the engine… sold for twice
what it would have with bad a tranny. Keep up
the good work."
Richard C., Truck Donation - North Hills, CA

1991 Sun Voyager
Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles got more value
"I was delighted my old RV sold for that much just
because you were able to fix it up a bit!"
Robert C., RV Donation - Westminster, CA

1996 Toyota Avalon
Charity Cup got more value
"My husband's in Korea; great service. Will ask my daughter to do yelp review."
Inok K., Car Donation - Fullerton, CA

2005 Yamaha Golf Cart
Wounded Warrior Project got more value
"I was very satisfied with the service, and it was very fast, too."
Joseph, P., Golf Cart Donation - Tucson, AZ

1999 BMW 325
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church got more value
"It was a spare car, we just wanted to stop collecting dust and make a difference."
Jeff Z., Car Donation - Newport Beach, CA

Saddleback Valley Community Church got more value
"My car had 200K, I expected to get much less. Thanks!"
Joseph J., Car Donation - Trabuco Canyon, CA

2004 Saturn Ion
National Veterans Foundation got more value
"A 10. I thought this would go to the salvage yard. Impressed with the price."
Joe D., Car Donation - El Monte, CA
2009 Ford Focus SE
Animal Friends Rescue Project got more value
"So happy with the $1,300 tax deduction -- and being able to help a charity close to my heart."
Brian R., Car Donation - Salinas, CA