Vehicle Donation FAQ's

What are the benefits of donating a vehicle to ConnectionsPlus?
  • It's simple, easy, and free. CARS converts your car into cash, which becomes a welcome donation to Rockbridge Area Hospice. You are entitled to a tax deduction and you avoid the cost and hassle of repairing or selling a car that you no longer want.
Do you accept all vehicles?
  • We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV's, motorcycles, off road vehicles, heavy equipment and other motorized vehicles. We can take your vehicle running or not. However, it must be in one piece, have an engine, and be towable. Contact a CARS representative at 855-500-RIDE (7433) to find out if your vehicle qualifies for pick-up.
Do I need the title to donate my vehicle? 
  • Yes, you will need the title to the vehicle. If you do not have it, it is possible that other arrangements can be made. You can call us toll-free at 855-500-RIDE (7433) seven days a week for more information.
Do I have to pay any fees to donate my car?
  • No, there is no cost to donate a vehicle to ConnectionsPlus. 
What does CARS do with donated vehicles? 
  • Donated vehicles are taken to one of the sale locations we have throughout the country. From there, we evaluate each vehicle and make major and/or minor mechanical repairs when it is cost effective. In most circumstances, we use auction houses to sell the donated vehicles. For unique or specialty items that have been donated, we may use other means to sell the vehicle to help ensure the maximum amount of money is received for each donation.
​How long until my vehicle is picked up?
  • You will be contacted within 24 hours to start the donation process. Once the donation record has been created and completed, we will reach out to you within 2 to 3 business days to schedule your pick-up. If you need your vehicle picked up sooner, please call us toll-free at 855-500-RIDE (7433) as we may be able to make those arrangements.
How long does it take ConnectionsPlus to get my money?
  • It usually takes 45-60 days from the time the vehicle is picked up until the car is sold and the transaction is completed. Once the transaction is completed, the net cash proceeds are usually delivered to ConnectionsPlus within two weeks.
Will I receive a tax deduction?​
  • Yes. You will receive an initial donation receipt from our tow driver at the time of your vehicle pickup. You will then be mailed a tax receipt within 30 days of the sale of the vehicle. This acknowledgement will indicate your name as well as the year, make, model, and VIN. It will be your only receipt if your vehicle sells for less than $500.
  • If your vehicle sells for more than $500, and your tax identification number has been provided, 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 donation. You will need to file this form with the IRS in order to claim a tax deduction for your vehicle donation.
How much money goes to ConnectionsPlus?
  • ​The CARS program strives to give a high net return to non-profits. Once the vehicle is sold, CARS deducts the actual costs of towing, auction and title processing. From these net sales proceeds, they then return between 70% and 80% of this amount to Rockbridge Area Hospice depending on the value of the vehicle. CARS long term average is a return of approximately 78% of the net sales proceeds.
Who is CARS?
  • CARS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based out of San Diego, California. Founded in 2003 as a means to provide additional funding to the programs and services of Jewish Family Service, CARS soon began accepting vehicle donations to help other nonprofits raise extra revenue. What began as a company of just a few employees accepting around 3 vehicle donations per day, has grown into a
    ​well- respected leader in the car donation industry. Today, we are partnered with over 3,500 nonprofits with the vision of expanding our fundraising efforts so that we can continue to provide additional revenue to these amazing nonprofit organizations. CARS' success to date stems from our dedication to exceptional customer service, our ability to maximize each donation, and the extensive marketing content we create and distribute to our partners to help promote their programs.