Donate Your Car

Donate a vehicle

Is your old heap ready to go? It has been good to you, so why not let it do one more good thing? Support the programming you love by donating your vehicle to WBUR. Our partner, CARS, Inc., will handle all the details. Learn more about safety precautions during COVID-19, click here. 

1. Call Toll Free 1-855-WBUR-CAR (928-7227) and speak to one of our vehicle donation specialists. Or, click here and complete our online car donation form.

2. You will be contacted to schedule a convenient time to pick up your vehicle.

3. After your car is sold, you will receive a tax receipt for the value of your donation, and thanks from all of us at WBUR!

How much of my donation goes to WBUR?

WBUR gets at least 80% of the net proceeds from our donation partner, CARS. We’re also happy to tell you how much of your specific car’s sale price will go towards WBUR. Call CARS at 855-928-7227 and ask for a supervisor.

What are the benefits of donating my vehicle?

It's simple, fun and free. We convert the car into cash, which becomes a welcome donation to WBUR, and you may be entitled to a tax deduction. We accept all types of vehicles nationwide. Avoid the cost and hassle of repairing or selling a car you no longer want.

What can I donate?

We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV's, motorcycles, off road vehicles, heavy equipment and most other motorized vehicles. We are able to accept most vehicles running or not. Exceptions include older vehicles whose value would not offset the cost of towing. Most vehicles need to be intact and in towable condition. If you have any questions about what you can donate, please call us toll-free at 855-WBUR-CAR or 855-928-7227 seven days a week.

How will the car be picked up?

We will arrange to have your vehicle towed away at a scheduled time convenient for you. The vehicle will be picked up by a licensed tow company at no cost to you and will be taken to our sale location.

How long will it take to pick up my car?

We will contact you to schedule an appointment within two to three business days. If you need your car picked up sooner, please call us so we may try to make those arrangements as well.

How much will my tax write-off be?

The amount that is tax deductible is the sale price of the vehicle. The value of your vehicle is determined by the gross proceeds raised from the sale of the donated vehicle. You no longer have the burden of determining the value yourself. Before filing your tax write-offs, please visit the IRS Publication 526 which sets forth the manner in which the IRS requires you to determine the value of your donated property.

Will I get a tax receipt for my donation?

Yes, our driver will issue a receipt at the time of pick-up. This is not your final tax receipt unless the sale of your vehicle does not exceed $500. This initial acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model and condition of the car you are donating. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500. An IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your car, provided your vehicle sold for more than $500. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.

What type of paperwork will I need to donate my car?

You will need a clear title on the vehicle. Any lien holder listed on the title must be cleared and or released by the bank. This law varies by state. Please refer to the DMV in your state for clear instructions. If you do not have the title, please call us anyway. It is possible that other arrangements may be made.

Do I need a smog certificate in order to donate my car?

For states that require smog certificates or safety inspections, you may donate your vehicle without these documents.