Too many Michigan veterans are falling through the cracks after service. From navigating the VA system to facing housing instability, the road back to civilian life isn’t easy.
But if you’ve got an old car sitting in your Ann Arbor driveway, you can be part of the solution. Donate it to Veteran Car Donations, and you’ll be helping us fund critical support programs for local vets who’ve served our country – and now need us to step up.
Donating a Car in Ann Arbor, MI Is Easier Than You Think
No DMV visits. No selling headaches. Just a fast, rewarding way to retire your vehicle in the city. Here’s how we make it easy from start to finish:
1. Submit a Quick Donation Form or Call Us
Start with a simple call or online form submission. We’ll gather a few quick details about your vehicle: its type, its condition, and where it’s parked.
2. A Tow Truck Comes for Your Vehicle
Our trusted local towing partners know Tree Town like locals – because they are locals. From the tree-lined streets of Burns Park to the tight alleys of the Old West Side, they’ll pick up your vehicle quickly, safely, and completely free of charge.
3. Get Your Tax Receipt
We handle all the paperwork and title transfer. Once your car is sold, we’ll mail you a tax receipt so you can claim your deduction come tax time.
Here’s what Emory, a satisfied donor, had to say about our service, along with a 5-star Trustpilot review:
“They maintained communication. They were patient. They explained the process in detail. They were punctual. They expressed themselves in a calm, professional manner. Overall, excellent job.”
Reasons to Donate a Car in Ann Arbor
Your contribution doesn’t just help neighbors who served; it helps you, too. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Free, fast pickup: Whether your car’s stuck in a driveway near Kerrytown or behind your apartment in the Old West Side, we’ll tow it away at no cost.
- No stress, no cleanup: We accept most vehicles in any condition. No need to lift a finger to fix the car you’re donating.
- We’ll do the paperwork: Skip the DMV lines. We’ll handle all the documentation for you.
- Get rewarded at tax time: Your donation is tax-deductible, and we’ll send you the receipt within 30 days.
- Feel great about giving back: it’s one of the easiest ways to support the military community and make room.
Pickup Service Available Throughout the City
Ann Arbor may be known for its university spirit, but it’s the neighborhoods that give it heart. That’s why we make sure our donation process fits seamlessly into your daily rhythm, no matter where in the city you call home.
- Kerrytown: With its century-old brick streets and the beloved Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Kerrytown residents value simplicity. We handle everything, so donating a vehicle won’t disrupt your Saturday-morning market run.
- Burns Park: Tucked between leafy lanes and stately homes, families here often donate when they’re clearing space before another school year or freeing up the driveway for sports practice carpools.
- Water Hill: Known for its sloping streets and the annual porch concert festival, residents appreciate how our team navigates the neighborhood’s curves and tight driveways with care.
- Old West Side: Historic charm meets tight alleys and delicate brickwork. That’s why we schedule pickups that work around street parking limitations and preserve your property’s unique character.
- Lower Town: As the Broadway Park West development brings new energy to the riverfront, donating an unused vehicle helps make room for what’s next—without the stress of selling or storing.
- South University: From student apartment turnover to post-grad relocations, residents love how easy it is to donate a car and skip the Craigslist chaos or storage fees.
Just because you don’t see your area here doesn’t mean we haven’t served it. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 877-594-5822. We’ll get your pickup scheduled quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How soon will the tow truck arrive?
Most pickups happen within 24–48 hours, weather permitting. Our towing partners know their way around game-day gridlock on Stadium Boulevard, so we’ll suggest windows that avoid kickoff traffic.
2. Can I donate a car that doesn’t run?
Absolutely. Frozen battery, flat tires, missing exhaust – no problem. The truck is equipped for driveway or alley retrieval, even in the snug lanes behind Old West Side cottages.
For a full list of vehicles we accept, check out this page.
3. Will my car help veterans right here in Washtenaw County?
Absolutely. After your vehicle is towed, we auction it and channel 100% of the net proceeds to our veteran-focused nonprofit partners. That money turns into practical, day-to-day assistance, such as:
- Transitional housing grants that move vets from shelter cots on West Huron Street into long-term apartments along Plymouth Road.
- Skilled-trades training and résumé workshops offered in partnership with Michigan Works! South of I-94, giving former service members a fresh start in the local job market.
- Mental-health counseling and PTSD support through the dedicated clinic inside the Lt. Col. Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center and the Ann Arbor Vet Center on Eisenhower Parkway.
- Emergency relief stipends that keep the lights on in January, cover a surprise co-pay, or bridge the gap when a GI Bill housing allowance is delayed.
So yes, when you donate a car, you’re directly backing the veterans who coach Little League in Burns Park or pour your morning coffee on Liberty Street.
4. Do I need to be present for pickup?
Not if you can leave the signed Michigan title and keys in an agreed-upon spot—many Water Hill donors tape them inside the screen porch. We contact you once the vehicle is loaded, so you’re never left wondering.
5. How do you determine the value of my donated car?
It depends on how much it sells for at auction. If we sell it for less than $500, you can deduct the actual sale price or the fair market value (whichever is lower), up to $500. If it sells for more, you can deduct the full amount it brought in. Either way, we send you a receipt with the final value after the sale.
6. Can I still donate if I don’t have my title?
Of course. Missing titles are common, and we can often help resolve them. While there’s currently no DMV office in Ann Arbor, the Secretary of State branch that handles title services is located at 295 N. Maple Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
If a visit becomes necessary, we’ll guide you through the steps and let you know exactly what to bring for your appointment.
Curious to learn more about how our donation program works? Visit our FAQ page or send us a message here.
Ready to Clear Space and Change Lives?
Picture this: It’s a crisp fall Saturday, maize-and-blue scarves everywhere. While you’re headed to The Big House, our tow crew swings by, hauls off the minivan that hasn’t moved since Harbaugh’s first season, and leaves a donation receipt on your porch. You come home to an open driveway and the knowledge that a local veteran has just taken one step closer to securing housing.
Call 877-594-5822 or fill out our donation form to schedule your free pickup.
Whether you pass Veterans Memorial Park on your morning jog or visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on holidays, you know this city shows up for its heroes. Donating your car is a powerful way to do the same.
In a Nutshell
Donating a vehicle in Ann Arbor is the simplest way to:
- Declutter your driveway before the snow flies
- Score a lawful tax deduction
- Fuel programs that support the veterans teaching at U-M, running craft stalls in Kerrytown, and recovering at the Kettles VA Medical Center
One quick form, one free tow, and your old ride begins a new tour of duty: serving the people who served all of us.
No haggling, no ads, just hometown generosity in action.