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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions - Other Items

Have a question about Giveacar? Hopefully you'll find the answer below. If not, please contact us.

About Donations

  • What items do you accept?

    We accept a wide variety of items, too numerous to list here but a few examples would be: Flat screen televisions, Mobility scooters, Ride-on lawnmowers, Tumble dryers, Mountain bikes, Computers and a silver plated saxophone! We have access to a great network of people who are willing to bid on a variety of objects, so if your item has value, we can raise a donation. If it has no auction value, then it must have a high metal content so we can generate a scrap value. If it fails at auction and has no scrap value then no donation will be generated.

  • What condition must items be in?

    All items must be in whole and working order. We don’t take junk. We don’t take parts. If our salvage partner collects an item that turns out to be in bad condition, it is quite probable that it will not sell at auction and no donation will be made. The best way to check if your item qualifies for donation is to ask us! (Call the office or email support@giveacar.co.uk).

  • How will I know how much my item has raised?

    The whole process (from contacting Giveacar, arranging collection to donation) takes about 5/6 weeks, at which point you would receive a letter from Giveacar (showing the amount raised) and a letter from the charity you chose to support, thanking you for your donation.

  • How does Giveacar make money from this?

    Giveacar keeps the office running by taking 25% from any donation raised – our only source of funding as a non-profit. So, for example, if your item raised £100 then we would deduct £25 (plus £5 VAT) before sending it to your charity – meaning a donation of £70 in total.

About the collection process

  • Who picks up the items and where can they collect?

    We use an established network of regulated and registered salvage collectors. They can collect nationwide on the mainland and can also make it to the Isle of Wight. For other offshore areas, please ask us but be aware that collection charges may well outweigh the value of the item.

  • Do I have to be there when the item is collected?

    Someone should always be around on the day of collection just in case any issues arise. However, it is also possible to arrange collections where items are left in pre-advised locations. You would be doing so at your own risk.

About the value of items and the sale process

  • How are the items sold?

    Each item is placed into an online auction process, with a reserve price (set by our auction partners). In the event it failed to reach its reserve the first time round, it would be tried again with a new reserve price. The best price received would be returned to Giveacar, providing it outweighed the cost of the auction process.

  • Do I have to pay anything?

    You don’t have to pay anything at all. It’s a completely free service, both to you and the charity.

  • How long does it all take and will you tell me how much was raised?

    Collection usually takes about four days from the point that you contact Giveacar. The whole process (from contacting Giveacar, arranging collection to donation) takes about 5/6 weeks, at which point you would receive a letter from Giveacar (showing the amount raised) and a letter from the charity you chose to support, thanking you for your donation.

About Giveacar

  • Who runs Giveacar?
    Giveacar was the first service of its kind in the UK. It was created by Tom Chance when he graduated from Nottingham University in 2009. Giveacar is now run by a team of four, who are passionate about promoting the idea of car donation, reducing the environmental impact of end-of-life vehicles and raising money for our affiliated charities.
  • Is Giveacar a truly independent service?
    Yes. Our independence has always been important to us. Giveacar is not part of a larger group. It is not tied to any commercial operation, to any scrap dealers or recycling firms. It is also not owned by or affiliated to any particular charities. We encourage you to make your own choice of the charity you want to support.
  • Where is Giveacar based?

    We are based in Fulham, South-West London. You can find our office address on our contact page. Please note that we can collect vehicles throughout the UK.

  • Why should I trust Giveacar?

    Giveacar is a social enterprise, currently registered with Companies House as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. As a fundraising organisation, we are approved by the Fundraising Standards Board – you can find our registration details here. The Fundraising Standards Board is an independent body that was set up to ensure compliance with the best practice in fundraising and to encourage the public to give with confidence. As a company keen to act in accordance with environmentally approved procedures, we are also registered with the Environment Agency.