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 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

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

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
Disabled Veterans Foundation got more value
"Wonderful, easy. So happy to help. Also reviewed on Facebook."
Sharon L., Car Donation - Riverside, 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

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

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

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

2012 Salem 29QBDS
Saddleback Church got more value
"Better tax deduction than the dealer price would've been, and same or more to charity. Hassle free, great!"
Letty J., Trailer Donation - Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

World Impact got more value
"We drove it till it died on the freeway at 228K miles.
You were easy to work with."
Keith M., Car Donation - Laguna Niguel, CA
2006 Honda Odyssey
Childhood Leukemia Foundation got more value
"My wife was very pleased with the whole process and the outcome!"
Robert B., Van Donation - Rolling Hills Estates, CA