FAQ’s
Do you accept all vehicles even if they are not running?
We accept vehicles in any condition. Our staff and volunteer mechanics repair as many vehicles as possible. Some vehicles are not economical to repair, but provide income to Wheels4Hope when sold for parts.
What areas do you serve?
Currently, we have locations in the Triangle (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill) and the Triad (Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point. We use our discretion to pick up vehicles outside of a 60 mile radius from one of our Hubs.
What do I need to donate my car?
It’s Easy. Fill out our online form or contact a hub near you. We will coordinate drop off/ pick up or have your car towed if necessary at no cost to you.
What paperwork do I need to donate my car?
We require the title to your vehicle be reassigned to Wheels4Hope. North Carolina titles requires the seller have their signature notarized, do not sign the title until you are in the presence of a notary. You may use any convenient notary. Most banks have a notary and our Hubs have notaries available upon appointment. Some states do not require a notarized signature.
If the title has two names on it, both people will need to sign as the seller in front of a notary.
What if I don’t have my title?
Wheels4Hope can help you obtain proper documentation if you provide us with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); we can assist with filling out a duplicate title form (MVR4). You can also go to the DMV and request an immediate duplicate title (cost $75).
How can I get my vehicle to a Wheels4Hope hub?
We prefer if you can make arrangements to drop off your vehicle along with the title and keys. If the car needs to be picked up, we can arrange for our volunteer car runners to come pick up the car at a convenient time.
If the car is not drivable, a local towing company will pick up the car. Wheels4Hope must have the title prior to a tow company picking up the vehicle. If the car is not driveable we may arrange a local tow company to tow your car.
How soon can you pick up?
We will try to accommodate car pick- ups as best as we can. Our volunteers are available to pick up running vehicles on certain days of the week. Once we receive the title if your car needs to be towed we will request pickup.
Is there any cost associated with donating my vehicle?
No, there is no cost. We assume all costs associated for towing the vehicle to our location, if a tow company is used. You must pay any outstanding repair bills associated with the vehicle prior to donation.
When do I cancel my insurance?
Insurance should be maintained until the license plate has been turned into the DMV or expired.
What do I do with my license plate?
Please remove the license plate prior to donating the car and turn it into the DMV.
Do I have to be home when you pick up my car?
As long as we have the title signed over to Wheels4Hope, you can clean out your personal belongings and leave the keys under the driver’s side floor mat for Wheels4Hope to pick up the vehicle.
How do I know what to claim on my taxes?
Once Wheels4Hope has received your vehicle it will be assessed to determine whether it will be placed into our program or sold to benefit our organization.
If your car becomes a program car, you will be notified via letter and you will be able to claim the fair market value for the car. If the vehicle is sold, you will be notified of the sale price, which is the amount you will be able to claim on your taxes.
Vehicles that are in good condition, but not used as program cars, are repaired and sold to the general public bringing market value to the donor as a tax deduction.
How do I get a program car?
To get a vehicle through our program you must be referred to Wheels4Hope through a partner agency. Our partner agencies currently serve clients in the Triangle, Triad and Western Carolina.
To be considered for a referral to Wheels4Hope, you must be an active participant with one of our partner agencies and successfully engaged in one or more of the agency’s programs. You must have a valid NC driver’s license, proof of employment and no other vehicle can be in your household.
What does it cost to purchase a program car once I have a referral?
The cost to recipient is $500 for the car plus the NC DMV title transfer fees, and taxes.
The recipient must also purchase insurance for the car. Property tax must be paid within 60 days after purchasing the vehicle.
After I am referred, what is the process?
Once we receive your completed application and payment, we will notify you of your orientation date. Child care is not provided at orientation. All recipients are required to attend orientation where we cover specifics of the program, warranty information and basic car care maintenance.
How long is the wait for a car after I attend orientation?
The typical wait time is 6 to 8 weeks.
What do I need prior to receiving my car?
You will be notified of the type of vehicle, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). At this time, you are responsible for securing insurance on the vehicle. Proof of insurance is required to sell the car and process the DMV paperwork.
How are program cars prepared for the recipients? Is there a warranty?
Necessary repairs are made so that the vehicle is in good working order and passes NC State Inspection. We also provide a six month or 6,000 mile limited warranty.
Does W4H provide car seats for my children?
New car seats that are appropriate for your children’s specific ages are something you will need to purchase if you don’t already own them. We do not recycle car seats because we do not know their history or whether they meet current safety standards.
When do I receive my title for a program car?
One year after receiving your car you may pick up your title by presenting your driver’s license at the Wheels4Hope office.
How do agencies partner with Wheels4Hope?
Wheels4Hope has an application process for all interested partner agencies. Contact your local hub to request information on partnership. Please be advised that there are times we are unable to add new partners due to the limited number of vehicles we have to work with.
Do you sell cars to the General Public?
Yes, we sell vehicles that we receive as donations but aren’t suitable as program cars. To View cars we have for sale visit our showroom.
If I buy a public sale car, will you finance? Accept cash? Do trade-ins?
We are not in a position to provide financing for our public sale vehicles. We accept cashier’s checks, money orders, or debit/credit cards – no personal checks.
Do used cars come with a warranty?
All used cars are sold As Is.
