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?


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

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

1999 Dodge Ram 1500
Arthritis National Research Foundation got more value
"Our truck was just sitting on the driveway collecting dust. Wow, great job on the sale value!"
Jill W., Truck Donation - Redondo Beach, 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

2002 Buick Rendezvous
Habitat for Humanity got more value
"All my questions were answered, you were very helpful. Thanks for making it so easy."
Dwight N., Car Donation - Temecula, CA

2004 Fleetwood
Make-A-Wish got more value
"See my Yelp Review. Great to work with, everything just as promised. Went to a family with small kids :)"
Michael W., Trailer Donation - San Jose, CA

National Alliance on Mental Illness got more value
"Super! My mom was very pleased."
Janny P., Car Donation - Norwalk, CA

1999 Subaru Legacy SUS
Angel Faces got more value
"I'm a nurse and so glad I can support Angel Faces!"
Mei-Ling W., Car Donation - San Francisco, CA

1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS
Breast Cancer Solutions Foundation got more value
I am so delighted that I was able to donate my
car to a charity that is so important to me."
Bary B., SUV Donation - Lake Forest, CA
2002 Mazda Protege 5
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