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?


Childhood Leukemia Foundation got more value
"I'm glad someone new can enjoy this car as
much as I did. Thankful the car wasn't sent to
auction or a salvage yard."
Chris S., Car Donation - Fullerton, 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

1997 Ford F250
Breast Cancer Solutions Foundation got more value
"My daughter came home and suggested we donate to Breast Cancer
Solutions after hearing great experiences at a BBQ. Glad we did!"
William A., Truck Donation - Lake Forest, CA

2001 Club Car
Girl Scouts of Orange County got more value
"Very pleased - my tax deduction was so fast and simple to get!
Bejhan R., Golf Cart Donation - Napa, 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

2002 Mazda Protege
Saddleback Valley Community Church got more value
"Happy to know I could help Saddleback Church."
Jeff V., Car Donation - Riverside, CA

2006 Honda Odyssey
Childhood Leukemia Foundation got more value
"My wife was very pleased with the whole process and the outcome!"
Robert B., Van Donation - Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Animal Friends Rescue Project got more value
"After 15 months in the back yard, it's great you could still get so much for Animal Friends Rescue
and for me."
Francesca A., Car Donation - Salina, 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
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