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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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

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:
Animal-Friends-Rescue-Project logo

Animal Friends Rescue Project got more value

"Pick up was clean, and got a lot more than we

expected for Animal Friends Rescue."

Carolyn C., - Car Donation - Salinas, CA

Donation Benefitting:
npr-logo

1998 Toyota Rav 4

NPR got more value

"I tried to trade this truck in to upgrade, but the trade-in offer was ridiculously low.

I'm glad I donated instead -- got to support KPCC and get a great tax deduction."

Michael E., SUV donation - Fullerton, CA

Donation Benefitting:
Animal-Friends-Rescue-Project logo

1996 Honda Civic

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

Donation Benefitting:
donate-car-childrens-hospital

2007 Ford Ranger

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

Donation Benefitting:
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1996 Chevrolet 1500 Extra Cab

Saddleback Valley Community Church got more value

"I've been trying to sell the car on my own, but at one point I just needed this car gone. I'm very pleased that I could help my church and get a tax deduction."

Jay, S., Truck Donation - Laguna Beach, CA

Donation Benefitting:
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2002 VW Passat 

Biola University got more value

“So fast and efficient. A much better deal than from my dealership. Plus, I’m helping needy students!”

Katherine H., Car Donation - Orange County, CA

Donation Benefitting:
donate-car-hand-up-financial

2000 GMC Yukon Denali

Hand-Up Financial got more value

"We loved our SUV, but it had 322,000 miles. You made it easy to donate."

Cynthia M., SUV Donation - Laguna Hills, CA

Donation Benefitting:
gsoc-logo

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

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.