Q. How do you turn my vehicle into cash for Scouting?
A. Every vehicle donated will be sold at auction by Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. (IAA). That’s the business they’re in, and it’s generally the most profitable, efficient and cost-effective way to turn a vehicle donation into money. Your donation vehicle will have exposure to the greatest number of potential buyers all around the world, which helps maximize its sale price – and generate the largest possible donation to our council.
Q. What kinds of vehicles can I donate?
A. Anything at all. Cars, trucks, motorcycles. Vehicles with damage, broken components, missing parts. Snowmobiles, boats, and farm equipment, too. Every vehicle has value.
Q. What should I have before I call or go online to donate?
A. Please be ready to provide your vehicle’s year, make, model or vehicle identification number (VIN) and current mileage. The vehicle does not have to be running, but you will need to describe the condition of the vehicle and disclose any structural damage.
Q. What happens after I submit my donation?
A. After completing the Donation Wizard, a confirmation email will be sent to you once you select “Submit Now.” You will print and sign a copy of the confirmation email/odometer statement and send it with the signed vehicle title and any other pertinent documentation as required by your state to the Processing Center in Maine. Once IAA receives your paperwork, it will start the vehicle donation pick-up process. However, if your vehicle qualifies for a special pick up programs, like Rush or Drop Off, IAA will immediately coordinate the pickup/drop off of your vehicle. IAA’s average pick up time is 1-2 business days from the date of assignment. After your vehicle is sold you will receive a receipt by mail for tax purposes. Please contact us at (877) 557-1CAR if you have any questions or special needs during the donation process.
Q. Where’s the value if I junk my car?
A. Every donated vehicle can bring money for its parts, components, and recyclable metal. It may not seem valuable to you, but there’s someone out there ready to buy it. And that money can go straight to our council!
Q. My vehicle still runs – can it be fixed up and stay on the road?
A. That’s the first choice, because repairable cars sell for the highest prices. A huge number of IAA’s buyers are looking for vehicles with light damage, high mileage, or basic wear-and-tear that may make them less attractive than a new vehicle, but still perfectly operational after professional attention.
Q. My vehicle was totaled. Can IAA sell it?
A. Yes. Even vehicles badly damaged in an accident, fire, flood or other catastrophe have value and can be sold. By donating your vehicle, you’re not just helping Scouting in our council but also keeping it out of a landfill, helping the environment.
Q. My vehicle is not adequately insured – is that a problem?
A. No. IAA deals in cars of all kinds of title status and insurance situations (as long as the car is paid for, of course). In fact, converting an underinsured or not insured vehicle to cash at auction may be the fastest and easiest way to turn your problem car into a good deed that helps others.
Q. How much of the sale price goes to our council?
A. IAA returns up to 80% of the sale price to our council. The other 20% is used cover the costs of vehicle transportation and clean-up, sale paperwork, and title transfer, and the auction itself.
Q. What happens when a vehicle does not sell at auction?
A. It’s eventually sold directly instead, to a parts shop, recycler, rebuilder, etc. This option helps IAA re-use more than 1.7 million tons of steel and over 268,000 tons of aluminum every year.
Q. Can I donate more than one vehicle?
A. Yes, there is no limit. In fact, the One Car One Difference program is a great way for a lapsed hobbyist to empty a garage, or for a business to liquidate an out-of-date fleet.
Q. What can I claim as a deduction?
A. You may deduct the value of your vehicle only if you itemize deductions when filing your taxes. If you itemize your tax return you may deduct the sale value of your donated vehicle or the fair market value up to $500, whichever is greater. A receipt indicating the sale price and date will be sent to you within 30 days from the date of pick up. For more information, please visit http://www.irs.gov/charities and/or consult your tax preparer.
Q. When will I receive my tax receipt?
A. You will receive a tax receipt from IAA within 45 days after your vehicle gets picked up.
