Car Donation Process

1

Fill Out Our Donation Form
Donate online or over the phone at 1-800-242-7489. The process is quick and straightforward!

2

Arrange A Free Vehicle Pickup Time
We’ll call you to schedule a tow within 24 Hours (same day pickup possible)

3

Receive A Tax Deductible Receipt For Your Donation
Full “Fair Market Value” deduction possible if we provide your vehicle to a deserving family*

1

Fill Out Our Donation Form
Donate online or over the phone at 1-800-242-7489. The process is quick and straightforward!

2

Arrange A Free Vehicle Pickup Time
We’ll call you to schedule a tow within 24 Hours (same day pickup possible)

3

Receive A Tax Deductible Receipt For Your Donation
Full “Fair Market Value” deduction possible if we provide your vehicle to a deserving family*

Have More Donation Program Questions?

When do you determine if my vehicle can be used as a program vehicle?

Once we receive your information, we will make an initial determination whether your vehicle may be suitable to be used as a “program” car (to be provided to a family) or whether the car will be sold at auction or for salvage.

If your vehicle is not suitable for a “program” car, we will mail you a letter stating that “your vehicle does not meet our criteria to be a program car and will be sold.” This letter serves as your receipt and may be used for tax purposes for you to value the donation up to $500. Once the vehicle is sold, if the gross sales price is over $500, you will be sent an additional receipt within 30 days of the sale, including the sales price that you must use to value your donation.

Suppose your vehicle is tentatively accepted to be used as a “program vehicle.” In that case, our office will contact you by phone and explain our “program vehicle” process in detail (a “program vehicle” is a vehicle that will be provided to a qualified person or entity and entitles the donor to receive the maximum “Fair Market Value” Tax Receipt). Additionally, we will notify the donor by phone and in writing if their vehicle qualifies as a “program vehicle.” If you want to be 100% certain that your vehicle will be used as a “program vehicle,” ask our donation representative about our pre-approval process (1-800-242-7489 x 2).

One of our towing companies will contact you to schedule a convenient time to pick up your vehicle at no charge. Once you have scheduled the tow, please prepare your vehicle’s title for transfer by writing Charity Cars, Inc. on the “buyer/purchaser” line and signing your name where it states “seller” precisely as it appears on the title. The tow truck driver will pick up your vehicle as well as the title. Suppose you are uncomfortable about handing your title to the tow truck driver. In that case, you can make prior arrangements with the donation representative to mail your title to the Charity Cars headquarters.

If we provide your donated vehicle to a struggling family or qualified entity, you may claim the “Fair market value” tax-deduction. According to the IRS, the donor (not the recipient charity) must determine the value of their donation. Assistance in determining the “fair market value” can be found at https://www.kbb.com Kelly Blue Books’ website. Use private party value as a guide. Donors valuing their donation over $5000 must acquire an independent appraisal. Our customer service representatives can provide additional information.

Answers to other questions you may have can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page, or feel free to contact us.