FAQs

Frequently Asked Auto Donation Questions

Click on a question to link to the answer to your vehicle donation question

1. How Do I Get Started?
2. Who is Cars Helping Charities?
3. What kind of vehicle donations do you accept?
4. Do I have to pay any charges, like for the towing?
5. Do you tow vehicles from my area?
6. Who will pick up my car?
7. How long will it take to pick up my car?
8. When do I receive my tax receipt, and what is my deductible amount?
9. What happens if there is a problem with the vehicle after it is donated?
10. Will my car be crushed or used for parts?
11. Do I have to be home when you pick up my car?
12. Will I get a temporary receipt at the time of pick up?
13. What do I need to know about signing my title?
14. What if I don't have a title for my vehicle?
15. Can I donate a vehicle that belongs to a person who has died?
16. Can I donate an abandoned car?
17. What if the vehicle doesn't pass Emissions?
18. What should I do with my license plates after I donate my vehicle?
19. What are the benfits of a charitable car donation?
20. Why should I donate my vehicle to Cars Helping Charities?
21. Where does the money go?

1. How Do I Get Started?
It’s simple. Just call us at 866-697-0697 or fill out the orange “Donate Now” box and click send.  It’s that easy to donate your car to charity

2. Who is Cars Helping Charities?
Cars Helping Charities is a for profit organization that helps raise money for charities through the sale of donated vehicles.  Our sole mission is to raise support for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations nationwide, primarily through the solicitation of donated vehicles.

3. What kind of vehicle donations do you accept?
We accept ANY vehicle donation or car donation in ANY condition!  We accept all types of vehicles, from cars and trucks to fleet vehicles, boats, vans, motorcycles, trailers, RV's, and even snowmobiles.  Basically, if it has an engine we’ll take it, even if it no longer runs!  Your chosen charity will benefit from your generosity, regardless of the condition of the vehicle.  Additionally, you get a nice car donation tax break!

4. Do I have to pay any charges, like for the car removal or towing of a vehicle?
No!  There is zero expense on your part.  You just sit back and help your favorite car donation charities and get an auto donation tax deduction.  All of the costs are covered by our donation program.

5. Do you tow vehicles from my area?
Yes! We take in your donor car from all 50 states with very few restrictions.  Whether it is a junk car pick up or removal of a vehicle that still runs, we will tow it for FREE so you don’t have to worry about transporting your auto donation.

6. Who will pick up my car?
We have a network of towing agencies throughout the United States.  You will be contacted to arrange a pick up for your car removal that is convenient for you, FREE of charge.

7. How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?
The average pick up for your car removal is between 12 and 24 hours after your initial contact with us.

8. When do I receive my auto donation tax receipt, and what is my deductible amount?
If the sale value exceeds $500, we provide you with a form 1098-C no later than 30 days after the sale of the vehicle, verifying the exact amount of your automobile donation tax deduction.  If the value doesn't exceed $500 then we send you a Vehicle Donation Confirmation indicating "$500 or less" in value.  In this case you, the donor may be able to deduct up to $500 as an auto donation tax deduction.

9. What happens if there is a problem with the vehicle after it is donated to charity?
After we have it in tow we take full responsibility.  However, any previous fines such as parking tickets are your responsibility.

10. Will my car donation be crushed or will it end up in a pile with other salvage cars?
It depends on the condition of the vehicle donation.  Every car is assessed and prepared for sale at the charity auto auction where it will retrieve maximum value so the charity receives more proceeds and you, the donor, get a larger car donation tax write off.

11. Do I have to be home when you come for my car removal?
No!  After any personal belongings are removed from the donated car and you have removed the license plates, just leave the keys and title in an agreed upon and predetermined safe place and our tow driver will pick it up during the assigned window of time. It’s that easy!

12. Will I get a temporary receipt at the time of pick up?
Not unless requested.  We will email you a Vehicle Donation Receipt within 2 weeks after our tow driver has picked up your vehicle.

13. What do I need to know about signing my title?
Before signing the title, speak to our live operator for assistance.  The live operator will have you MAKE CERTAIN to print and sign your name EXACTLY the way it appears on the face of the title as the SELLER (note: the place and verbiage to sign as seller can vary on every title and can also vary from state to state. Ask our operator for assistance to avoid voiding the title.

14. What if I don't have a title for my vehicle?
We can pick up a vehicle without a title. Just give us a call  toll free 866-697-0697 for more directions. You can also provide us with this Bill of Sale and the registration to the vehicle. Please be advised that an un-titled donor car is then subject to being parted out and crushed.

15. Can I donate a vehicle that belongs to a person who has died?
In most cases a copy of the Death Certificate and a Personal Representative Form or Power of Attorney showing that you are the official representative of the deceased’s belongings will suffice.

16. Can I donate an abandoned car?
Unfortunately we cannot accept abandoned donation vehicles.  Try contacting a local junkyard for information.

17. What if the vehicle doesn't pass Emissions?
We’ll take it!  It doesn’t matter if it has an emissions inspection, if you want to give a car to charity, we’ll take it and make sure you get a car donation tax write off and your charity gets a generous donation!

18. What should I do with my license plates after I make a charitable car donation?
Remove them prior to the vehicle removal . Then you can either cancel them with the DMV or reissue them to another car or destroy them.

19. What are the benefits of a charitable car donation?

  • It is an easy, hassle-free way to get rid of a car that doesn’t run or you don’t need.
  • If your repair cost exceeds the vehicle’s value, it might be more economical to donate it
  • Your automobile donation is tax deductable
  • It is a great way to help fund the missions of charities you support.
  • It’s easy when you work with Cars Helping Charities, we do all the work!

20. Why should I donate my vehicle to Cars Helping Charities?
We let you donate to whatever charity you prefer; you aren’t confined by our list or limited to one charity like most websites. 

We get the most money possible for every automobile donated, and we don’t charge the charity any hidden fees for our services.  This means the charity gets a bigger donation and you get a bigger car donation tax benefit. 

We provide FREE towing, fast and turnkey service! For more information about us, click here.

21. Where does the money go from my donation?
The proceeds from the sale of the vehicle donation go to any tax exempt charity, church, school or non-profit organization nationwide of your choice.  The proceeds received by them varies from 50% - 75%, depending on the number of cars a charity takes in annually.  Cars Helping Charities does not charge any marketing fees to the charity like most other automobile donation websites.