If you’re in Miami staring at a car with dents, rust, a cracked windshield or accident damage and wondering, “Can anyone even use this?”—the answer is yes. AutoHeart can help you donate it to Heritage for the Blind, even if the body is in rough shape. Cosmetic or structural body damage will not disqualify your vehicle. Whether you’re in Little Havana, Kendall, Doral, Hialeah, or up in Fort Lauderdale, your damaged car can still support people who are blind or visually impaired.
Here’s how it works in South Florida: you don’t fix anything. No body work, no glass repair, no arguing with a shop about rust or storm damage. AutoHeart arranges free towing anywhere in the Miami metro—running or not. Your vehicle is sold as-is. The tax deduction is based on the actual sale price, not on how the car looks. If heavy damage lowers the sale price, your deduction may be lower, but you’ll still receive a written tax receipt for at least $500. For sales above $500, you’ll get the IRS Form 1098-C for your records. It’s a straightforward way to clear that damaged car out of your driveway and turn it into help for someone who truly needs it.
How to get your free pickup scheduled
1. Tell us about your damaged vehicle in Miami
Start online or by phone and briefly describe the car: make, model, year, and what kind of damage it has—hail dents in Kendall, a cracked windshield in Brickell, accident damage in Hialeah, or rust from salty air in Miami Beach. We confirm that it’s acceptable for donation and answer any quick questions about title, condition, and tax deduction.
2. Schedule your free pickup anywhere in South Florida
Pick a day and time that works for you. AutoHeart arranges a professional tow at no cost, whether the car is at your apartment in Little Haiti, a shop in Doral, your home in Pembroke Pines, or a storage lot in Homestead. Running or not, we coordinate with you so you don’t have to miss work or rearrange your life.
3. Hand over keys, sign simple paperwork at pickup
When the tow driver arrives, you’ll sign a few quick documents and release the vehicle. If you have the title, bring it; if it’s missing or damaged, we’ll help explain Florida’s process. The car is loaded as-is—dents, cracked glass, storm damage and all. Once it’s on the truck, your responsibility is essentially done.
4. AutoHeart sells your car as-is to benefit Heritage for the Blind
Your vehicle is taken to auction or a buyer who understands damaged and salvage vehicles. The sale price is based on real market value for its current condition, not on an estimate. Proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, helping fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired across the country, including Floridians.
5. Receive your tax receipt and keep it for your records
After the vehicle sells, AutoHeart sends you a written tax receipt. You’re guaranteed documentation for at least $500. If the car sells for more than $500, you’ll receive the information needed to complete IRS Form 1098-C. Keep this with your tax records so your donation can be claimed properly when you file.
6. Enjoy the cleared space and peace of mind
The dented, rusted, or storm-damaged car is gone from your driveway or street parking spot, and you’ve turned a problem vehicle into a meaningful charitable gift. No repair bills, no negotiating with buyers, no dealing with junkyards—just a clean, documented donation that supports a real 501(c)(3) and simplifies your life.
Potential complications to watch for
Severe damage that makes the car hard to access
Tip: If your car is boxed in, buried behind debris after a storm, or in an underground garage with tight clearance, towing can take longer to coordinate. Let AutoHeart know exactly where it is and what’s around it so the tow company can bring the right truck and avoid delays or rescheduling.
Missing or damaged Florida title
Tip: You can usually still donate without a perfect title, but the process may be slower. If your title is lost, water-damaged, or in another name, ask AutoHeart what’s needed for Florida before scheduling pickup. In some cases, you may need to request a duplicate title from the state to keep everything compliant.
Personal items left in a wrecked or flooded car
Tip: It’s easy to forget what’s in the glove box or trunk, especially after an accident or storm. Before the tow truck arrives, remove plates (if advised), parking passes, toll transponders, and personal belongings. Once the vehicle leaves your Miami location, items inside can be difficult or impossible to recover.
Unpaid tolls, tickets, or local fees tied to the vehicle
Tip: Donation transfers the car, but it doesn’t erase past tickets, toll violations, or registration fees already in your name. It’s wise to check your SunPass or local ticket status. AutoHeart can help clarify what the charity handles and what remains your responsibility so there are no surprises later.