How to Get a Dealership to Donate a Vehicle to You

If you need a new car but don't have the money to purchase one, you may be able to get one donated to you from a car dealership. Dealerships don't often donate cars to individuals, but it does happen from time to time. Keep in mind that dealerships are going to give someone a car in only the most extreme charity cases. You may have a better chance of receiving a car if you contact one of the many car donation charities, as opposed to a car dealership.

On another note, if you're wanting to offer a new car as a prize for a charity hole-in-one golf tournament, there are special insurance premiums you can purchase. The insurance company will provide the car if someone does indeed score a hole in one at the tournament.

Working with a Dealership

Call the dealership and ask about their charitable donation requirements. Ask to speak with the general manager, owner or public relations department.

Write the dealership owner or general manager a letter documenting your struggles and respectfully ask for a donated car. Be honest and do not embellish your story, but at the same time don't be afraid to be persuasive. Include any information that will help your case, such as your specific struggles, any children you have, what type of job you have, if you are continuing your education, if you have won any citizenship awards or scholarships, and what you do to help others. Be prepared to prove any claims you make.

Enlist the help of a clergy member. Ask the clergy member to speak to the dealership on your behalf and to verify your circumstances.

Realize that dealerships don't often give new cars to individuals. However, if you're polite, persistent and demonstrate need, it could pay off.

Working with a Charity

Do some research to find charities in your area that are in the practice of supplying cars to those in need.

Contact the charities to find out how to apply and what criteria you must meet. Your specific circumstances may qualify you, for example, if you are a victim of domestic violence, trying to transition out of public housing, have medical needs or are the victim of a natural disaster. Be prepared to verify your circumstances and provide proof of income.

Ask your church for assistance. Your church may be able to put you in touch with a car-donation charity, or may even be able to put you in touch with a church member who has a car they would like to donate to a worthy individual.

Apply to as many car-donation charities as possible. This way, if one turns you down, you still have a chance with the others.

Working with an Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agency if you are looking for a car as a hole-in-one prize for a golf tournament. Ask about hole-in-one insurance. If your carrier does not offer it, chances are they can refer you to an insurance company that does.

Purchase hole-in-one insurance with a portion of the money raised from tournament entry fees, or some other area of the charity's budget designated for such expenses. Because holes in one very rarely occur, you can purchase a policy for pennies on the dollar compared to the cost of a new vehicle.

Award a trophy and certificate to any golfer who actually makes a hole in one during your charity tournament. The insurance company will step in and take care of paying for the vehicle.