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?


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

2007 Vanguard Boat
NPR got more value
"So many happy memories with this boat -- glad it could do good, and a new family enjoys it."
Harry H., Boat Donation - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

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

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

2002 Saturn SL2
NPR got more value
"I cannot believe my old car sold for more than twice as much as I thought it would! I am genuinely surprised and very happy."
Matthew R., Car Donation - Monterey, 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

Arthritis National Research Foundation got more value
"Love supporting Arthritis National Research this way."
Emily H., Car Donation - San Carlos, CA

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

Habitat for Humanity got more value
"Fantastic. Easy, fast, just as they said it would be. Good towing experience too."
Thomas L., Truck Donation - San Francisco, 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