What Vehicles Does Wheels For Wishes Accept?
Thinking about donating your vehicle to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses? We appreciate your generosity! At Wheels For Wishes, we accept a wide variety of vehicles to benefit your local Make-A-Wish® chapter. However, we understand that donors have questions about which vehicles qualify for donation.
We evaluate every vehicle donation on a case-by-case basis. Several factors determine whether we can accept your vehicle, including geography, vehicle condition, type of vehicle, local towing resources, and market demand. This comprehensive guide explains what we typically accept, what we don't accept, and why certain restrictions exist.
Vehicles We Typically Accept
We accept most standard vehicles in almost any condition. Whether your vehicle runs or not, we can often turn it into support for wish kids in your community. Here are the types of vehicles we commonly accept:
Cars and Trucks We accept passenger cars, pickup trucks, and commercial trucks in virtually any condition. Even if your vehicle has mechanical issues, body damage, or high mileage, it may still qualify for donation.
SUVs and Vans Sport utility vehicles, minivans, cargo vans, and passenger vans are welcome donations. We accept both personal and fleet vehicles.
Motorcycles We accept motorcycles, including cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, and dirt bikes. Your motorcycle donation can make a significant impact on wish kids.
Recreational Vehicles RVs are accepted on a case-by-case basis depending on age, condition, and whether you have a clear title. Motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and campers may qualify for donation.
Boats We accept boat donations on a case-by-case basis. For boat donations, you must have both the boat and trailer, along with clear titles for both. This requirement ensures we can legally transfer ownership and transport the boat for sale.
Trailers Utility trailers, cargo trailers, and other towable trailers are accepted when they have proper titles and documentation.
Fleet Vehicles Businesses looking to donate multiple vehicles or commercial fleet vehicles can contact us about fleet donation programs.
Specialty Vehicles We also consider other vehicle types including classic cars, commercial equipment, and construction vehicles on a case-by-case basis.
Vehicles We Do Not Accept
While we strive to accept as many vehicle donations as possible, certain types of vehicles present legal, safety, or logistical challenges that prevent us from accepting them.
Abandoned Vehicles We cannot accept vehicles that have been abandoned on your property by someone else. You must be the legal owner of the vehicle to donate it. Vehicles donated by non-owners cannot be accepted, as we require proper title transfer documentation to process your donation legally.
Vehicles Without Critical Components We cannot typically accept vehicles missing engines or wheels. While we accept non-running vehicles, the vehicle must be structurally complete enough for our towing partners to safely transport it. Vehicles without engines or wheels create transportation difficulties and typically have minimal resale value.
Electric Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not accepted. While we understand these items have value, they fall outside our vehicle donation program's scope and our towing partners are not equipped to handle these items.
Mopeds Mopeds are typically not accepted for donation. The resale market for mopeds is limited, and the administrative costs often exceed the proceeds we could generate for Make-A-Wish.
Three-Wheel ATVs We do not accept three-wheel all-terrain vehicles. Three-wheel ATVs are illegal in many states due to safety concerns, which makes them difficult or impossible to sell. Four-wheel ATVs and other ATV types are evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on condition, age, and local market demand.
Vehicles Without Proper Documentation Regardless of vehicle type, we cannot accept vehicles without proper title documentation. You must have the title or be able to obtain a duplicate title from your state's motor vehicle department.
Why These Restrictions Exist
You might wonder why we have these limitations when our mission is to help grant wishes for children. The answer comes down to maximizing the impact of every donation.
Legal Requirements Vehicle donation involves legal title transfers and sales. We must verify legal ownership and ensure proper documentation to protect both donors and our organization.
Safety and Transportation Our towing partners must safely transport donated vehicles. Vehicles missing critical components or abandoned vehicles with unknown histories can pose safety risks during transport.
Cost-Benefit Analysis Processing each donation involves administrative costs, towing expenses, and auction fees. When these costs exceed the vehicle's potential sale price, the donation actually reduces the funds available for granting wishes rather than increasing them.
Market Realities Some vehicle types have limited resale markets. By focusing on vehicles with stronger market demand, we maximize the proceeds going to Make-A-Wish.
Not Sure If Your Vehicle Qualifies?
If you're uncertain whether your vehicle qualifies for donation, we encourage you to contact us at 1-855-278-9474. Every situation is unique, and we evaluate donations individually based on multiple factors.
Our team can quickly assess your vehicle over the phone and let you know if we can accept it. Even if your vehicle has issues or falls into a category we typically don't accept, special circumstances might make it a viable donation.
Ready to Donate Your Vehicle?
If your vehicle qualifies, donating is fast, free, and easy. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Contact Us Call 1-855-278-9474 or complete our online donation form to start the process. We'll ask a few questions about your vehicle and confirm we can accept it.
Step 2: Schedule Free Pickup We'll arrange free towing at a time convenient for you. Our licensed towing partners will pick up your vehicle anywhere, running or not. You don't pay anything for towing or pickup.
Step 3: Receive Your Tax Receipt After your vehicle sells, we'll mail you a tax-deductible receipt documenting your charitable contribution. This receipt can be used when filing your taxes.
Your vehicle donation helps grant wishes for children with critical illnesses in your local community. Whether your car is old, damaged, or simply unwanted, it can become hope, strength, and joy for a wish kid and their family. Contact Wheels For Wishes today to turn your vehicle into a life-changing wish!
