How the car donation process works
You schedule a free Los Angeles vehicle pickup
Start by telling AutoLift LA about your car, truck, van, SUV, or other vehicle. We help arrange free towing throughout Greater Los Angeles, including areas such as Downtown LA, Hollywood, Koreatown, Westwood, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Long Beach, Santa Monica, and surrounding communities. You do not need to get the vehicle repaired, detailed, or smog-ready before pickup. Once the tow is scheduled, a licensed towing provider collects the vehicle at the agreed location and provides the initial pickup documentation.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After the vehicle is picked up, it is reviewed to determine the most appropriate resale path. This assessment looks at factors such as whether the car runs, its age, mileage, overall condition, visible damage, market demand, and whether it is likely to bring more value through auction or through salvage and parts channels. The goal is not to give the car away or let it sit unused. The goal is to convert the donated vehicle into revenue for Heritage for the Blind as efficiently and responsibly as possible.
Running, resalable vehicles typically go to auction
If your donated car is running and in resalable condition, it will typically be offered through a public or dealer auction. This is common for vehicles that have buyer demand and can produce a meaningful sale price. It does not mean the car is guaranteed to be sold to a specific individual or family. Instead, auction creates a fair marketplace where qualified buyers can bid. The gross sale price helps determine your tax documentation, and the proceeds become revenue for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles may be sold for parts
If your car does not run, has very high mileage, has collision damage, or is no longer economical to resell, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That path can still create value. Useful components, recyclable materials, or parts demand may allow the vehicle to generate proceeds even if it cannot safely return to the road. For donors in Los Angeles with an older car sitting in a driveway, garage, alley, or parking space, this can be a simple way to turn an unwanted vehicle into charitable support.
Proceeds fund Heritage for the Blind services
Once the donated vehicle is sold, the sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Those proceeds help support services for Americans who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also helps connect people with benefit resources, and donors or families who want to check eligibility for programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other assistance can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your vehicle donation becomes financial support for a mission-focused charity, not just a cleared parking spot.
You receive tax documentation after sale
After the vehicle sells, your tax paperwork is completed based on the sale result. For donated vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C, which reports the gross sale price for your tax records. That gross sale price is generally the amount used for your charitable vehicle donation deduction, subject to IRS rules and your individual tax situation. Keep your pickup receipt and final tax documents together, and consult a tax professional if you have questions about claiming the deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available throughout Greater Los Angeles for eligible vehicle donations through AutoLift LA.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to a public or dealer auction.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically go to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446.
Vehicles selling for over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
You do not need to repair, clean, or smog-test the vehicle before donating.