Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of donating my vehicle to DAV?
It’s easy, fun, free and secure! We convert the car into cash, which becomes a welcome donation to DAV. Your gift qualifies for a tax deduction, and you avoid the cost and hassle of repairing or selling a car you no longer want.
Do you accept all vehicles?
All vehicles are considered. We strive to accept any vehicle – cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats, airplanes, heavy equipment, farm machinery, and most other motorized vehicles – anywhere, running or not. Call us toll free at 833-CAR-4DAV (833-227-4328) seven days a week or submit a form online to find out if we can accept your vehicle.
My car doesn’t run or hasn’t been used in years. Can I still donate it?
Yes! We can accept most vehicles, running or not. However, it must be in one piece, have an engine, be tow truck accessible and towable. No smog certificate is necessary. To find out if we can accept your vehicle, please complete our secure online donation form or call us toll-free at 833-CAR-4DAV (833-227-4328) seven days a week during regular hours of operation.
What do I need to donate my vehicle?
In most states, you will need the clear title to the vehicle— but if you do not have it, or have problems with your title, please call us anyway. It is possible that other arrangements may be made. Any lien holder listed on the title must be cleared and or released by the bank. Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Division in your state for clear instructions. We are also available seven days a week during regular hours of operation. Please call us toll-free at 833-CAR-4DAV (833-227-4328).
Are there any costs?
No. There is no cost to the donor. All expenses are deducted from the gross sales price, and if the costs ever exceed the price, those costs are covered.
How quickly can I have my vehicle picked up?
In most cases, once the donation record has been created, we can schedule the vehicle to be picked up on the initial call. In other cases, we will contact you within two to three business days to schedule a convenient appointment time with one of our preferred vendors. If you need your car picked up sooner, please let one of our vehicle donor support representatives know during your initial call. We will do our best to accommodate your time frame.
How long is the entire process from the pick-up to when DAV receives its funds?
We have multiple sales outlets and work hard to find the best buyer for each vehicle. The entire sale process may take up to 4-12 weeks. The net cash proceeds from your generous vehicle donation are sent to DAV within 5 business days upon the receipt of the sale proceeds from CARS auction or direct buyer providers.
What will happen to my car?
Donated vehicles are sold through the used-car markets and provide crucial funding for DAV programs. We work with a very large network of nationwide and independent suppliers, as well as analyze vendor pricing and performance on a regular basis to improve the process, ensure the best possible return, and maximize the donor’s tax benefit. For unique or specialty items that have been donated, we may use other means to sell the vehicle to help ensure the maximum funds are received for each donation.
How do I check on the status of my car or get other answers?
We are available seven days a week. Please call 833-CAR-4DAV (833-227-4328) or email
[email protected] to get the answers to your questions.
Hours of Operation:
8:00am – 10:00pm (EST), Mon – Fri
9:00am – 8:00pm (EST), Saturday
11:00am – 7:30pm (EST), Sunday
How much money goes to DAV?
The amount of money DAV receives will depend on the age and condition of the vehicle. The actual costs of towing, title transfer and handling will be deducted with the net proceeds being sent to DAV.
Who operates the DAV Vehicle Donation Program?
CARS, Inc. (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) runs the DAV Vehicle Donation Program. CARS is an ISO 9001 certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Diego that operates under the governance of an independent board of directors and specializes in vehicle donation services for other nonprofits. CARS follows governmental compliance with all IRS and state regulations concerning vehicle donation programs, fundraising registrations, and charitable receipting requirements throughout all 50 states and Canada, as required. CARS has also maintained an A+ Better Business Bureau rating for over 10 years.
