Starting with a telephone call to our 800-YES-SVDP number or online form, it is a 3 step process and it takes about 3 minutes to get started. You will be REQUIRED to have your Certificate of Title (or registration) and mileage (or an estimate) on the vehicle you are donating.
Step 1. We will ask you some basic information about yourself, about the vehicle you're donating and then set a pickup time and date that is convenient for you.
Step 2. At the pickup you'll meet the transport driver and he will complete all the paperwork on the spot - tax receipt, release of liability etc., In some cases we will complete them over the phone and mail the forms to you (donor can't meet the pickup driver, etc.).
Step 3. After, we sell your vehicle, or give it to a needy family, we will send you a thank you and 1098-C form, when necessary. back
Vehicles are picked up Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 P.M. We can usually pickup within 24-72 hours of your call. For newer model vehicles (model year 2004 or later) we can normally pick up the same day if called in the morning but we can always pick up the next day. We can also schedule a pickup date and time so that it is most convenient for you, like next Saturday afternoon. Appointments are set within a 2-4 hour window, and of course you can always call to reschedule. back
We accept all complete vehicles running or not. We also accept most commercial vehicles, specialty autos, motorcycles, running RVs, sail boats and small boats with trailers in good condition, running tractor trailers, dump trucks, tow trucks, campers, golf carts, snowmobiles and jet skis on trailers and some newer mobile homes. back
We accept all complete cars running or not. back
We will accept vehicles even if the keys are lost. back
We will accept vehicles even if it can not pass the SMOG test. back
We do not take vehicles that are not complete. We do not take boats that don't float. If we cannot turn your donation into dollars to help the poor then we cannot accept it. back
You need to have available your Certificate of Title (registration if you are in California/Arizona/Washington and have lost your Title) and we will provide DMV and IRS forms. back
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo County is an authorized charitable 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is tax deductible. back
No, all expenses of towing and preparing the vehicle for sale are borne by SVDP. back
We accept all complete vehicles running or not. back
You will be given an 800 number so you can call and reschedule your pickup time. back
No. We like to get all the DMV and IRS paperwork done in one step and to fully explain to the donor each document. However, we do have an "unattended" pickup for those who cannot be present at pickup time. back
Your donated vehicle will usually be auctioned off to the highest bidder. In some cases vehicles (less than 10 years old with low mileage) are given to qualified needy families. In other cases, some vehicles (usually wrecked or poor condition and non-running) will be sold to recycling companies. Good condition cars with a mechanical problem are sold at Mechanic Only auctions. The older vehicles still in good condition are sold at high-end auctions. back
We do not pick up at police/city/county vehicle impound lots, parking garages with less than 8 feet of clearance, or on the shoulder of a highway or freeway. All donated vehicles need to be complete (no major missing parts) and tow truck accessible. back
On average the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo County spends 4% on administrative costs and 5% on fundraising. Approximately 91% is spent on programs for those being served, the poor and suffering. We are able to achieve these remarkable numbers due to volunteers who are our foundation. back
Yes, if you want to take a deduction greater than $500 back
Yes, we can if you are in California. We can transfer your vehicle and therefore your tax benefit to another person during the donation process. back
