Car Donation
Car donations are increasing in popularity and with good reason. The benefits clearly outweigh the few disadvantages. However, people need to be informed when making a car donation to a worthy charity, whether it is online or in person. The internet makes donating a car quick and convenient by completing the online form which is similar to the form you would fill out if you were to deal with a charity organization in person. A significant amount of information is required on the donation form in order to process the transaction.
Information on Donation Forms:
- name and home address
- car pick-up details
- license plate number
- vehicle identification number (which can be found on the certificate of title)
- make and model of car
- approximate mileage
- interior condition of car (e.g. upholstery or carpet damage, malfunction of instrument panel, power windows or air conditioning, etc.)
- exterior condition of car (e.g. rust, broken parts, dents, etc.)
- does the vehicle run/drive well, if at all?
- when was the last time the vehicle was driven?
- when was the last time the car was serviced?
- certificate of title: how many names appear on the title?
- registration: is a yearly fee paid? If not, when was the last payment made?
Why is this information important?
It can happen that the transaction between you and the charity (or the middleman working on behalf of the charity) does not go as planned and the problem may need to be resolved in a tribunal. However, there is no need to panic if you provided accurate information for the car donation. For instance, the charity will claim the information to be false if you said the insurance was paid for and later on, the charity receives a bill. Or, there will be problems if you tell them the car is in perfect working condition and it turns out to be a piece of junk. Remember, the information you give them must be accurate and honest for everything to run smoothly.
The charity makes preparations according to the information given for the car donation. If they know they are getting a working car, then they may plan to use it within the organization. If they know the car does not run, they may make arrangements to have it auctioned. In any case, if they get something other than what they expected, the charity cannot follow through as planned. Make sure the certificate of title has no loans against it! Imagine the reaction of the charity when they receive notification that they need to pay up!
Nothing should be simpler than doing a good deed such as making a car donation. With good will in mind, the transaction will go off without a hitch.