Free Cars for Domestic Violence Survivors

Help for Specific Groups · Updated November 2026 · By the Free Car Help team

Key takeaways

Several charity car programs prioritize domestic-violence survivors.
Shelter advocates can refer you and help with safety planning.
Keep the title, insurance and registration in your own name.

If you are in danger, call 911. For confidential support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Where survivors can get car help

Charity car programs: 1-800-Charity Cars lists domestic-violence survivors among its recipients. See free charity cars.
Shelter advocates: shelters often refer clients to local car programs and help with gas, repairs and safety planning.
Local programs: check your state page, and apply with Free Car Help — mark “Domestic violence survivor” on the form.

Donated car keys handed to a grateful couple

Safety tips

Ask an advocate to help you check a vehicle for tracking devices, keep title and insurance documents in your own name, and use a safe mailing address.

Help beyond a car

Emergency transportation: shelters often provide rides, bus passes or gas cards.
Car repairs: see charities that help with car repairs.
Address confidentiality programs: many states let survivors use a substitute address on records.
Legal help: advocates can help if a shared car is in an abuser’s name.

Applying safely

Use a safe email address and phone number, and tell programs if they should not leave messages. On our application, you can mention safety concerns in your story so we contact you carefully.

Rebuilding independence

A car can help survivors keep a job, get children to a new school and attend court dates and counseling. After you are safe, look at building credit with a fair car loan and affordable car insurance so the car stays in your name and on the road.