Vehicle Donations
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to get the vehicle picked up?
Under normal circumstances, we can have the vehicle picked up within 1 to 2 days. You will be notified by the towing company as to the day they will pick up the vehicle.
2. What happens to my vehicle?
Your vehicle is sold at auction. The net proceeds help in funding the services we provide in our communities.
3. How is the value determined?
Effective January 1, 2005, a new law governing vehicle donations changed the rules for tax deductions of contributions of used motor vehicles, boats and airplanes. When donating your vehicle to Volunteers of America North Alabama, Inc., you will no longer be allowed to deduct the Fair Market Value of the vehicle. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, you will be allowed to deduct the actual price for which the vehicle sold. If the vehicle sells for less than $500, you will be able to use up to $500 of the Fair Market Value as the basis for your donation.
4. Why do you tow a vehicle if it is drivable and is there a cost for associated with the towing?
To insure the safety of our employees and agents, we do not drive the vehicles. Qualified vehicles will be towed at no charge to the donor. However, a tax deductible cash donation to help defray the expense of towing certain vehicles is appreciated.
5. Can I donate my vehicle is it is not in running condition?
The vehicle does not have to be in running condition, but the vehicle does have to be intact.
6. What if I do not have the title?
In the State of Alabama, all vehicles from 1975 through present have been issued certificates of title. If you have lost your title, you will need to file for a replacement copy. You can do this through your local tag office or you may print the replacement copy application for the State of Alabama and apply through the mail. Vehicles with titles from other states must follow that state’s procedures for replacement copies.
7. What if the vehicle is older than 1975?
You will need to execute a document similar to a bill of sale stating you are donating the vehicle to Volunteers of America.
8. What do I do with my tag? If I have military stickers, what do I do with them?
In the State of Alabama, the tag stays with the owner. You will need to remove the tag prior to our picking up the vehicle. You may contact your local tag office to let them know that you no longer own the vehicle. If you have any military stickers on the vehicle, you will need to remove them. In most cases, you must turn those stickers in before you will be issued a sticker for another vehicle.
9. Can I drop the car off somewhere?
Yes, we can make arrangements for you to drop the vehicle at one of our locations. To minimize your time at our office, please call ahead. For your convenience, we will generate your paperwork and have it waiting for you.
10. Do I have to be at home when the vehicle is picked up?
No, unless the vehicle is locked in a garage or back yard. You can fill out the information on the title and put it and the keys in an envelope and place it in the glove compartment of your unlocked vehicle. The towing service will leave the temporary receipt/release of liability in your mailbox.
11. If I would like to be at home, can I request a certain time to have the vehicle picked up?
With a few days notice, we can certainly try to accommodate time requests. However, we cannot promise an exact time, we can only give you a window of time.
12. What if the vehicle is at a garage?
We will pick the vehicle up from a garage as long as all bills associated with the garage visit have been paid. We will need the name, address, phone number and contact name for the person who has been given permission to release the vehicle to us. You will need to place the title and keys in an envelope and leave them with the vehicle. In this case, your temporary receipt/release of liability will be mailed or faxed to you.
13. When will I get my receipt?
A temporary receipt/release of liability will be left when we pick up the vehicle. Within days after the sale of the vehicle, we will issue a final receipt. You will receive this by mail.
For additional questions, please call us:
1-888-900-2886 toll-free
256-830-1146 Huntsville
We may also be reached via e-mail: voa95@voana.org
DONATE YOUR VEHICLE NOW!