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?


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

2004 Toyota Solara
Animal Friends Rescue Project got more value
"Thanks for the quick service, just as promised!"
Regan C., Car Donation - Salinas, 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

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

1997 BMW M3
Make-A-Wish got more value
"Wow, that's great … my rating? A 10."
Douglas H., Car Donation - Salinas, CA

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

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

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

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
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