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?

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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

Donation Benefitting:
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1992 Cadillac Coupe De Ville

Saddleback Valley Community Church got more value

"I'm so surprised that Cars2Charities was able to

get double what I thought my car was worth."

Norman B., Car Donation - Laguna Woods, CA

Donation Benefitting:
donate-car-kitten-rescue

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

Donation Benefitting:
Animal-Friends-Rescue-Project logo (1)

2004 Toyota Solara

Animal Friends Rescue Project got more value

"Thanks for the quick service, just as promised!"

Regan C., Car Donation - Salinas, CA

Donation Benefitting:
donate-car-alzheimers-greater-los-angeles

Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles got more value

"Oh my goodness! Wow, I'm amazed you got so much. You rebuilt the transmission - for $1000?!

Thank you!"

Isabel G., Car Donation - Los Angeles, CA

Donation Benefitting:
donate-car-ronald-mcdonald-house

1998 Nissan Pathfinder

Ronald McDonald House got more value

"GREAT! GREAT! more than what I expected. "9". Very smooth. I can't see any fault anywhere."

Paul S., SUV Donation - Martinez, CA

Donation Benefitting:
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1999 Lincoln Continental

Guide Dogs of America got more value

"We couldn't smog the vehicle, so glad you got

value from it! Turned out great for us."

Kent C., Car Donation - Temecula, CA

Donation Benefitting:
Alzeheimers-Association-logo

1996 Club Car

Alzheimer's Association got more value

"It was super easy, it could not have been easier. So glad to support Alzheimer's Association."

Jonathon, K., Golf Cart Donation - Phoenix, AZ

Donation Benefitting:
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1997 Lexus ES300

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

Donation Benefitting:
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2003 Toyota Camry

Wounded Warrior Project got more value

“At first I wasn’t ready to donate my car to charity. We tried selling it ourselves, twice, but couldn’t. You guys got so much more than we expected. Wish I’d called you in the first place. Great charity donation website.”

Susan B., Car Donation - Los Angeles, CA

Donation Benefitting:

Start vehicle donation.

Fill out the following form, it only takes a few minutes! We’ll contact you after your donation to arrange vehicle pickup, and answer any of your questions.