FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What kinds of vehicles do you take?
A: Vehicles that still have some life in them and are worth repairing and will run when repaired.

Q: Will you pick up the vehicle(s)?
A: ATI will call to arrange a pick up time with you. ATI will pick up the vehicle at a location you request. ATI serves the extended five county metropolitan area. You can also drive the vehicle to our service location at 461 North Wilder Street in the midway of St. Paul. Call 651-646-7826 for additional directions.

Q: What is the process for donating my vehicle?
A: We will set a date and time to pick up your vehicle. We use a trailer to haul the vehicles. The donor receives two sets of paperwork, a brochure and an owners record of sale from the title. The paperwork you receive includes a tax donation form and a donor's bill of sale. From the moment ATI takes possession of your vehicle you are released from any further responsibility related to your vehicle.

Q: How long does it take to complete the paperwork when you pick up my vehicle?
A: The forms are preprinted, the whole process takes about 5-7 minutes.

Q: Do we need to go to Motor Vehicles to transfer the title?
A: No, Auto Technical has a used car dealer license, a requirement from the state of Minnesota. The "Donor Bill of Sale" form documents the transfer of title from your name into Auto Technical's.

Q: Can I drop my insurance coverage on the vehicle?
A: Yes, the moment we give you the "Donor Bill of Sale" form the vehicle is covered by our insurance.

Q: What if I want more assurance that the transfer is ok with the Department of Motor Vehicles?
A: We will fill out a DMV form called a dealer's purchase receipt. The Deputy Register will enter the transaction in the computer and give you a computerized receipt. There is no charge for this.

Q: What do you do with the donated vehicle, do you give them away, do you provide training, do you sell them?
A: Yes to all three. We give vehicles to client families referred to us by our community partners who are social service agencies, working with families. They provide employment assistance, case management, etc. When the parent has found employment, the social worker calls us and sends them to us for a vehicle.

A couple of our community partners are: Tubman Alliance (a group of battered women's shelters serving the metropolitan community). Another partner are the Workforce Centers operated by the state of Minnesota with oversite by county human services departments. These are located in Ramsey, Hennepin, Anoka and Scott/Carver Counties.

The training we offer is short term training. We are not a school, but provide a mentoring program, helping people with low reading and writing skills or ESL (English as a second language) needs. The goal is to help them develop confidence and learn basic beginning auto mechanical skills. Our goal is to move them into an accredited school setting. We also offer Car CAre Classes for anyone who received a car from ATI for $1 dollar. These classes are offered monthly. We strongly urge all families to take advantage of these classes. We teach families about their cars, how to check oil, tires, belts and hoses and dozens of other preventative measures. Families who attend the Car Care Classes also receive a free oil change coupon. Yes, we said $1. Families referred to us through our community partners pay $1 for their car. ATI pays for the title, tax and transfer fee. We know that when families have reliable transportation they keep their jobs. When they keep their jobs they become self-sufficient.

Q: You said you sell vehicles. What happens to the money?
A: Some vehicles that are donated, i.e. older luxury vehicles aren't appropriate for families due to the expense involved in repairs. AIT rehabs these cars and offers them to the general public. The sale of these vehicles helps ATI maintain its self-supporting status. Like any operation, ATI has the usual operating expenses, i.e. rent, insurance, costs of parts, materials, etc.

If we haven't answered your question, you can call 651-646-7826 and we will be happy to answer any additional questions you might have.