If you’re in Fort Lauderdale staring at a car with dents, rust, a cracked windshield, or accident or storm damage and wondering, “Can I still donate this?”, the answer is yes. Through Cruise for Cause, Heritage for the Blind accepts vehicles in any cosmetic condition. That means body damage, faded paint, broken mirrors, or smashed glass do not disqualify your car from being donated. Whether you’re in Victoria Park, Coral Ridge, Sailboat Bend, or out near Weston and Pembroke Pines, we’ll help you turn that problem car into a meaningful donation.
Here’s how it really works in South Florida. You don’t need to spend a dollar fixing body damage or glass. We arrange free towing from your driveway, garage, street parking, or storage lot—running or not, even if the doors are dinged or the fenders are crumpled. Your vehicle is then sold as-is. The sale price, not how it looks, determines your tax deduction. If it sells for more than $500, your deduction is based on the actual sale amount; if it sells for less, you still receive a guaranteed $500 tax receipt. Proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) supporting people who are blind or visually impaired, while you clear space and avoid repair headaches.
How to get your free pickup scheduled
1. Tell us about your damaged vehicle
Start online or by phone and describe the real condition: dents, rust, cracked windshield, accident or storm damage, missing trim, etc. Whether your car is in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Lauderdale Lakes, or Plantation, we just need the basics to schedule your free pickup and confirm we can accept it as-is.
2. Schedule your free South Florida pickup
We arrange a towing time that fits your schedule—days, evenings, or weekends. Our driver can meet you at home, work, or a shop in areas like Flagler Village, Rio Vista, Oakland Park, or Davie. The tow is always free, even if the car doesn’t run, has flat tires, or can’t pass inspection because of body damage.
3. Hand over the keys and signed title
At pickup, you’ll sign the title and hand over the keys (if available). Light cosmetic damage or heavy body damage won’t change this step. If you’re unsure how to sign a Florida title, we’ll walk you through it. Once the tow truck leaves, you’re done—no repair bills, no body shop estimates, no haggling with buyers.
4. We sell your car as-is for Heritage for the Blind
Your car is transported to a sale outlet that handles damaged and problem vehicles every day. Whether it’s rusted from salt air in Harbor Beach, dented from I-95 traffic, or cracked from a hailstorm, it’s sold as-is. The actual sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind to support programs for people who are blind or visually impaired.
5. Receive your tax receipt and finalize your deduction
After the car sells, you receive a tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind. If it sells for more than $500, your deduction is the sale price; if it sells for less, your receipt is still for $500. For deductions over $500, you’ll use IRS Form 1098-C with your tax return. We provide what you need for your records.
Potential complications to watch for
Missing or incorrect Florida title
Tip: Even with heavy body damage, the title still matters. If your Florida title is missing, in a former name, or still lists a lien, we may need extra paperwork or time. Contact us before scheduling pickup so we can explain how to replace or correct a title with the Florida DHSMV and keep your donation moving smoothly.
Car stored in a tight or restricted location
Tip: If your damaged car is in a condo garage, tight alley, backyard, or a gated community in areas like Las Olas Isles or Poinsettia Heights, the tow truck may need special access. Let us know about height limits, gate codes, or HOA rules in advance so we can send the right truck and avoid rescheduling your pickup.
Non-owner arranging the donation
Tip: If you’re helping a family member, handling an estate, or the car is titled in a business or trust, we’ll need the legal owner or authorized signer for the title. Body damage doesn’t complicate the donation, but ownership issues can. Ask us what documents are required so your pickup in Fort Lauderdale isn’t delayed.
Abandoned or unregistered vehicles on private property
Tip: We can usually accept unregistered or long-sitting cars, even if they’re rusted or storm-damaged, as long as you have legal ownership. However, truly abandoned vehicles or cars without any paperwork are different. Before you schedule, confirm you’re the legal owner so we can arrange a lawful pickup and transfer with Heritage for the Blind.