Vehicle Donation FAQ
What are the benefits of donating my vehicle to Michigan Public?
- You may be able to reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized.
- You can avoid the costs and hassle associated with selling your car.
- There is no loss of privacy or possible security risk from strangers coming to your house to examine your car.
- You will no longer need to pay for insurance or car repairs to keep your car in running condition while you wait for a buyer, and in some circumstances vehicle registration isn't required.
How much of a deduction will I get?
You are entitled to deduct the gross sale price of your vehicle, however, if the vehicle sells for less than $500, you can claim up to $500 of the Fair Market Value. Note, you can only claim a deduction for your car donation if you itemize your deductions.
What types of vehicles do you accept?
We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, RV's, motorcycles, off road vehicles and other motorized vehicles.
Does my car have to be running to donate it?
We can take your vehicle running or not. However, it must be in one piece, have an engine, and be towable. Contact a representative at 855-277-2346 to find out if your vehicle qualifies for pick-up.
How quickly can I get my vehicle picked up?
You will normally be contacted within 24 hours to start the donation process. Once the donation record has been created and completed, we will reach out to you within 2 to 3 business days to schedule your pick-up. If you need your vehicle picked up sooner, please call us toll-free at 855-277-2346 as we may be able to make those arrangements.
Do I need the title to donate my vehicle?
Yes, you will need the title to the vehicle. If you do not have it, it is possible that other arrangements can be made.
What do you do with donated vehicles?
Donated vehicles are evaluated to determine the market that will yield the best sale price. In most circumstances, we use auction houses to sell the donated vehicles. For unique or specialty items that have been donated, we may use other means to sell the vehicle to help ensure the maximum amount of money is received for each donation.
What does Michigan Public do with the money raised from my car donation?
Money raised from our vehicle donation program helps pay for the news and entertainment programming on Michigan Public. Contributions from listeners are the largest source of income for Michigan Public and help support both our daily news and long-term investigative reporting, as well as helping to pay our NPR program fees.