Having a car that won't start can be incredibly frustrating. Whether it’s a dead battery, a starter that’s gone kaput, or something more serious like a seized engine, we understand your predicament. The good news? At Alaska Wheels Forward, we accept vehicles in all states of disrepair, and you won't have to worry about costly diagnostics or repairs.
When you choose to donate your non-running vehicle, you'll experience a straightforward process. We'll handle the towing on a flatbed to ensure your vehicle is picked up safely, and you can skip the stress of trying to sell it online. Keep reading to learn what to expect when you donate a car that won't start!
✓What you don't need to worry about
- No need to diagnose the vehicle yourself.
- You don’t have to pay for any repairs.
- Towing is completely free; we use a flatbed for safety.
- You can donate even if the keys are missing.
- No need to worry about cleaning or inspecting the car.
- Your donation will be processed quickly and efficiently.
- You won’t deal with the hassle of Craigslist or mechanics.
How pickup works for damaged vehicles
Schedule Pickup
Once you decide to donate, simply reach out, and we’ll quickly schedule a flatbed tow. We’ll work around your availability to ensure the process is as convenient as possible.
Prepare Documents
To finalize the donation, make sure you have the title ready. If you can locate the keys, that’s great too, but it’s not a requirement. We can still process your donation without them.
Vehicle Pickup
On the scheduled day, our towing team will arrive with a flatbed truck to safely transport your non-running vehicle. You can hand over the title and keys during this time.
Receive Tax Receipt
After the donation is complete, you'll receive a tax receipt that will help with your IRS 1098-C form, making it easy for you to claim your donation.
Honest value expectations
It's important to be transparent about what you can expect for your donation value if your car doesn't start. If it's just a dead battery or a straightforward fix, your vehicle could be valued between $800 and $2,000. However, if the issue is more severe like a seized engine or head-gasket failure, the parts-only value could be closer to $200 to $600. These factors will influence the final proceeds from the sale of your vehicle, so it’s good to have realistic expectations.
Diagnose or donate?
You may be contemplating spending money on diagnosing your vehicle's issues before deciding to donate. However, it's essential to consider that diagnostic fees often range from $200 to $800—only to find out that repairs could exceed $3,000. If your vehicle is truly an unknown, donating it directly can save you the cost and hassle, allowing you to support a good cause without the headache of repairs.
Alaska pickup specifics
Living in Alaska, you’re likely aware that the density of towing operators for flatbed pickups can be limited, but we work with reliable partners experienced in handling non-running vehicles. Moreover, Alaska has specific ordinances regarding abandoned vehicles, meaning you could face additional challenges if your car is left unattended. Donating proactively helps you avoid these complications while benefitting our community.