How the car donation process works
You request a free Miami-area pickup
Start by telling AutoHeart about your car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other accepted vehicle. Pickup is available throughout Miami and the South Florida region, including Brickell, Little Havana, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Kendall, Doral, North Miami, Homestead, and nearby communities. You do not need to drive the vehicle anywhere, and many non-running vehicles can still be accepted. Once your donation is scheduled, a towing partner contacts you to arrange a convenient pickup time at your home, workplace, storage facility, or repair shop.
The vehicle is inspected after pickup
After the free tow, the vehicle is assessed to decide the best sale path. This review looks at basic factors such as whether it starts, mileage, condition, age, visible damage, market demand, and estimated resale or parts value. Donors often want to know whether Heritage for the Blind gives cars directly to families in need. In most cases, the vehicle is not transferred to an individual recipient. Instead, it is converted into sale proceeds, which go to Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446) to help fund services for blind and visually impaired people.
Running vehicles typically go to auction
If your donated vehicle is running and in resalable condition, it will typically be directed to a public or dealer auction. This approach helps reach buyers who are actively looking for used vehicles in the Miami and South Florida market. Auction sale proceeds then go directly to Heritage for the Blind as charitable revenue. You do not need to negotiate with buyers, place ads, meet strangers, or handle post-sale issues. AutoHeart’s process is designed to make donating simpler than selling privately while still turning the vehicle’s value into mission support.
Older or non-running vehicles may be sold for salvage or parts
Not every donated car is ready for the road, and that does not mean it has no charitable value. Vehicles with major mechanical problems, severe damage, very high mileage, or missing components are typically sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers. These buyers may use reusable parts, scrap metal, or other recoverable value from the vehicle. This path helps create proceeds from cars that would be difficult or expensive to repair for resale. For Miami donors, it is a practical way to clear space and support Heritage for the Blind without paying for towing.
You receive tax paperwork after the sale
After the vehicle is sold, your tax deduction is generally based on the gross sale price. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, you receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the sale amount that may be used for your charitable deduction, subject to IRS rules. Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, so eligible donors may claim a deduction when they itemize. Keep the donation receipt, sale documentation, and Form 1098-C with your tax records, and consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available across Miami and South Florida for many accepted donated vehicles.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically move through public or dealer auction channels.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles are usually sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446.
Vehicles selling for more than $500 trigger IRS Form 1098-C for tax deduction documentation.
Heritage for the Blind also connects people with benefit resources at nhftb.org/finder.