Here’s the straight answer: with Palm Ride Exchange in West Palm Beach, most donors get their car picked up in 24–48 hours after contacting us. Your tax paperwork arrives within 30 days after the vehicle sells, which typically means 2–8 weeks total from your first call or form to having your IRS-ready documents in hand. If your pickup is confirmed by December 31, you can usually deduct it for that tax year, even if the sale and paperwork finish later.
The process is designed for South Florida speed and simplicity. You start with a quick 2-minute form or call. Within 1–2 business hours on weekdays, a local coordinator calls you back to lock in a pickup time that works in your neighborhood—whether you’re in Downtown West Palm Beach, Flamingo Park, Northwood, SoSo, or out toward Palm Beach Gardens, Lake Worth Beach, Boynton Beach, or Wellington. Towing is free, running or not, and there’s no inspection or repair needed. We handle transport to auction or a direct buyer, complete the sale (usually 2–6 weeks after pickup), then mail your written acknowledgment or IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days. You get an emptied driveway, a clean break from the car, and a clear timeline from start to tax deduction.
Your complete donation timeline
Start your donation in 2 minutes
2 minutesEnter your vehicle and contact details in our online form or call Palm Ride Exchange. In about 2 minutes, we have what we need: basic car info, your location in the West Palm Beach area, and your preferred contact method. No VIN lookups or paperwork hunting required to get started.
Scheduling call from your local coordinator
Within 1–2 business hours on weekdaysOn weekdays, a West Palm–based coordinator calls you within 1–2 business hours to confirm your car’s condition, verify your address (from CityPlace to The Villages, Wellington, or Lake Worth Beach), and set up your pickup window. You choose a time that fits your schedule—often as soon as the same day.
Free towing and empty driveway
Same-day to 2 business daysOur tow partner arrives at your home, condo, or workplace—whether you’re off Okeechobee Blvd, Military Trail, or out near Palm Beach Lakes. Most pickups happen within 24–48 hours, and always at no cost to you. You sign a simple release, hand over the keys and title, and your driveway is clear.
Transport and vehicle sale
2–6 weeks after pickupAfter pickup, your car is transported to auction or a direct buyer in the South Florida market. We work to secure strong bidding while moving quickly, so most sales are finalized within 2–6 weeks. This sale price is what will determine the amount you may be able to deduct, subject to IRS rules.
Tax paperwork mailed to you
Within 30 days of sale (about 2–8 weeks from start)Once the vehicle sells, Palm Ride Exchange issues a written acknowledgment or IRS Form 1098-C (for qualifying donations) on behalf of Heritage for the Blind. It’s mailed within 30 days of the sale, so plan on about 2–8 weeks from your first contact to holding your tax documents.
Why the process is genuinely fast
True 2-minute start
You can begin your donation in less time than it takes to make coffee. A short form or quick call gives us everything needed to move straight to scheduling—no uploads, no scanner, no digging through files.
Same-day or 24–48 hr pickup
In most parts of West Palm Beach and South Florida, our tow partners can pick up your car the same day or within 24–48 hours. We prioritize urgent pickups, especially for end-of-year tax deadlines or HOA parking pressure.
Monday–Saturday dispatch
Our dispatch network runs Monday through Saturday, giving you more options than a typical weekday-only service. Whether you’re off work on Saturdays or need an after-work pickup, we work to fit busy South Florida schedules.
Non-running and damaged cars welcome
No need to spend time or money fixing anything. We accept most vehicles as-is—non-running, accident damage, failed emissions, or old projects that won’t start. Tow drivers are prepared to safely load problem vehicles.
No inspection or repairs needed
You don’t have to schedule pre-inspections, detail the car, or bring it anywhere. Skip dealer visits and private test drives. We take the car exactly how it sits in your driveway, garage, or parking spot.