How Do I Initiate a Car Donation for Charity

Many people are participating in car donation these days as opposed to selling or junking their old vehicles. Although it can be a tax deduction if you donate to a reputable entity, the real benefit comes from knowing that the sale of your car will provide food, shelter and medication to the underprivileged.

Although the vehicle donation process used to be quite tedious - with multiple phone calls, numerous forms to fill out and the fact that you had to drive your vehicle to the donation center - it is now much simpler. You can essentially complete the entire process in a matter of minutes...all you need is a computer and an internet connection.

There are a number of reputable sites online that take car donations for charity. A little research will help you find the one that's right for you. In most cases, you will have to fill out a brief form with information about yourself and your vehicle. If you would rather call up and speak with someone, you can do that too. Most of the better companies will have a live operator who can not only take your information, but provide more information about the program, including tax deductions, pickup arrangements and which charities the donations will go to upon the sale of your automobile.

Once you have submitted your vehicle donation information, you can make arrangements for pickup...as we mention above, you do not have to drive the car there yourself. This can usually be set up within a few days, and it can be picked up either at your home or at an agreed upon location. You also do not have to be present at the time. They make it very convenient and easy for you to donate your car to charity.

You do have the added benefit of a tax deduction for your car donation, which is usually up to $500, or more if the company is able to sell your auto for more money. Essentially, the deduction can be for the full price of the car, subject to a few restrictions.

Although car donations for charity usually go to a specific organization, in some cases you may be able to choose where the proceeds of the sale go. But as long as it goes to a reputable charity it's worth it.

So if you're thinking of getting rid of your old car, consider a charitable vehicle donation. Isn't knowing that the sale of your car helped feed or clothe someone in need more satisfying than a couple hundred extra dollars in your pocket? We think it is.

Learn more about car donation on our website, and discover how you can make a difference by donating your old vehicle to a worthy cause.

Sheldon Miller is an automotive expert and has been in the industry for many years. He is a regular contributor to Car Donations For Charity, a section of Car Buying Tips dedicated to donating used vehicles.