Frequently Asked Questions
General
Absolutely! You can donate almost any car, even if it doesn’t run, to our charity. If your vehicle has been out of commission for a while, simply fill out an online form, and we’ll arrange a free pickup.
Donating a car to CarMello—whether it’s running or not—is an easy and stress-free way to get rid of your unwanted vehicle. Most donated cars are recycled, and even if your car doesn’t run, you can still benefit from a tax deduction. Plus, the proceeds from the sale of your vehicle go directly to support high-rated charities and their programs.
We gladly accept car donations, RVs, trucks, boats, trailers, motorcycles, jet skis, vans, buses, and snowmobiles. Essentially, we can accept most vehicles!
Once your car is donated, we’ll evaluate it to determine the best way to sell it for maximum value. The proceeds from the sale will go toward supporting the charities backed by CarMello, and you’ll receive a tax-deductible receipt for the sale amount.
No, there are no charges at all. Donation processing and pickup are completely free.
We currently offer car pickups throughout the New York Metro area, with plans to expand nationally in the near future.
Yes, you can generally donate a car that belonged to someone who has passed away, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the donation is processed properly.
- Proof of Ownership: You’ll need documentation showing that you have the legal right to transfer ownership of the car. This typically means you must be the legal heir or executor of the deceased person’s estate.
- Death Certificate: A copy of the death certificate will likely be required to establish the rightful transfer of ownership.
- Transfer of Title: You’ll need to handle the paperwork to transfer the title of the car. This may require you to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent authority in your area to properly complete the transfer.
- Clearance of Liens: If there’s an outstanding loan or lien on the car, the lien would need to be cleared before the donation can proceed.
- Donation Process: Once the title has been transferred to your name, you can donate the car to a charity, which may involve providing them with the title, proof of transfer, and any other required documentation.
If you’re unsure about any specific legal requirements in your jurisdiction, it may be helpful to consult with a legal professional or the DMV to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Donating your vehicle offers several advantages:
- Hassle-Free Pickup: Enjoy a quick and convenient vehicle pickup handled by professionals.
- Maximized Tax Deduction: Take advantage of a generous tax deduction for your donation.
- Support Trusted Charities: Know that your donation goes to highly-rated, reputable charities across the country.
Pickup
No, you don’t need to be there! Just be sure to remove all personal items from the vehicle and leave the keys and title in the glove compartment.
At the time of pickup, you’ll receive a temporary receipt from the towing company. This receipt will include all your car’s details, along with our name and contact number. Once the vehicle is picked up, simply notify us, and we’ll mail your official tax-deductible receipt.
We can typically arrange for your car to be picked up as quickly as needed. A local towing company will contact you within 24 hours of your request to schedule a pickup. Pickup is usually scheduled within one to two days, but if you need it sooner, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
CarMello works with a network of licensed, bonded, and insured towing agencies across the U.S. These professionals will handle the pickup of your car. You’ll be contacted to arrange a time that works for you, and the pickup will be completely free of charge.
Yes! We can pick up your car from virtually anywhere—whether it’s at a mechanic’s shop, the roadside, or even in a different state.
Tax Deduction
The tax deduction you can claim depends on the sale price or the value of your vehicle. The IRS provides two options for determining the deduction:
- If your car sells for less than $500: You can claim the fair market value of the vehicle, up to $500.
- If your car sells for more than $500: You can claim the amount your vehicle is sold for by the charity.
Our team of experts evaluates each vehicle to maximize its sale price. We consider various factors like the car’s year, make, model, mileage, and current market conditions. It’s in both our interests to sell your car for the highest possible value to ensure you receive the maximum tax benefit.
You can expect to receive your official tax-deductible receipt in the mail within 3-6 weeks after your car is donated. A temporary receipt will be provided to you at the time of pickup for your records.
Plates & Titles
Once the towing company arrives to pick up your car, you should remove the license plates. Be sure to return them to your local DMV to officially cancel the registration.
When signing over your car’s title, it’s important to print and sign your name exactly as it appears on the title under the “Seller” section. Any discrepancies or errors in your signature could delay the donation process or cause issues with transferring ownership, so double-check that everything matches the official title information.
Yes, in most cases, we can still pick up a vehicle without a title. You’ll just need to have the registered owner sign some additional paperwork to authorize the donation and transfer of ownership. If you’re unsure about the process, feel free to contact us, and we’ll guide you through the necessary steps.
