How to Get a Free Car If You Really Can’t Afford One
Americans pay more than $12,000 a year for transportation , and for almost everyone that means owning a car. One of the reasons so many people own a car is simple: most people need it to get to and from work and to do basic household chores like grocery shopping. In many parts of the country, you can’t work or shop unless you know how to get somewhere on your own.
But cars are expensive. Over the past few years, new car prices have jumped 30% and used car prices have jumped nearly 40%. For many people, it’s a rock and a hard place: They need a car to live, but they can’t afford a car — any car. However, if that’s you, there’s one option you might not know about: a free car. There are several ways to get a free car if you need one and can’t afford it.
Of course, getting a free car won’t be easy. Most organizations that offer free cars have very strict eligibility requirements in terms of income, employment, and your legal ability to operate a moving vehicle. Usually the demand is quite high and the inventory is low because most of these machines are donations, so there is often a waiting list. And the cars you get vary greatly in condition and may require extensive maintenance or offer a less-than-luxurious driving experience.
That being said, if you absolutely need a car, it may be worth the time to apply and register for one. Here’s where you can look.
Nonprofit organizations that give away free cars
If you’re looking for a free car, your best option is a charity dedicated specifically to delivering cars to people in need. You can look for local organizations in your area that do this, but there are also some national programs worth checking out:
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Cars4Heroes . This program offers free vehicles to military veterans, first responders and their families; you will be required to provide proof of service in these categories. In the app you can nominate yourself or someone else.
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Free charity cars . Free Charity Cars donates to a wide range of people, including victims of violence and people experiencing economic hardship. There is a place in their application where you can make your case, but you will only hear from them if the car becomes available.
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OnlineCarDonation.org . This is another organization that distributes cars to a wide range of people in need. You will have to explain in detail why you need a car and why you cannot afford your own.
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Cars for moms . This organization specifically supports single-parent families (including single fathers, despite the name). You can nominate yourself or someone else and they will work with other organizations in your area to find a car on your behalf.
You can also check out Working Cars for Working Families , which lists local programs that offer cars to those who need them. The National Auto Body Council (NABC) runs a program called Recycled Rides , which offers refurbished vehicles donated by its members (including insurance companies, mechanics and body shops) to people in need, but they do not accept applications directly, only referrals from charities. You can contact local charities in your area to see if they are partnered with Recycled Rides and would be willing to nominate you.
You can also look for a free car the old fashioned way: by request. Local churches, your family, and people in your area sometimes have old jalopies that they no longer want or need, so it’s always worth checking to see if there’s anything available. But if you’ve done this and haven’t had success, one of these programs may be the solution you need.