What You Need to Know about Car Donation
Donating your car to charity is a very generous act that can
help many people. If you are considering giving your car away
for charitable purposes, you may have some questions about the
process and how your donation will benefit individuals in need.
The following is a comprehensive list of questions pertaining to
the car donation process. It is our hope that the answers will
clarify your questions and help you to make the decision to give
your old car away to a great cause!
What type of car can I donate?
This is perhaps the most common FAQ about car donation and the
answer is: cars, trucks, boats, RV's, motor homes and
motorcycles. Every charity has its own rules regarding what
vehicles they accept, so as a rule, before choosing a charitable
organization, find out what types of cars they accept.
My car failed the emission test, can I still donate it?
Even if your car did not pass the emission test, your donation
is still greatly appreciated! Cars can be repaired and if you
are generous enough to give your car away to a good cause, most
organizations will ensure that it gets properly fixed up!
Do I need any documents to donate my vehicle?
This is a car donation FAQ that is often overlooked by generous
individuals who are eager to help someone else. Before donating
your car to a charity, you need a clear title for the vehicle.
If you cannot find this document, other official DMV paperwork
may be accepted, as long as it proves that you are the rightful
owner of the car.
Am I required to drop the vehicle off to my chosen
charity?
Again, depending on which charity you choose, the procedure for
car pickup will vary. Generally, most organizations will tow the
car at no cost to you. If this is the protocol, you can expect
to get a call from a towing company to arrange a convenient time
for pickup. At this time, you will hand over the title and the
keys to the car and complete all required paperwork. Of course,
if you would like to drop off the car yourself, it will most
certainly be appreciated!
What if you do not list my preferred charity?
We have compiled an extensive list of charities in both Canada
and the United States, but of course, not all charities are
listed here. If, for instance, you would like to donate to a
church or another charitable organization that is not on our
list, simply contact us and we will gladly make the necessary
arrangements so that your car goes to a place you feel
comfortable with.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Donations that are made to a not-for-profit organization
classified under 501(c)[3] are usually tax deductible. To find
out more information about tax deductions, consult an industry
professional.
Will I be responsible for paying any fees after donating my
car?
The simple answer is NO. Donating a car is a big deal and you
will not be asked to pay any fees; your donation is money
enough! However, should an "organization" ask you for money, you
might want to verify if the charity is actually legitimate.