How to Get a Free Car if You Have a Disability

Last Updated: December 31, 2022 References Approved

If you have a disability or a disabling medical condition, finding an affordable vehicle can be a challenge. In many places, having access to a car is a necessary part of being independent. Fortunately, there are ways to get a vehicle for free if you know where to look and how to ask.

Things You Should Know

Apply for help online to charity organizations, contact your local Center for Independent Living, and check government websites.
You can also post on social media, raise money through a crowdfunding platform, and reach out to local churches and mechanics.
For charity organizations and government programs, be prepared to show proof of disability and medical expenses.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Turning to an Organization for Help

1
Apply for help from charity organizations online. There are a number of larger organizations whose focus is giving vehicles to people who have a variety of needs, including those with disabilities. Groups like Free Charity Cars or Ways to Work help applicants in need obtain reliable transportation.^{[1]
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Research source} Register online to begin the process for yourself.
- Whenever you work with a large charitable organization it’s a good idea to make sure they have official non-profit status.^{[2]
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- Read more about an organization online at charitywatch.org or charitynavigator.org, for example, to find out more about individual groups before you work with them.
2
Be prepared to provide proof of your disability and medical expenses. Gather medical records, doctor's notes, and income check stubs. Tally up how much housing, utilities, food, and other necessities cost you each month, and compare it against your disability income. This can help you demonstrate that you can't afford a car on your own.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
US Social Security Administration
Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information
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- Specific requirements and definitions for claiming disability status can vary from country to country, so check with your government disability and welfare offices for more details on what constitutes proof of disability.
- A determination of disability requires a doctor to evaluate and attest many factors.
- Doctors take on a high degree of responsibility when making a disability evaluation and attestation and require substantial supporting documentation to be able to do so.
- Patients should discuss their medical condition and their reason for seeking disability with their doctor. They should provide documentation showing objective data of their condition, such as a physical exam, lab, and medical notes.
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3
Contact your local Center for Independent Living for help. In the U.S., local Centers for Independent Living are disability advocacy and social service groups that can help connect you to local information that relates specifically to your circumstances. Check out the National Council on Independent Living for more information and to find your contact information for your local Center.^{[4]
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4
Check your government’s websites for available programs. In the UK you may be eligible for tax exemptions, loans or grants to help you get a vehicle and, if necessary, modify it to suit your needs.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Official UK government website
Official website for the public sector of the UK government
Go to source} In the U.S. there are also programs to help pay for vehicle modifications through Federal and private insurance benefits.^{[6]
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USA.GOV
Official website for the United States federal government
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- Search online for government funding opportunities and programs in your area to learn more about what’s available near you.
- If you have a disability related to your U.S. military service, you may be able to get help through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.^{[7]
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  US Department of Veterans Affairs
  U.S. government agency providing healthcare and resources to veterans
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Asking for a Free Vehicle

1
Post about your need on social media. You can reach a lot of people with your request by turning to social media platforms. In your post, you should include some basic background information about yourself, what you are looking for in a vehicle, and why you need one.^{[8]
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- If you make your post publicly visible, make sure you include some way for people to contact you.
- Avoid sharing really personal information in the post, like your address and phone number. Including an email address may be the best way for you to screen any responses you get.
2
Raise money for a car through an online fundraising platform. Crowdfunding sites help you raise money for a fee, so look for the platform that takes a low percentage. Write a compelling story that is honest but explicitly spells out why you need the money, what you will do with it, and how it will help you. Then, share it widely and ask everyone you know to do the same.^{[9]
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- These platforms are helpful because they allow you to collect money from family, friends, and community networks quickly and easily.
- They also let you reach people who may not know you but who are interested in making a donation directly to someone in need.
- Set a reasonable goal and allow time to reach it. If you ask for too much, people may question your motives.
3
Reach out to local churches in your area for help. Let them know who you are and what your needs are and ask if they might be able to help. Whether you are a member of a religious congregation or not, a lot of churches do charitable work in their local communities. Contact them via phone or email using the information available on their websites, or visit them in person if you can’t find them online.^{[10]
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- Asking for help isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t know the person you are asking. You won’t know what is available unless you ask, though, so it’s best to be humble but direct about what it is you need, and why.^{[11]
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- Some churches have ongoing programs where mechanics fix up donated cars so that they can be donated to people in need.^{[12]
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4
Contact a local mechanic in your area for help. Mechanics may have cars that need work that have been abandoned in their care. You may be able to work with them to transfer the title of the car from the owner and get the needed repairs completed at little or no cost.^{[13]
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- If you can get a car for free but need help getting it repaired, talk to your mechanic about local repair assistance programs that may help people in need maintain their vehicles.^{[14]
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5
Ask friends and family. Someone in your network of family and friends may be happy to donate a vehicle to you if they no longer need it. Speak to them in person about your request if possible. A good way to set up a conversation like this is to let them know in advance that you will be asking them for a favor but wait until you can talk to them at length before you broach the subject.^{[15]
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Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
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- Ask them directly if they or anyone they know might be able to donate a car for you to use.
- If it’s impossible to speak in person, a phone call is the next best option.
- Emails and text messages can be impersonal and are easy for someone to overlook. You don’t want your request getting lost in the shuffle, so try to speak to them directly if you can.