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?


1997 BMW M3
Make-A-Wish got more value
"Wow, that's great … my rating? A 10."
Douglas H., Car Donation - Salinas, CA

2004 Honda Civic EX Coupe
Make-A-Wish got more value
"You were very helpful in explaining the donation process. It was easier than I thought it would be!"
Syed Suhel K., Car Donation - Santa Ana, CA

2004 Toyota Solara
Animal Friends Rescue Project got more value
"Thanks for the quick service, just as promised!"
Regan C., Car Donation - Salinas, CA

2001 Ford Focus Wagon
Kitten Rescue got more value
"Wow, that's amazing! I'm grateful that this was a hassle-free process for us."
Tom L., Car Donation - Los Angeles, CA

2004 Ford Taurus
Saddleback Valley Community Church got more value
"Cars2Charities exceeded my expectations! I am so pleased that the proceeds of the sale will be donated to Saddleback Church."
Harold E., Car Donation - Mission Viejo, CA

2004 Honda VTX 1800N
Schwab Charitable Fund got more value
"Glad you could help me put the funds into a self-directed Charity Trust!"
Ronald L., Motorcycle Donation - Santa Monica, 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

Children's Hospital got more value
"So happy to donate this van in the hope of
helping a child survive the disease."
Palisades Plumbing Inc., Van Donation - Pacific Palisades, CA

1994 Toyota Camry
SPCA - East Bay got more value
"Donating to SPCA was easier than writing a check, and I got rid of the
extra car on the side of the house. My wife was very happy."
Patrick C., Car Donation - Berkeley, CA
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