Key Takeaways
- 800-Charity Cars and OnlineCarDonation.com provide free cars to low-income families. They rely on car donations and may cover towing and repair costs. OnlineCarDonation.com also offers free trucks and vans.
- Vehicles for Change collaborates with social service agencies to provide free cars to the unemployed in Maryland and Virginia. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria and become clients of sponsoring agencies.
- Cars4Heroes and Cars4Christmas offer free cars to military veterans, first responders, and their families, as well as those affected by physical ailments, untimely deaths, or natural disasters. Good News Garage serves Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
Charity Organizations Providing Free Cars
1. 800-Charity Cars
1-800 Charity offers free cars for low-income families. To carry out the mission, the charitable organization depends on donations of cars from car owners.
Income thresholds to consider a family’s low income differ from state to state. But on average, a family of 4 is considered low-income if your annual income doesn’t exceed $40,000.
When the donated car arrives in the organization, it’s listed for allotting to needy families. If you’re on the list of people who need a car, you have a chance to get it.
The organization pays for towing facilities and takes care of repair works before giving the free vehicle to you.
2. Vehicles for Change
A charitable organization, Vehicles for Change, collaborates with other social service agencies, helping out people by providing free cars.
For example, the organization arranges free cars for the unemployed. However, you’ll need to fulfill several requirements to get a car for free.
Vehicles for Change eligibility criteria:
- Have a driving license without a DWI or DUI mark on it and be insurable
- Be able to pay for recurring expenses like fuel, repair, and insurance, among others
- Be a resident of Maryland or Virginia
- Have a verifiable job offer or be working at least 30 hours a week
- You must not have any other vehicle in your household
- You must be drug-free
- If you’re under 25, you must have children
Note that Vehicles for Change operates in 2 states only – Virginia and Maryland.
If you meet the above qualifications, you’ll need to become a client of the sponsoring agencies listed below to apply for a free car from Vehicles for Change. Simply contact the agencies below, and they will refer you to VFC car awards.
List of Vehicles for Change sponsoring agencies:
| Company #1 | Company #2 | Company #3 | Company #4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Community Action Agency Housing Commission | Light House Center | Sarah’s House | The Fouse Center |
| Virginia | Humankind, Lynchburg VA | Northern Virginia Family Services | Occupational Enterprises Inc. | S.T.O.P, Norfolk VA |
3. OnlineCarDonation.com
The pronounced mission of OnlineCarDonation.com is providing free cars to families needing them.
The organization has excelled at providing a free used car for all interested people, especially those from low-income families. The organization provides not only cars but also trucks and vans.
So if you’re seeking any type of vehicle for your family, feel free to apply online. The organization will notify you within 30 days whether you’re eligible to get the car or not.
4. OnlineCarDonation.org
OnlineCarDonation.org is part of the WithCauses.org network and provides cars for free for the target group of beneficiaries.
This charity organization mainly focuses to provide free cars for disabled and free car for needy family.
You’ll be eligible to get a free car from OnlineCarDonation.org if you are:
- Domestic violence victim
- Homeless
- Family trying to become self-sufficient without government support
- Disabled
- Military family
- Veteran
To applying for a car, you’ll need to submit basic information about yourself and your needs.
Once you submit the application, the organization will check their inventory to find availability of cars to give away for free. OnlineCarDonation.org will notify you about your application status within 30 days.
5. Cars4Heroes
Cars4Heroes offers cars for free for the first responders, military veterans and/or their families, and those that cannot arrange transport for themselves.
While applying you have to provide basic information, such as:
- Your basic personal information – name, location
- Details about your career
- Income source
- Why you need the car
When you file an application, it will stay in Cars4Heroes database for 3 years. However, if you didn’t get a response within 30 days, you can apply again.
Ensure to check whether you belong to their target group of beneficiaries. It’s meant for the heroes of warfare.
6. Cars4Christmas
Cars4Christmas is run by the same organization that runs Cars4Heroes. However, the target group is not limited to military heroes alone and offers basic transportation facilities for anyone.
Cars4Christmas is one of the best charity organization options to get a free car for single moms.
The organization also extends special help for those:
- Having their life upturned as the result of any physical ailments
- Untimely death of the earning member in a family
- Suffering the impacts of natural disasters
The organization receives thousands of applications every year and gives away around 20 vehicles annually.
7. Good News Garage
Good News Garage is a location-specific charitable organization giving away free cars.
Their areas of operation are Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Each state has its own criteria for eligibility to get a free car. Therefore if you’re considering applying for a free car, make sure to check the regulations in each state to determine your eligibility.
A unique feature Good News Garage offers is its “JumpStart” program providing refurbished and donated cars for when you can’t afford one.
Look for Free Cars on Craigslist
Craigslist Summary
- Posts are anonymous
- Quick and easy listing in a matter of minutes
- Little to no seller fees, most auctions are free
- Sell within your local area
Craigslist is one of the most popular marketplaces where people list their items for sale and give them away.
Many car owners post information about their broken-down old cars on Craigslist that they would like to give away.
All you’ll need is to do is select the car you like and contact the owner. If you still like the vehicle after you’ve checked its condition, you can get the title and drive away with your new free car.
Make sure to thoroughly check the condition of the car and deal with any legal prodedures.
Other Ways to Get a Free Car
1. Find a Job that Provides a Car
One of the best ways to get a free car would be to find a job that provides a car. Such positions may include:
- A delivery driver
- Driver
- Or any corporate job that requires you to commute on a daily basis
2. Request a Donation From a Local Dealer
If you’re having good terms with a local dealer then you can try to get a car donation from such a person.
Alternatively, look out for a local dealership that offers occasional donations for people who can’t afford to buy a car.
3. Join a Free Government Car Program
You can also consider joining free government aids to get a free car. Some government programs also cover car-related recurring expenses.
Here’s the list of some of free cars government assistance program:
