Donate a Vehicle

Your donated vehicle can help build homes and hope in our community.

By donating your vehicle, through the Cars for Homes program, you support Knoxville Habitat for Humanity’s mission to create affordable homeownership opportunities.

It’s a simple and convenient way to make a big difference.

Why Donate Your Vehicle?

Funds Stay Local

Proceeds from your vehicle donation directly support Knoxville Habitat for Humanity’s efforts in our community, helping families achieve stability and self-reliance.

Tax Benefits

Your donation may be tax-deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor for more details.

Easy Process

The donation process is straightforward. We handle the logistics, including free towing.

How It Works

1) Call or go online: Start your donation by visitng our donation page or call (877) 277-4344.

2) Provide Vehicle Details: Share information about your vehicle, such as make, model, VIN, and current mileage. 

3) Schedule a Pickup: Once your vehicle is accepted, schedule a day and time for us to pick it up that’s convenient for you. 

We accept most vehicles, inluding:

  • Cars
  • Trucks
  • Vans
  • Motorcycles
  • Recreational Vehicles
  • Boats
  • Airplanes
  • Snowmobiles
  • Farm and Construction Equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles do you accept?

We accept almost all vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, airplanes, farm equipment, and construction equipment. If you want to donate your car or truck, please click here to get started. If you want to donate any other type of vehicle, please call (877) 277-4344.

What paperwork do I need to donate my car?

The State of Tennessee will require a Certificate of Title in order to donate your car. If you cannot locate or have lost the Certificate of Title, our processing center can help you obtain the proper documentation.

When my vehicle is sold, how much of the money goes to Habitat?

Our partners at Advanced Remarketing Services, who process all Habitat vehicle donations, return a higher percentage than any other vehicle processing entity. On average, about 80% of the gross revenue generated from vehicle sales comes to Habitat for Humanity.

What happens to donated cars?
  • About half of our cars are sold to licensed dealers at wholesale auctions and are reused for transportation. The other half are transported to auto salvage yards where all reusable car parts, batteries, tires, and fluids are removed. Vehicles that can be recycled are crushed, shredded and turned into usable steel.
  • Recycling cars keeps a huge amount of steel out of landfills — enough to build nearly 45,000 steel-framed homes every year.
  • Habitat receives funds for each donated vehicle, although a car sold at auction generally generates more revenue than one that is recycled. Every donation makes a difference and the families that partner with us are extremely grateful for your donation.
What happens after my vehicle is picked up?

Your vehicle will be sold on behalf of Habitat through a national network of auctions and direct buyers. After the vehicle has sold, you will receive an acknowledgement letter providing your vehicle sale information that you can use for tax purposes.

If your vehicle sells for more than $500, Form 1098-C is required in order to deduct the gross sale price — our partner, Advanced Remarketing Services, will notify you via email and request your social security number. You are not required to provide your social security number, but your tax deduction will be limited to $500. For more information about how tax deductions for vehicle contributions, please click here.

How do I know my car is in good hands once it’s been picked up?
  • All auctions and direct buyers used by Habitat are licensed, insured, and bonded in the states where they operate. By signing the title of your vehicle directly over to Advanced Remarketing Services, you are legally transferring ownership of it to Habitat for Humanity.
  • When your title is received and your vehicle is picked up, you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Need More Help?

Please email carsforhomes@habitat.org or call (877) 277-4344

Don’t Dump It, Donate It!

Your donations build homes!

  • The Knoxville Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a thrift store and home improvement retail and donation center with a simple premise: by selling new and gently used donated items, we can fund the construction and preservation of homes throughout Knox County.
  • We accept new and lightly-loved appliances, building materials, furniture, clothing, and more!