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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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:
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2003 Mazda Protege 5

Saddleback Valley Community Church got more value

"It was so easy to donate my car to Saddleback. I am very pleased."

Brian O., Car Donation - Mission Viejo, CA

Donation Benefitting:
donate-car-ronald-mcdonald-house

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

Donation Benefitting:
donate-car-childhood-leukemia-fondation

2002 Mazda Protege 5

Childhood Leukemia Foundation got more value

"I'm glad someone new can enjoy this car as

much as I did. Thankful the car wasn't sent to

auction or a salvage yard."

Chris S., Car Donation - Fullerton, CA

Donation Benefitting:
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1999 Lincoln Continental

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

Donation Benefitting:
Make-a-wish

2007 Lincoln Town Car

Make-A-Wish got more value

"414,000 miles and a lot of issues with this livery vehicle - glad it could still do some good!"

Richard F., Car Donation - Huntington Beach, CA

Donation Benefitting:
donate-car-the-humane-society

2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Humane Society got more value

"I'm pleased with how fast I was able to donate my car. And the sale price!"

Robert F., SUV Donation - Anaheim, CA

Donation Benefitting:
donate-car-childrens-hospital

2001 GMC Savannah 2500

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

Donation Benefitting:
donate-car-ronald-mcdonald-house

2000 Toyota Camry

Ronald McDonald House Southern California got  more value 

"Great experience, would work with them again."

Nick D., Car Donation - La Verne, 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:

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.