You have a car you want to get rid of—what should you do with it? You have a few options, ranging from selling it to having it junked. Another option is to donate your car. Donating is a wonderful way to get rid of vehicles you don’t want anymore and an even better way to give generously to your community. If a charity is on your radar, read these seven reasons you should donate your vehicle to charity to see if donating is the right route for you.
Are you still paying insurance for a car you rarely use? Are you shelling out hundreds each year to have it stored away from home? Do you make frequent repairs in the hope your ancient wagon will magically spring back to life? Close up that hole in your wallet by donating your car and getting it out of your hair. This ensures no more insurance payments, storage fees, or bills from the mechanic, giving you extra money to spend on things that really matter, like your family or a favorite hobby.
Old, unused cars are a waste of money and a waste of space. Imagine what you could do with the extra room in your carport, driveway, or garage once that clunker is gone! You’ll have more room to park your other cars. You’ll also have more room to store holiday decor and other knickknacks. You could even transform your newly empty garage into a hobby room or cave. So many possibilities!
Of course, people mainly want to donate their cars to make a difference in their community and the world. You might not be using your car, but think of what a charity could do with it.
With a bit of TLC, they could convert your old van into a soup kitchen on wheels or create a trusty transport method for a family in need. Alternatively, a charity could sell your car at auction for money they can use to provide food, housing, medical care, and other necessities to those who need them. If you see a need in your community and want to help fill it, donating your car is one way you can make a difference.
In most cases, you can deduct your vehicle donation from your taxes. You can get rid of your car, help your community, and get a tax break—what a deal! That said, there are caveats; you might not be able to do this if you elect the new higher standard deduction, and in some cases, you’re limited to a $500 tax deduction max. It’s always best to consult with a tax pro before donating your car for a tax break.
Another reason you should donate your vehicle to charity is that donating can make you feel good about yourself. This may seem like a conceited reason to donate, but when you do something good, you deserve to feel good about it! The act of giving encourages our brains to release endorphins and oxytocin, feel-good chemicals that, well, make you feel good!
Donating your car doesn’t just benefit others: it also benefits you by promoting positive feelings and improving your physical and mental wellness. If you could use a pick-me-up and just so happen to have a car you want to get rid of, donating it could be the temporary boost of joy and relief you need. Plus, a sense of pride isn’t a bad thing when you’re proud of doing something for the greater good!
One thing that might give you pause about donating your vehicle is actually getting it to the charity location. This can pose a significant challenge if the vehicle isn’t in the best condition, after all. Luckily, most charities will send someone to tow away your car for free. There’s no need to pay extra to have your car towed across the country. However, it’s crucial to note that many charities will deduct the price of towing from the value of your car. If you plan to write your donation off on your taxes, keep this in mind!
Sure, you could always sell your car instead, but selling your car can be hard. If you want to sell to another person, you’ll need to take pictures, post ads, wait for responses, schedule viewings, and come up with a payment plan. If you sell to a business, expect questionnaires galore. Comparatively, donating your car to charity is a walk in the park. Most charities will handle the paperwork for you. The process requires very minimal work on your end, which is great if you’re busy and don’t have the time to get rid of your car by other means.
Donating your car is a great move that benefits you, your community, and the world. That said, directly donating your car isn’t always possible. Not all cars are in good enough condition for donation, and not all charities accept vehicle donations. It’s important to donate items, including vehicles, in a way that makes the greatest impact without putting an undue burden on the organizations making a difference. What can you do with your vehicle instead?
Take away the hassle and make giving to charity simple. Sell your car and give the cash you make directly to your favorite foundation or organization instead. It’s the easier, most convenient option for everyone involved. At Junkyard Near Me, we buy junk cars for charity. Our goal is to make selling your car to your local junkyard as stress-free as possible. Avoid excessive paperwork, lemon laws, and hidden fees and simply get cash for your car.
Answer three questions about your car, and we’ll give you a quote. Our partners can pick up your car and pay you as early as the same day. Once you get your cash, you can make a monetary donation to your charity of choice right away. Just fill out the form on our home page to begin!
