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?


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

1990 Malibu Boat
National Alliance on Mental Illness got more value
"This charity is close to my heart and I'm glad I was able to help by donating my old boat."
Andrew P., Boat Donation - Fullerton, 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

2004 Honda Odyssey
Saddleback Valley Community Church got more value
"Cars2Charities was able to fully explain their process within minutes to me. I am glad I can support my Church and get a tax deduction at the same time."
Ryan C., Van Donation - Lake Forest, CA

KQED Public Radio got more value
"I am just so happy that Cars2Charities was able
to sell the car for that much. That way I could
support KQED Public Broadcasting and get
myself an excellent tax deduction."
Mark E., Car Donation - Redwood City, CA

2001 GMC Savannah 2500
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

2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Humane Society got more value
"I'm pleased with how fast I was able to donate my car. And the sale price!"
Robert F., SUV Donation - Anaheim, 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

2007 Lincoln Town Car
Make-A-Wish got more value
"414,000 miles and a lot of issues with this livery vehicle - glad it could still do some good!"
Richard F., Car Donation - Huntington Beach, CA
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
Disabled Veterans Foundation got more value
"Wonderful, easy. So happy to help. Also reviewed on Facebook."
Sharon L., Car Donation - Riverside, CA