How the car donation process works
You Start the Donation and Schedule Free Pickup
Your donation begins when you contact Elm City Autos with basic information about the vehicle, such as the year, make, model, location, title status, mileage, and whether it runs. We help arrange free towing at a time that works for you, whether the car is parked near Yale New Haven Hospital, in a driveway in East Haven, at a home in Branford, or at an apartment complex in New Haven. You do not need to repair, wash, or advertise the vehicle. Once pickup is complete, your car moves into the review process.
The Vehicle Is Assessed After Pickup
After the tow, the vehicle is reviewed to determine the most practical way to turn it into revenue for Heritage for the Blind. The assessment looks at whether the car starts, drives, has valuable resale demand, needs major repairs, or is better suited for parts or recycling. A donated vehicle is not automatically repaired or handed to a family. The goal is to choose the route that can produce the best reasonable sale outcome while keeping expenses sensible. That sale revenue becomes charitable support for Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446).
Running, Resalable Vehicles Usually Go to Auction
If your donated car is running and appears to be in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. Auction buyers may include dealers, wholesalers, repair shops, exporters, or individuals, depending on the venue and vehicle. This is a common way to convert a donated car into cash support without Heritage for the Blind having to operate a dealership. The gross sale price from the auction helps determine your tax documentation and becomes revenue for Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Older, Non-Running, or High-Mileage Cars May Be Sold for Parts
Not every donated vehicle is a good fit for auction. If your car does not run, has very high mileage, has serious mechanical problems, or would cost too much to prepare for resale, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage, recycling, or parts buyer. That does not mean the donation failed. Even a car that cannot safely drive through New Haven traffic can still create value through parts, metals, or salvage resale. The proceeds still go directly to Heritage for the Blind to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
You Receive Tax Documentation After the Sale
After the vehicle sells, the sale result is documented. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, donors generally receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price, which is the amount used for the charitable vehicle deduction in that situation. Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446) is a 501(c)(3), so eligible donors may be able to claim a tax deduction according to IRS rules. Elm City Autos recommends keeping your receipt and 1098-C with your records and speaking with a tax professional if you have deduction questions.
Key facts about car donation
Free tow is available for donated vehicles throughout New Haven and the surrounding New Haven Metro.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction after pickup.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles are typically sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, a recognized 501(c)(3).
For vehicles selling over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Donors seeking benefit connections can visit nhftb.org/finder for SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and more.