FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Sure! You can donate almost any car that doesn’t run to our charity. If you have a vehicle that hasn’t been in running condition for a while, either fill out a form online or give us a call at 300.234.1000 - and we will collect it for free.

Donating a car to Kars4Kids, whether it’s running or not, is a simple way to get rid of an unwanted vehicle – without the hassle. Most donated cars are responsibly scrapped or sold depending on their condition.

We accept car donations, caravans, trucks, boats, trailers, motorcycle, jet skis, vans, buses and snowmobiles. We also accept cars that don’t have a current MOT. We can take just about any vehicle.

We will assess your car to decide how to sell it to make the most we can from it. The proceeds of the vehicle's sale will benefit Kars4Kids' charity programs and you’ll receive a receipt in the amount the car sold for.

No. There is absolutely no charge for donation processing or collection.

We collect cars all across mainland UK.

Donating your vehicle is fast, free and easy, with professional collection at a time that suits you. Your donation helps support children in need, and if you're a UK taxpayer, you can boost your donation through Gift Aid, making your contribution go further at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to make a big difference while benefiting both the charity and the children we support.

We can usually arrange to have your car collected as quickly as necessary. Our local collection company will be in touch to arrange a collection within 24 hours after you contact us. Collection is usually scheduled for a day or two later, but if you need your car collected sooner than that, we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Kars4Kids works with a network of vetted and insured vehicle collection companies across the UK that collect car donations. You will be contacted to arrange a time of collection that is convenient for you, free of charge.

• Keys
• V5 document (registration certificate)
• Photo ID or proof of address (so we know it’s your vehicle!)

Any additional vehicle documents such as service history paperwork is advised, but not necessary.

Sure! We can collect your car from anywhere, be it the mechanic, the roadside or even in a different city.

You should keep your number plate on the vehicle at the time of donation. You may be able to keep your personalised registration plate as per the DVLA. Please refer to https://www.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration- numbers/keep-or-assign for more information.

Remove section 9 or 4 from your V5C, which refers to "transferring a vehicle to a motor trader," and note down the 11-digit reference number on the front of the document. Then, provide the rest of the document to the collection agent. After your vehicle has been collected, it’s important to notify the DVLA that you are no longer the registered keeper. This can be done online or by mailing Section 4 or 9 of your V5C to the DVLA. You’ll find the collection agent’s details in the service emails they’ve sent you.

You can still donate your car without a V5C. While having your V5C is helpful, it’s not required — we can handle the donation and collection even if you’ve misplaced it.

Gift Aid is a UK government initiative that allows charities to claim back 25% of the value of your donation, at no extra cost to you. If you're a UK taxpayer, every £1 you donate can be worth an additional 25p to Kars4Kids.

Yes, your car donation to Kars4Kids will qualify for Gift Aid. When you donate your vehicle to Kars4Kids, simply let us know if you're a UK taxpayer. We’ll include the Gift Aid claim in the donation process and ensure that our charity receives the additional funds at no cost to you. There is no extra paperwork - we deal with the tax office to reclaim the tax.

To be eligible for Gift Aid, you must pay UK income tax or capital gains tax that is at least equal to the amount the charity will receive back in the current tax year. This includes tax on your salary, pensions, savings, or other investments. For example, if you donate a vehicle that sold for £100 in the tax year, we’ll receive £25 in Gift Aid on your donation. You need to have paid at least £25 in income or capital gain tax in that year.

If you're a higher-rate taxpayer (40% or 45%), you can claim back the difference between your tax rate and the basic rate (20%) on your Gift Aid donation.

For example:
• You donate a car that sells for £100, the charity claims £25 through Gift Aid, making the total donation £125.
• As a higher-rate taxpayer, you can claim back 20% (or 25% for additional-rate taxpayers) of the £125, which is £25 or £31.25.

You claim this tax relief through your self-assessment tax return or by contacting HMRC.