Do you have a car you no longer drive taking up space in your garage or driveway?
You can help defend science—and potentially get a break on your taxes—by donating your car to the Union of Concerned Scientists!
UCS has partnered with CARS, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, to make it simple and hassle-free to donate your car. CARS will do all the work: from picking up your car for free to sending you the necessary tax documents from its sale.
What’s in it for you?
- Donating is easy and the pick-up is free
- Potentially reduce your taxable income: vehicle donations are tax-deductible
- Skip the costs and hassles associated with selling a car (like paying for insurance and repairs while you wait for a buyer)
- Free up space, stop paying for parking
- Support UCS and our crucial work fighting attacks on science
To start the process, fill out this form, or call 855-500-RIDE (7433).
You can find more information about the vehicle donation process at CARS Frequently Asked Questions.
What kind of vehicles will CARS accept?
All vehicles are considered! CARS strives to accept all types of donated vehicles (running or not) including cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RVs, motorcycles, campers, off-road vehicles, planes, heavy equipment, farm machinery, and most other motorized vehicles. To find out if CARS can accept your vehicle, please complete their secure online vehicle donation form, or call toll-free at 855-500-RIDE (7433) during business hours.
Is it really free?
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 by CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services).
What happens to my car?
Once you have provided CARS with all necessary information via the online vehicle donation form or over the phone with one of their Vehicle Donor Support Representatives, CARS will arrange to have a licensed tow company pick up your vehicle at a time convenient for you. The vehicle will be picked up and taken to one of CARS’ many sale locations where it will be sold—all at no cost to you.
How long does this process take?
The entire sale process can take approximately four to 12 weeks. The net cash proceeds from your generous vehicle donation are sent to your selected nonprofit within five business days upon receipt of the sale proceeds from CARS auction or direct buy vendors.
How fast can someone come get my car?
In many cases, CARS can arrange to have the vehicle picked up on your initial call. In other cases, within two to three business days, the tow vendor representative for your donation will be calling/texting and/or emailing you using the information you provided on the donation form to schedule a convenient appointment time for your vehicle to be picked up. If you need your car picked up sooner, please let a CARS Vehicle Donor Support Representative know during your initial call. They will do their best to accommodate your time frame.
Start the process today! Just fill out this form, or call 855-500-RIDE (7433).