How to Get a Free Car

They say nothing in life is free, so is it possible to get a free car?  Unless you were there the year Oprah gave her entire studio audience free cars, you may think absolutely not. It may seem far fetched, but it’s not impossible.

There are a few ways to do so and they just require a little creativity. If you’d like to learn how to get a car for free, continue reading below.

Advertise With Your Car

Just because you already have a car, doesn’t mean you have to pay for it. In 2018, the average car payment was $523 and the average payment for a used car is $371.  If you’re currently financing your vehicle, you want to consider advertising with your car.

To advertise with your car, you would allow a company to “wrap your car” with their logo and or other images. The wrap is removable and the company covers the cost of the application.

If you meet certain requirements (18 years or older, drive a certain number of miles per month, in some cases a newer vehicle) you may be eligible.

How much can one earn from advertising with their car? That can depend on the company as well as the amount you drive each month. The average seems to be $400 per month, but it has been reported you can earn up to $1000 per month. Sites like Wrapify and Free Car Media are great places to start.

That’s more than likely enough to cover the cost of your cay payment, thus the car pays for itself.

Related: How to Pay For a Car in Cash

Trade in or Sell your Existing Vehicle

If you find yourself wanting to eliminate your car payments, there is the possibility of trading in or selling your vehicle.  You can use the money earned from the seller to purchase a more affordable vehicle.  For this route, it may be better to sell the car yourself.  It may require more work on your end, but you will also collect all of the profit.  Network and use your social media to advertise your vehicle for sale.

If you do decide to go to a dealer, make sure that the car you’re trading in is worth more than the vehicle you purchase.  For example, if your current vehicle is worth $20,000 and the vehicle you purchase is sold for $10,000.  The dealer will pay of the balance and can apply the $10,000 of equity to your new vehicle.  Thus you’re essentially getting the car for free.

Get a Company Car

This should be considered whether you work for a company or self-employed. Of course, there are eligibility requirements that will need to be met, but this is an overall great way to get a car for free. The company provides the vehicle, which can eliminate your need for purchasing your own vehicle.

However, the downside is that you don’t own the car outright (unless you’re self-employed) and there are also tax implications. If you use a company car for personal use, it is taxable.

To the IRS, it becomes a paid benefit from your employer, essentially compensation.

If you are self-employed, purchasing a company car is more advantageous.  You can take advantage of tax deductions like depreciation and mileage, in addition to being able to write off the car as a business expense.  This method of getting a car for free is more complex, but still possible.

Receive a Donated Car

Every year generous people donate their vehicles.  Did you know that you may be eligible for one of those vehicles?  There are various requirements depending on the organization offering the vehicle.

There several organizations nationwide that provide donated cars to individuals in need. Vehicles for Change connects individuals in Maryland, Virginia, and Michigan to car donation. Their requirements include verifiable employment or an employment offer, the ability to cover the insurance, registration and ongoing maintenance costs, drug-free with no other vehicles in your home.

Free Charity Cars allows users to create profiles describing their need, and then users vote for applicants based on the profile.  It may require a little research to find an organization near you, but the benefit is certainly worth it.

Qualify for a Need-Based Vehicle

Comparable to the tip above, organizations provide donated vehicles to those with specific circumstances or needs.  Organizations like Vehicles for Veterans, help coordinate services to provide free vehicles to military veterans. Working Cars for Working Families assists those rejoining the workforce with demonstrated need to obtain vehicles.

Victims of natural disasters can qualify for cars through organizations like Cars 2 Charities.  Victims of domestic violence may be able to find assistance through organizations like 800CharityCars. Aid is available for those in need, so don’t hesitate to reach out to local and national charitable organizations.

As you can see, there are plenty of legitimate options if you’ve been wondering how to get a free car. You can advertise, sell your existing car, get a company car, or possibly qualify for a free donated vehicle.

There are great resources available, so do your research to find what method works best for you.

Editor’s Note: P.S. – Have a car loan and looking for ways to make extra money so you can pay it off sooner? I paid off my 60-month car loan in 18 months by earning extra income. Here are some of the best flexible ways to make extra money. 

• Become a Virtual Assistant
• Take Surveys Online
• Become a Freelance Writer
• Apply For Focus Groups
• Check out this page for more extra income ideas!

Do you know anyone who has received a car for free? If so, what method did they use?