If you’re around Melbourne with a car that’s dented, rusted, has a cracked windshield, or was in an accident or storm, you can still donate it. Coastal Wheels partners with Heritage for the Blind to accept vehicles in any cosmetic condition. Body damage alone will not disqualify your car. Whether it’s been sideswiped on Babcock Street, caught hail on the Space Coast, or picked up rust near the river in Eau Gallie, we can usually take it as-is.
Here’s how it works: we arrange free towing anywhere in the Melbourne area and across Florida—whether the car starts, is missing panels, or has broken glass. You do not need to spend a dollar on repairs. After pickup, the vehicle is sold for the best realistic price given its condition. Your tax deduction is based on the actual sale price, not how the car looks. If it sells for more than $500, you’ll receive IRS Form 1098-C; if it sells for less, you’re still guaranteed a $500 receipt. Proceeds support Heritage for the Blind, a registered 501(c)(3), helping people who are blind or visually impaired, right from your driveway in places like Viera, West Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Satellite Beach.
How to get your free pickup scheduled
1. Tell us about your damaged vehicle
Share the basics: year, make, model, and what kind of body damage you have—dents, rust, cracked glass, storm or accident damage. Whether it’s parked at home in Viera, outside a shop off Wickham Road, or sitting non-running in Palm Bay, we’ll quickly confirm that we can accept it as a donation.
2. Schedule free towing anywhere in Melbourne
Once you say yes, Coastal Wheels arranges a free pickup time that fits your schedule. Our towing partners handle vehicles that don’t start, have flat tires, or broken windows. We pick up across the Space Coast—Melbourne, West Melbourne, Suntree, Eau Gallie, and nearby beachside communities—at no cost to you.
3. Prepare a simple, damage-honest handoff
On pickup day, remove personal items and have your keys and title ready if available. You don’t need to clean or repair anything; cracked windshields, scraped bumpers, and rusted panels are all fine. The tow driver will guide you through a quick handoff and provide any necessary paperwork for the donation.
4. We sell the car as-is for the best return
After towing, your damaged car is sold as-is, either for parts or repair, depending on its condition. Cosmetic issues like dents, rust, or broken glass may reduce the sale price, but won’t prevent the sale. The net proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind to support programs for people with visual impairments.
5. Receive your tax receipt and complete your donation
Once the vehicle sells, Coastal Wheels mails you a tax receipt. If it sells for more than $500, you’ll receive documentation (including IRS Form 1098-C information) for that exact amount. If it sells for less, you’re still guaranteed a $500 receipt. Keep it with your tax records to claim your charitable deduction.
Potential complications to watch for
Missing or damaged title in Florida
Tip: Even if your damaged car’s title is lost or water-damaged, we can often still help. In Florida, a clean title makes the process faster, but substitutes or replacements are usually possible. Let us know your exact situation up front so we can advise you and avoid delays with pickup or sale.
Severe structural or flood damage
Tip: Frame bending, flood exposure, or storm surge from a hurricane won’t automatically disqualify your vehicle. However, these can affect how and where we sell it. Be honest about any flood lines, airbag deployment, or bent frame so we can place it correctly and set accurate expectations about your tax deduction.
Car not safely accessible for towing
Tip: If your vehicle is stuck in a tight condo garage near the river, buried behind other cars, or off a soft roadside shoulder, towing can take extra coordination. Tell us exactly where it sits and whether it rolls, steers, or has all four wheels so we can send the right truck and avoid rescheduling.
Existing liens or missing plates
Tip: A paid-off loan with an old lien on the title can slow things down if not cleared. Also, Florida requires proper plate and registration handling. Before pickup, remove your plates and confirm any liens are satisfied. If you’re unsure, mention it in your initial call so we can walk you through next steps.