An old or malfunctioning car is a headache for you, but it could be a blessing for a Frederick-area family in need. Have you ever considered giving it as a car donation rather than selling it, repairing it, or worrying about what else to do with it?
Second Chances Garage fixes up your car and awards it to a local recipient who needs to support themself or their family with reliable transportation. Here are 5 reasons you should make a car donation.
#1 Nobody’s Driving Your Car
One of the most common reasons someone donates a car is simply because nobody is using it. Has your car been sitting still for months or even years?
Maybe it’s an older-model, unreliable, high-mileage car. Perhaps it’s a decent work vehicle but you no longer need it. Or maybe it was your teenager’s car, but they grew up and bought their own.
Now you can put an unwanted vehicle to good use by donating it to a good cause. We take vehicles of all makes and models, including those that haven’t been driven in a long time and no longer run.
#2 You Have the Title, But Nothing Else
Second Chances Garage must have the title along with your donated car, but we’ll take care of the rest. Your car doesn’t need to be registered, running, or current on its Maryland vehicle inspection.
This is the perfect option for someone who unexpectedly gets a car but doesn’t want the frustration of dealing with it.
#3 You Moved to the City
Car donation is also ideal for someone who lives a walking-focused lifestyle and wants to free themselves from the burdens of vehicle ownership. If you or your child recently moved to a city where personal transportation isn’t needed, it’s a good idea to consider donating to someone who doesn’t have access to public transportation or cannot afford it.
#4 The Car Isn’t Running
Not running? No problem! We accept all kinds of old and unreliable vehicles. Our car experts will fix up your vehicle so someone else can use it instead of sending it to the junkyard.
You might be surprised to learn that the average lifespan of a vehicle in the United States is about 12 years. Some can last 20 or 30 years with proper maintenance. That’s just one reason why Second Chances Garage accepts malfunctioning and high-mileage vehicles, then gets them back on the road for needy families.
#5 You Care About the Community (and the Tax Deduction!)
Second Chances Garage is a certified IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so you can take advantage of tax benefits from donating your vehicle. One of three things will happen next.
- If your car becomes one of our donation program vehicles, your tax deduction will be an equal amount to the Kelly Blue Book private party sale value.
- If we resell the car to the general public, you’ll get a tax deduction for the sales price and the proceeds will benefit our charity.
- If your car is recycled for parts, you’ll receive a tax deduction for the recycle value. If it’s less than $500, the IRS still allows you to claim up to $500.
For additional questions about how to handle your tax donation, please consult a qualified tax professional or see the IRS page about charitable contribution deductions.
There are several other benefits to donating, such as emotional and environmental benefits which you can read about in a recent blog.
Ready to Donate?
No matter what prompts you to donate your car, you’ll be making a big difference in someone’s life. Give one of your Frederick County neighbors a new chance at success with Second Chances Garage!
To learn more, take a look at our easy three-step process for car donation.