How to Donate a Wrecked Car

Some donation programs will take running or non running cars, because they actually benefit from scrapping the car.

There are many reasons to donate a vehicle to a charity, including the ability to make a difference for someone else in need. If additional motivation is required, however, being able to write off a damaged vehicle as a tax-deductible donation is also an incentive.

Things You'll Need

• Vehicle title
• Official Kelley Blue Book
• Telephone

Instructions

Setting Up the Donation

1. 

   If a charity is actually donating the vehicles to persons in need of transportation, they may have restrictions on what condition cars must be in.

   Decide where you want to donate the vehicle. If you are already aware of charities that will accept donated vehicles, begin by calling those charities and asking any questions about what condition the vehicle needs to be in.

2. Determine the Kelley Blue Book value of your car in its current condition. The most recent edition of the Blue Book is likely to be most helpful. The value of the donation will not exceed the value of your car in its current state.

3. Call to schedule pickup for the car. Do not forget to ask for a receipt if you are planning on deducting the donation on your taxes.

4. Sign over the title to the party responsible at the charity in question.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are seeking a tax-deductible donation, you need to make sure that the charity is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. If so, the charity will be registered with the IRS.

• The title of your car must be free of any liens in order to be acceptable for donation.

References

• Vietnam Veterans of America: Car Donation Program
• Activated Ministries: Donate a Car 2 Charity
• Kelley Blue Book

Resources

• IRS Charity Search