Tips & News

How Does Car Donation Work?

Are you thinking about getting rid of your old car? Instead of dealing with the hassle of selling it or figuring out how to dispose of it, why not consider donating it? Car donation is not only a convenient way to get rid of your unwanted vehicle, but it can also benefit a cause you care about. If you're a fan of public radio or want to support a charitable organization, donating your car can be a win-win situation.

Why Donate Your Car to Public Radio?

Public radio stations rely on donations from listeners and supporters to fund their programs and keep them on the air. By donating your car, you can contribute to the continued operation and programming of your favorite public radio station. Whether it's the news, music, or educational content that you enjoy, your car donation can make a difference in sustaining the quality and availability of these programs. Additionally, car donations to public radio stations are often tax-deductible, providing you with a potential financial benefit as well. It’s win, win, win.

Step 1: Submitting Your Details

To start the car donation process, you just need to fill out a form with basic information about yourself and your vehicle. You can either do that on our website, or give us a call and we’ll help you through it. We’ll ask for info on the make, model, year, mileage, and condition of your car. Ideally you’ll share some pictures too, to help us start your donation. Rest assured that the information you provide will be treated with confidentiality and used solely for the purpose of processing your donation.

Step 2: Arranging a Pick Up

Once you've submitted your details, we will arrange the collection of your vehicle. A licensed towing agent will contact you within 2-3 business days to schedule a pick up time.

This means you don't have to worry about transporting the vehicle yourself or dealing with any logistical challenges. The towing service will be scheduled at a time that works best for you, ensuring a smooth and efficient collection process. It's important to note that the cost of the towing service is not on you, and is covered as part of the donation.

Step 3: Receiving a Receipt

After your car has been collected and found its new home, you will receive a receipt acknowledging your donation. This receipt is an essential document for tax purposes, as it serves as proof of your charitable contribution. The receipt will typically include important details such as the name of the organization, the date of the donation, and a description of the vehicle. Keep this receipt in a safe place, as you will need it when filing your taxes. You should be eligible for a deduction based on the fair market value of your donated car, which is why you won’t get the receipt until we’ve sold the car for your station.

It really is that simple, and we’re here to help as much or as little as you need. Ready to start your NPR car donation? Go online or call us at 877-215-0227.

Filed under: Donations

Further Reading

  • Golden Wrench's Best Car Donation 2022

    Introducing Golden Wrench's Best Car Donation of 2022

    With 2022 coming to a close, we wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of our generous donors who help us continue making the programs you love possible. As we look towards 2023, we wanted to take a second to reflect on some of the best car donations of the year.

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    What To Do With An Old Car

    If you’re looking to get rid of an old car, you’ve got a whole host of different options.

  • Tax Deduction for Car Donation

    Can I Receive a Tax Break By Donating a Car?

    The Car Talk Vehicle Donation Program wants to make sure that you have the information needed to have a great car donation experience. We know you’re probably wondering how you can receive a tax break for your car donation. So, we’ve sat down with Kelly Furtado, General Manager of Advanced Remarketing Services, and asked her all your tax questions.

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    What Do You Need To Donate A Car?

    Find out exactly what you need to donate your car, and all of the benefits that come with it from Car Talk.

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    How to Transfer Your Car Title for Donation

    So you’ve decided to donate your car to your favorite public radio station? Great! Let us walk you through the Title Transfer Process.