Learn How to Donate a Non-Operational Car

donate non operational car

Can I donate a car that doesn’t run?

Absolutely! Kars4Kids takes almost all vehicle donations, regardless of condition.

We use the same procedure as for running cars

  • We pick up the car for free, no matter where it is
  • You get your maximum tax deduction
  • Your free vacation voucher
  • and the satisfaction of helping and empowering children across the USA through our various charity programs.

How to donate a non-running car?

The process is simple.

All you have to do:

  • Call us up at 877-Kars4Kids – that’s 1.877.527.7454 – or fill out a form online
  • Within 24 hours we’ll call you to arrange a fast, free pickup
  • As soon as the car sells, you’ll get a tax receipt in your email (you can also get a hard copy mailed to you) which will provide all necessary documentation you’ll need to file for tax deduction

Should I donate a car if it
doesn't run?

Our team of experts assesses each donation to determine how to get the most value from it.

Often, with cars that don’t run, we recycle them or sell them off for spare parts.

Choosing to donate a car that doesn’t run versus trying to fix it or sell it is typically less stressful and more beneficial.

It’s often very expensive to repair a car, and sometimes the problem is one that can’t be fixed satisfactorily.

Repairing a car that's not running VS donating it

A blown motor or a failed transmission could cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to replace.

Is selling a non-drivable car a better option than donating?

Selling can incur a lot of work, both manual and paper and you’ll still have the cost of towing the car away.

Towing price one can expect to pay for a non-operational car

Additionally, there are hidden fees and scams one could fall prey to- ones that can range from $10 to $300.

Value of a non-drivable car donation

Avg. value of a car that doesn't drive

The value is depending on several factors such as weight, year, condition, and damage.

Other ways to get rid of cars that don’t run

There are several places that take non-operational cars, junkyards included, but many find it easier to donate simply because the charitable organization will usually cover the towing and other expenses.

Also, aside from the obvious benefit of helping those that the charity aids, many organizations offer incentives for car donations.

Comparison chart of donating a non-running car VS other ways of getting rid to it
Click image to see full view

Donate a non-running car for a
tax deduction

If your non-operational car that doesn’t run sells for less than $500, you can deduct the fair market value, up to $500.

If it sells for more than $500, you can claim the full sale price as your tax deduction (as an IRS-recognized national nonprofit, all donations to Kars4Kids are fully tax-deductible).

Additionally, Kars4Kids offers a free vacation voucher for a three-day, two-night hotel stay with each donation.

Donating a non-operational car without a title

Kars4Kids can usually pick up a vehicle without a title.

We’ll either register for a new one, at no cost to you, or we’ll simply ask you to sign some paperwork for us.

Please visit our car donation title transfer page for more info.

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