So, your old ride is getting tired. The latest estimate for repairs is just more than you want to put into it, so you decide it’s just time to get a new car. It doesn’t matter if you decide to buy a brand-new one or go with a used one; you have some decisions to make when it comes to getting rid of your old vehicle. One of your options is looking into car donations. But how does it all work? Is it better to donate it or should you try to sell it? Here’s a look at why you should donate your old car.

It Feels Good to Help Others

Yes, there are some financial benefits that we will get into, but donating your old car instead of selling it means you are helping people that need it. There are many charitable organizations that take car donations, and they will take almost anything, even if it’s not in perfect working order. Even if your old car might be hard to sell, it will be easy to donate.
Who benefits from your donated car? You have lots of charities that will take it. It could go to an organization that helps veterans, Habitat for Humanity, Canine Companions, or the Ronald McDonald House Charities, just to name a few.

The Financial Benefits

In many cases you’ll be eligible for tax benefits when you make a donation to a charity, even if it’s your car. If your old car is worth less than $500 you can claim the fair market value of it up to the $500 on your next tax return. If it’s worth more than $500, you can claim the amount of the sales price. What’s even better, is depending on the charity, the paperwork will be taken care of for you. You don’t have to worry about finding a purchase and sales agreement and filling it out, and the charitable organization will even process the title and mail you your documents and a receipt, so you don’t have to worry about any of it.

They Will Come Get it!

Do you have an old car that’s not running and taking up space in your garage or driveway? Many charitable organizations will come to get it. How does free towing sound? It doesn’t matter where you live or where it’s parked, you can just sit back while they come and take it away. Not only will your old car be used to fund programs that will benefit others, you won’t have to pay to have it hauled off to the salvage or junk yard.

Is Car Donation Right for You?

So, why choose car donations over selling your old car? You get to help people! And it doesn’t take much to do it. All you have to do is make a phone call, and then the organization will take it from there. Just make sure the car does not have a lien, and if you have the title, it’s even easier.