Donate Your Vehicle to Help Veterans & Families in Need
Your vehicle donation funds critical programs for families in need, military members, veterans, and first responders.
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Since it was founded in 1994, the National Auto Body Council® has provided reliable transportation to more than 3,750 families and trained more than 7,000 first responders on advanced automotive rescue techniques nationwide. Through the NABC Changing and Saving Lives Foundation®, we continue to build upon these outreach initiatives to change and save lives every day. Now, by donating your car through the Changing and Saving Lives Foundation® Keys for Change vehicle donation program, you can help further our mission.
Your Car Donation Drives Nationwide Impact
Every vehicle donated funds the National Auto Body Council® programs that change and save lives every day.
Through NABC Recycled Rides®
Through NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication
(F.R.E.E.™) Program
How to Donate a Car to Charity:
Four Simple Steps
Simple for You, Life Changing For Others.
It’s Fast, Free, and Effortless To Make An Impact Today.
Ready to donate a car in Florida, Texas, California, New York, or anywhere in the continental United States? Keys for Change car donation program accepts vehicles in any condition, with FREE pick up and towing available nationwide. Running or not, every car can make a difference.
You will receive a tax deduction for your vehicle donation, and your car will directly fund life-changing programs for veterans, first responders, and families in need.
Your Vehicle Donation Funds These Programs
Proceeds from your vehicle donation support the National Auto Body Council® and Changing and Saving Lives Foundation® life-saving initiatives
NABC F.R.E.E.™ Program
The NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication(F.R.E.E.™) program trains first responders on rescue techniques to safely extract victims from damaged vehicles, saving lives in emergencies.
NABC Recycled Rides®
The NABC Recycled Rides® program provides refurbished vehicles to families in need, military members and veterans, helping them regain independence and stability.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Hear from donated vehicle recipients whose lives were transformed and first responders who learned life-saving skills.
Chanell Himes, NABC Recycled Rides® Recipient, nominated by Soldiers Angels
Vehicle donated by Allstate and refurbished by Shaheen Chevrolet. Presented at the BASF Performance Group meeting.
“Thank you for wrapping your arms around us when we needed it most. Your support of veterans like me goes far beyond words. The vehicle has lifted a weight off my shoulders and brought light to our path. I’m humbled by your kindness and advocacy. May you continue blessing others as you have blessed us.
With heartfelt thanks,
Chanell Himes, Veteran, USN, and Family”
Jeff Spinelli, Division Chief, Winter Park, FL Fire Department
NABC F.R.E.E.™ Program Participant
“My name is Jeff Spinelli. I’m the Division Chief of Safety and Training with the Winter Park Fire Department. Anytime we get to come out in a non-stressful environment and train on auto-extrication, it benefits the guys totally. The ability to use the tools on their apparatus in a non-stressful emergency scene, they’re allowed to practice, learn techniques, learn vehicle construction. And when they understand how the vehicles are made, it’s easier for them to deconstruct the vehicles, ultimately getting patients out.”
Heather Johnson, NABC Recycled Rides® Recipient, nominated by Family Promise of Coastal Alabama
Vehicle donated by GEICO and refurbished by Joe Hudson Collision
“Dear Recycled Rides Program Team,
Words cannot fully express how grateful we are for the incredible gift you have given our family. Receiving this vehicle has truly been life-changing, and we are beyond thankful for your generosity, kindness, and hard work in making this possible.”
Heather Johnson, NABC Recycled Rides® Recipient, nominated by Family Promise of Coastal Alabama
Vehicle donated by GEICO and refurbished by Joe Hudson Collision
“Dear Recycled Rides Program Team,
Words cannot fully express how grateful we are for the incredible gift you have given our family. Receiving this vehicle has truly been life-changing, and we are beyond thankful for your generosity, kindness, and hard work in making this possible.”
Having reliable transportation means the world to us. It allows us to get to work, take our children to school and activities, and handle everyday necessities without the stress and uncertainty we previously faced. Your program has not only provided us with a car it has given us independence, stability, and peace of mind.
We also want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who played a role in making this possible, from the donors to the mechanics and volunteers who put their time and effort into ensuring the car is safe and ready for us. Your dedication to helping families like ours is truly inspiring, and we feel so blessed to be part of this wonderful program.
Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. We will cherish this gift and use it to build a brighter future for our family.
With deepest gratitude,
Heather Johnson”
Julian Mcnow, High Point, NC Fire Department
NABC F.R.E.E.™ Program Participant
“Hey, I’m Julian Mcnow with the High Point Fire Department in North Carolina. Today, I came out here, including the six others out here today, doing some education training to learn a little bit more about some of the newer cars. We got to see the crash test which is something that’s pretty unique to us. Like I said, we got our hands on some new tools, some tools that we use every day and we just got to do some good training out here today for our practice and hopefully something we’ll take back to our department and share with everybody else.”
Answers to Your Vehicle Donation Questions
What types of vehicles can I donate to Changing and Saving Lives Foundation®?
Changing and Saving Lives Foundation® gratefully accept almost all car donations. Changing and Saving Lives Foundation® also accept donated trucks, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, trailers and recreational vehicles. Boats and planes may require a call to see if they meet minimum criteria.
Can I donate a car that isn’t running?
Your vehicle does not have to be running, but it must be whole and have four inflated tires so it can be moved by our towing operators. You will be asked to explain the condition of the vehicle. In rare cases, Changing and Saving Lives Foundation® is unable to accept a vehicle donation when the costs of transport and processing fees exceed the auction value of the vehicle.
How long will it take Changing and Saving Lives Foundation® to pick up my vehicle donation?
All vehicle donations are processed as quickly as possible. Typically, Changing and Saving Lives Foundation® will pick up your vehicle within 2 or 3 days after the title is received by our processing center in Rhode Island. You can speed up the process by downloading documents online. Special arrangements can be made whenever car donations must be made quickly.
Answers to Vehicle Donation Documents, Registration, and Title Questions
How do I transfer my title to Changing and Saving Lives Foundation®?
In general, when selling or donating a vehicle you must complete the section of the title labeled “assignment of title by owner” or “transfer of ownership by seller”. There are typically one or more sections of the title dedicated to dealer reassignments which should be left blank.
In the “assignment of title by owner” or similar section, any fields that require information about the seller/owner/transferor are asking for information about you. When the title asks for the sellers name you would either print or sign your name exactly as it appears on the title where you are listed as the owner. Most states require that all owners listed on the title must print and sign their name when transferring ownership.
Any fields that require information about a buyer/purchaser/transferee are asking for information about the person you are selling or donating the vehicle to. This section should never, under any circumstances, be left completely blank as this can lead to abuses and liability for you.
What documents do I need to donate a car to Changing and Saving Lives Foundation®?
Our Car Donation Wizard will tell you what is required in your state. Most states require that you have a clear title to the vehicle; some states also require a notarized signature to complete a donation. If you cannot locate or have lost the certificate of title, Changing and Saving Lives Foundation® can help you obtain the proper documentation.
What if the vehicle isn’t registered in my name?
The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name. The name on the title and the name on registration documents often differ. Contact our processing center at 1-888-350-5397 for more information.
How do I know my title is a clear, transferable title?
- The title must be in your name, with no cross outs or errors.
- All liens must be released, if there is a lien listed on your title, it must be signed off on the title, or provide a separate lien release document.
- You must sign as the seller per our title instructions (which will be listed on the thank you page after you complete your vehicle donation or e-mailed to you if you donated a car over the phone)
My name has changed since the car has been titled. How do I sign?
You must sign the title as it is shown on the front of the title. If you do not, the title will be void and you may need a correction form or duplicate title.
My title is signed over to someone else. Can I cross it off and write in Advanced Remarketing Services? Or use the next section?
No, if you do this, your title will become void. Please contact us at 1-888-350-5397 and we will happily provide you the documents necessary to complete your car donation.
There are 2 people listed on the title, do both of us need to sign?
Yes. If there are 2 owners listed on the front of a title, the majority of the time, both people will need to sign as seller. If there is an ‘or’ in between the names, only 1 signature is required.
The title is in a deceased person’s name. How do I complete the transfer of title?
Different states require different paperwork. Usually this involves a copy of the death certificate, executor rights paperwork, and the signed title. Please call us to confirm what is needed in your state.
More questions?
Feel free to call us at 1-888-350-5397.
Answers About Car Donation Proceeds and Deductions
How much of the money generated by the sale of my vehicle goes back to Changing and Saving Lives Foundation®?
Donating a vehicle to charity can be a confusing decision. Many charity car donation programs promise to help the charities, but are run by third party processors that return very little to the non-profit. With most vehicle donation programs, the charity typically receives between 15 and 35% of the gross selling price to fund their charitable mission. The rest is consumed by third party ‘fees’. Car Donation Wizard consistently delivers between 75 and 80% of the gross selling price for car donations back to Changing and Saving Lives Foundation®. We take our responsibility to bring the highest return back to the organization very seriously, and we are proud to run the most efficient vehicle donation program in the country. View our car donation tips for more info on how to maximize your charitable contribution.
What are the tax benefits of donating my vehicle to Changing and Saving Lives Foundation®?
If you itemize deductions on your income tax return, it may be possible to claim a tax deduction for your charitable car donation. In general, donors who itemize their taxes may deduct the fair market value of any donated car up to $499. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you may deduct the full selling price. For more information, please visit our Tax Questions section.
How do I know my vehicle is in good hands once it’s been picked up?
Changing and Saving Lives Foundation® uses a fully licensed and insured national transportation network that complies with all federal and state regulations. By signing the title directly to Advanced Remarketing Services, Changing and Saving Lives Foundation®’s authorized agent, you are legally transferring ownership of your vehicle. When your title is received and your vehicle is picked up, you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.