Donating Your Vehicle

What Families Should Consider Before Giving a Car Away

Donating a vehicle can feel like a meaningful choice—especially during life transitions or estate settlement. For some families, it aligns with personal values or simplifies logistics. However, donation isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.

Before donating, families should consider:

• Who has legal authority to donate the vehicle

• Whether the title is clear or still encumbered by a lien

• How the donation affects estate administration

• Whether the receiving organization can handle required paperwork

Donation may make sense in certain situations. In others, selling the vehicle—and then donating proceeds—can provide more flexibility, especially if there are outstanding expenses, heirs, or administrative responsibilities.

Understanding these tradeoffs ahead of time helps families avoid delays and unintended complications.

A brief conversation can help determine whether donation is the right option for your situation.