If your car has body damage, rust, a cracked windshield, or accident or storm damage anywhere in Indiana, you can still donate it through Hoosier Wheels. We partner with Heritage for the Blind, a real 501(c)(3), and they accept vehicles in any cosmetic condition. Whether your car is sitting in a driveway in Broad Ripple, a barn near Bloomington, or an apartment lot in Fort Wayne, you do not need to fix the damage first. Free towing, no-hassle paperwork, and a tax receipt are all included.
Here’s how it really works. After you schedule your donation, a licensed towing partner picks up your vehicle anywhere in Indiana at no cost, running or not. The car is sold as-is—dents, rust, cracked glass and all. Your tax deduction is based on the actual sale price, not on what the car looked like before the damage. If it sells for more than $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C; if it sells for less, you are still guaranteed a $500 receipt. Heavily damaged or totaled vehicles may bring a lower sale price, but they are still accepted and still help support services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
How to get your free pickup scheduled
1. Tell us about your damaged vehicle
Start by sharing the basics: year, make, model, where it’s located in Indiana, and what kind of damage it has—dents, rust, cracked windshield, accident or storm damage. Be honest and specific. It won’t disqualify your car; it just helps us plan the right tow truck and set realistic expectations about the sale value and your tax deduction.
2. Schedule free towing anywhere in Indiana
Once we have your info, we work with our towing partners to schedule a pickup time that fits your schedule. Whether your car is in downtown Indianapolis, Merrillville, Evansville, South Bend, or out in rural farm country, we’ll arrange a free tow. The vehicle can be non-running, missing body panels, or covered in hail dents—no problem.
3. Hand over the keys and title at pickup
On pickup day, you (or your representative) meet the tow driver, remove your personal items, and sign the title over. If the vehicle is so damaged it can’t be moved easily, the driver has equipment to safely load it. We’ll walk you through any Indiana BMV title questions so you feel confident the transfer is done correctly and your liability ends.
4. We sell your car as-is to maximize value
After towing, your vehicle is sold as-is through a network that can handle body damage, rust, cracked glass, and even structural issues. Some cars are sold to repair shops or dismantlers; others through auctions. Cosmetic condition doesn’t stop the process—it just influences what buyers are willing to pay and therefore the amount of your final tax deduction.
5. Receive your tax receipt from Heritage for the Blind
When the vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails you a written tax receipt. If it sells for more than $500, your deduction equals the actual sale price and you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for less, you’re still guaranteed a $500 receipt. Either way, your damaged vehicle supports programs for people who are blind or visually impaired.
6. Enjoy a cleared driveway and easy peace of mind
Once your damaged car is gone, your driveway, garage, or parking space is finally clear. You avoid repair bills, private-sale hassles, and storage headaches. You also know you helped fund meaningful services through Heritage for the Blind—without spending a dollar on towing or body work and without leaving Indiana to do it.
Potential complications to watch for
Missing or incorrect Indiana title
Tip: We can’t complete your donation without the correct title. If your damaged car has sat for years and you can’t find the title, contact your local Indiana BMV branch (like in Carmel, Lafayette, or New Albany) to request a replacement. Once you have it in your name, we can finish the donation quickly.
Severely damaged or missing VIN plate
Tip: If rust or an accident has damaged the area where the VIN is located, or if parts of the dashboard are missing, tell us up front. Towing and sale are often still possible, but buyers must be able to confirm the VIN somewhere on the vehicle. We’ll guide you on where to look and what photos may help.
Vehicle blocked in or buried in a tight spot
Tip: If your damaged car is up against a fence, stuck in a backyard in Irvington, or nose-in against a wall in a downtown parking garage, mention this when scheduling. The tow company may need special equipment or a different truck. Clear what you can around the vehicle so loading is safer and faster.
Aftermarket liens or not fully paid off
Tip: If there is still a lien on the title—maybe from a bank or finance company—this must be resolved before donation. Call the lender to confirm it’s paid and obtain a lien release if needed. In Indiana, the BMV will not complete a transfer if the lienholder is still listed as having an interest in the vehicle.