Car Donation Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should I choose Good News Garage for my car donation?

  There are several reasons to choose Good News Garage for your car donation.
  
  · Good News Garage awards many of its donated cars to individuals and families in need. Your car transported you through a part of your life. It can live on to help someone else move toward financial independence.
  
  · Good News Garage can provide the maximum available tax deduction – fair market value! Most other charities cannot truthfully offer this possible deduction.
  
  · It’s easy, fast and free to donate to Good News Garage!
  
  · Good News Garage is an established not-for-profit agency and is a program of Lutheran Social Services. Good News Garage has awarded more than 3,000 cars throughout New England since 1996.

• Is there any cost to donate my car?

  Absolutely not! In fact, you will be eligible to receive a tax deduction! Good News Garage does not charge to pick your car up.

• Is it difficult to donate my car to Good News Garage?

  No! The donation process is extremely easy and it doesn’t have to take very long.

• What will happen to my car?

  Many of our donated cars undergo a 72-point safety inspection at partner garages to ensure that they’ll be safe and reliable for at least 12-18 months. Some vehicles require repairs more costly than what our budget can afford. Also, some cars would be too expensive for our recipients to maintain. The sale of vehicles we cannot refurbish for our clients go directly to repairing other vehicles, cleaning them, filling them with gas and performing state emissions testing and inspection. The Vehicle Processor can give you a better idea on the phone of what may happen to your car.

• Can Good News Garage accept car donations from outside of New England?

  Outside of New England, please visit www.opportunitycars.com for a list of programs like Good News Garage in your area. If not, please contact Bob Buckley in our Manchester office toll-free at 1.877.400.6065.

• Is my car donation tax deductible?

  Yes! Good News Garage is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit agency and is one of the few charities in New England that can offer a fair market tax deduction, should your car be awarded to a family in need. This can mean hundreds, even thousands more than other charities can truthfully offer! Please visit www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4303.pdf, "A Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donation" for more information.

• When will I know how much of a deduction I am getting?

  When your car is picked up, it will be evaluated for use in our program. Once the car is either delivered to a family or sold, we will be able to send you your official tax paperwork. This process can take anywhere from 3-12 weeks.

• What types of vehicles are accepted?

  Good News Garage accepts autos, trucks, motorcycles, vans, commercial vehicles, jet skis, snowmobiles, motor homes, buses, lawn tractors and even boats. Cars do not have to be in perfect running condition. Also, there is no age limitation to the cars we accept. Remember that you must have clean title in your possession.

• What do I have to do to get my donation started?

  You can donate online at www.GoodNewsGarage.org/donate/car, or call your local office. The Vehicle Processor can walk you through the process of signing your title and will make arrangements to have the car picked up. Your next step is to remove your plates and any personal belongings from the car. It’s that easy!

• What do I need to donate my car to Good News Garage?

  You must have your Certificate of Title and the keys. Please note that the registration is NOT the title. If you can’t find the title, ask the Vehicle Processor about how to obtain a duplicate copy from the DMV.

• What if the vehicle I want to donate is no longer registered?

  This is not a problem. Good News Garage has dealer plates to pick up donated vehicles that are not registered. We can also tow vehicles at no charge to the donor.