About the Vehicle Donation Program
- Making a Vehicle Donation is Quick and Secure
- To get started, simply fill out the online form above or call 1-855-92 RC CAR (855-927-2227).
- Our partners will pick up your vehicle at a time that works for you – at no cost to you.
- We’ll send you a tax receipt and acknowledgement for your generous donation.
- Our partners will sell your vehicle and the proceeds will support the mission of the American Red Cross.
What We Accept
Our partner, CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, can accept vehicles in almost any condition, whether they can be driven or not, in all 50 states. We accept many types of vehicle donations, including cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, boats, motorcycles, RVs, snowmobiles, jet skis, heavy equipment, farm equipment, tractors and more.
Your Car Donation Helps
Your car donation to the American Red Cross enables the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Donating your car is a free service to you, and another great way to help us help others.
Frequently Asked Vehicle Donation Questions
How does the vehicle donation process work?
Making a vehicle donation is easy for donors. From start to finish, the process averages about 30 days. There are three simple steps:
- Contact the Red Cross’ partner IAA using the online form above or thedonation line at 1-855-92RC CAR (1-855-927-2227).
- One of our partner tow companies will pick up your vehicle at the most convenient time and location for you – at no cost to you.
- You will receive a tax acknowledgement letter and the vehicle will be sold to provide support for the American Red Cross.
Why donate your vehicle to the American Red Cross?
As a donor, the program provides a cost-free way to dispose of your unwanted vehicle while getting a tax deduction. As a supporter, your donation to the Red Cross Vehicle Donation Program enables the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Donating your vehicle is another great way to help us help others.
What is the Red Cross National Vehicle Donation Program?
The Red Cross Vehicle Donation Program provides another way for you to easily donate to the Red Cross. It also offers a tax-deductible way to dispose of unwanted vehicles in almost any condition. The program is available in all 50 states. It is not available in other countries served by the Red Cross. Regardless of the condition or location, the Red Cross vendor, CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services), will work directly with you to arrange to pick up your vehicle at no cost to you, at a time convenient for you. We will provide the documentation you need for tax purposes and sell the vehicle for funds for the Red Cross. Revenue generated through the program enables the Red Cross to carry out its humanitarian mission locally, nationally and around the world.
What kind of vehicles can be accepted through the program?
The Red Cross Vehicle Donation Program can accept vehicles in almost any condition, in all 50 states. We accept many types of vehicles, including car donations, trucks of all sizes, SUVs, RVs, boats, motorcycles, snowmobiles, jet skis, tractors, farm equipment and other heavy equipment, and more.
What happens after my vehicle is picked up?
You will receive an acknowledgement letter that can be used as a vehicle donation tax receipt for tax deduction purposes. Generally within 30 days, your vehicle will be sold through one of our partner auction sites on behalf of the Red Cross. Once sold, additional tax documents may be provided when required by IRS regulations as a result of the sale value of the vehicle. Revenue from the sale is sent directly to the Red Cross to support our mission.
Are there cases where vehicles are rejected?
We can accept most vehicles, running or not. However, it must be in one piece, have an engine, and be tow truck accessible. To find out if we can accept your vehicle, call 1-855-92 RC CAR (855-927-2227). Our Donor Support Team is available seven days a week during regular hours of operation.
My family member died and I would like to donate their vehicle, but my name is not on the title. Can I proceed with donating the vehicle to the American Red Cross?
If you are the executor of your family member’s estate, we would be happy to work with you to accept the donation. Only the executor of the deceased person’s estate can donate the vehicle to charity. Usually, the executor of one’s estate is determined by the deceased person’s will. If no executor has been appointed–perhaps because there was no will or because the vehicle is the only asset left behind–you will need to contact an attorney to start the process of having an executor appointed by the state. Once an executor is officially appointed, a legal document will be issued confirming that you have the legal ability to act on behalf of the deceased person. Once you have received this document, please give us a call to start the process. Our customer service representatives will let you know if any further paperwork is needed per state requirements.
Who is CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services)?
The Red Cross partners with CARS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit because of its ability to provide consistent returns and services across the majority of the area served by the Red Cross. CARS handles the entire vehicle donation process on behalf of the Red Cross, from the initial call or online inquiry to providing the donor services once your vehicle is sold.
https://www.redcross.org/donations/ways-to-donate/car-donations.html
