Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about Giveacar? Hopefully you'll find the answer below. If not, please contact us.

About Giveacar

  • Who runs Giveacar?
    Giveacar was the first service of its kind in the UK. It was created by Tom Chance when he graduated from Nottingham University in 2009. Giveacar is now run by a team of four, who are passionate about promoting the idea car donation, reducing the environmental impact of end-of-life vehicles and raising money for our affiliated charities.
  • Is Giveacar a truly independent service?
    Yes. Our independence has always been important to us. Giveacar is not part of a larger group. It is not tied to any commercial operation, to any scrap dealers or recycling firms. It is also not owned by or affiliated to any particular charities. We encourage you to make your own choice of the charity you want to support.
  • Where is Giveacar based?

    We are based in Fulham, South-West London. You can find our office address on our contact page. Please note that we can collect vehicles throughout the UK.

  • Why should I trust Giveacar?

    Giveacar is a social enterprise, currently registered with Companies House as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. As a fundraising organisation, we are approved by the Fundraising Standards Board – you can find our registration details here. The Fundraising Standards Board is an independent body that was set up to ensure compliance with the best practice in fundraising and to encourage the public to give with confidence.

  • How is Giveacar regulated?
    Giveacar is a fundraising organisation which raises money for over 400 charitable causes, so under current legislation it does not qualify for registration as a charity in its own right. As a Company Limited by Guarantee, our accounts have to be audited and submitted to Companies House each year. Giveacar is also approved by the Fundraising Standards Board, which ensures compliance with the best practice in fundraising encourages the public to give with confidence.

About charity donations

  • Can I donate my car to any registered charity?
    Yes! We can organise to send your donation to any registered charity. We also have a list of over 500 charities who have given us their details and who have asked to be affiliated to Giveacar.
  • Do you charge an administration fee?
    Yes. We deduct 25% of the amount we receive when your car is auctioned or sold for scrap, plus VAT. So for example, if we receive £100 for your car, our administration fee is £25, £5 is deducted for VAT, and the balance of £70 is donated to charity. Our administration fee covers the costs of running our office, employing staff and promoting the Giveacar service, mainly through advertising on the internet. The fee does not cover the collection of vehicles – this is borne by our collection agents.
  • Can I split my donation between two or more charities?
    Yes, though this is unusual, we are quite happy to arrange it.
  • Will the charity contact me after I donate my car?
    Yes. We ask our charities to send receipts to our customers. You will be told exactly how much your car raised for your chosen charity.
  • I help to run a charity. Can I register to join Giveacar?
    Yes. Please fill out the following form and we will list your charity on our website within three working days. We will also contact you to see if you can help us to promote Giveacar to your members, and channel donations of old cars to your charity.

About our vehicle collection process

  • Who picks up the cars?
    We have links with nationwide networks of recyclers, Authorised Treatment Facilities and car auctions, who are all regulated. Once we receive your details, we will organise a collection agent and they will contact you within 24 hours to arrange a pick-up date and time to suit you.
  • Do you cover all of the UK?
    Yes. We operate throughout the UK, in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you live in the Hebrides, the Isle of White, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, other offshore islands or anywhere that a tow truck is going to find hard to reach – give us a call and we’ll see what we can do for you.
  • How long does it take to collect my car?
    The majority of cars are collected within three days of your initial inquiry. In rare cases it can take up to ten working days to arrange collection. Please tell us if you want to arrange a specific date and time, which is usually no problem. Early morning and weekend collections can also be arranged.
  • Who will pick up my car?
    Once we take down your details, a collection agent or Authorised Treatment Facility will be assigned to collect your vehicle. We use an extensive network of over 300 Authorised Treatment Facilities who can collect cars throughout the UK.
  • Do I have to be there when my car’s collected?
    No, it’s not essential. But we would encourage it where possible, in case there are problems.
  • Do I have any legal obligations for my car after it’s collected?
    No, when your vehicle is collected, you will be issued with a collection receipt and section 9 of the V5C registration form. Both ensure that you have no legal obligations after the car has been collected.
  • Do you accept motorbikes?
    Yes. As of February 2011 we now accept scrap motorbikes. Regardless of age or condition, we can collect motorbikes free of charge in the same way that we collect scrap cars.

About the paperwork and car ownership

  • What paperwork do I need to donate a car?
    We ask you to present your registration document (V5C) when the car is collected. If you can’t find it, don’t worry – we can still arrange the collection. There’s no need for your car to have a valid tax disc or MOT – all our cars are collected by tow truck so they don’t need to be licenced. Of course if you do have a current MOT certificate, it will probably increase the value of the car.
  • Can I reclaim any unused car tax?
    Yes, and we encourage it. We are unable to use the value of the car tax to supplement your donation, so please reclaim the tax yourself if possible. To find out how, please read our guide on the subject.
  • Can I keep my number plate?
    Yes - please read our guide on the subject.
  • Can I donate an abandoned vehicle?
    If you are a property management company, and are willing to sign the right documents, we will be able to collect your vehicles. If you are a member of the public then we recommend contacting your local council if you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned.

About the sale of cars

  • How are the cars sold?
    Most cars have to be scrapped, in which case the price reflects the car’s scrap metal value. But if your car is roadworthy or has some salvage value we will sell it at auction, which should lead to a much higher overall donation.
  • What if a car is valueless?
    We guarantee a return for every car - regardless of condition. We can turn even the scruffiest of cars into a donation so please do not think your car is valueless!
  • What if the car is valuable - will you get a good price for it?
    Yes, we'll try to! Valuable cars are put up for auction. We use a couple of auction houses and we monitor the prices paid to make sure we get the best deals for higher value cars.
  • I have a full tank of petrol / CD player / alloy wheels, will it improve the donation?
    For car disposals, any additional items or fluids do not improve the donation to charity. The reason for this is that the cars are crushed, and the donation is paid based upon the value of the scrap metal, as opposed to the parts. For roadworthy cars, additional items may improve the car’s valuation, but as the cars are sold at auction, the market will determine the final sale price.
  • Will I have any costs to pay?
    No. You will not pay any costs. You may have been asked to pay for the collection and disposal of your scrap car – this will never happen with Giveacar.
  • Will you tell me how much my car has sold for?
    Yes. Whether your car is scrapped or auctioned, we will send you a receipt in the post when we have the proceeds, for example when the auction ends. You will also be sent a receipt from your chosen charity.
  • How long does it take before I get a receipt for my donation?
    You will receive two receipts – one from Giveacar and one from the charity as a final check that they have received your donation. Both receipts should arrive within six weeks of the initial enquiry. In exceptional circumstances the process can take longer, for example if the buyer of a car at auction does not pay, and the car has to be put back into auction at a later date.