The Top Resources for Car Repair Financial Assistance
Did you know that the average vehicle on US roads is 12.6 years old? This is a new all-time record, following on from a steady increase in the average age of cars and light vehicles since the year 2000. While experts indicate that this growth is beginning to show signs of slowing, many Americans continue to feel the financial strain that older car repairs can bring. Pricey repairs at auto repair shops can easily lead to a personal financial crisis for those already struggling, but there are many ways in which this can be prevented. If you’re one of the countless people in need of help with covering vehicle repair costs, the resources and assistance programs listed below will help you get back on the road quickly and safely.
Surprising car repair cost facts to consider
Even if you already have an emergency fund, automotive repair costs often run into the thousands. The price of repairing a car can easily affect anyone’s budget, particularly those who own older models that require regular maintenance or use parts which are difficult to find. If you don’t happen to have auto insurance or savings put aside to cover costs, car repairs can result in significant financial pressure and lead to substantial debt. Below are just a few of the many shocking facts that highlight the stress caused by vehicle breakdowns and faults:
- The average vehicle owner spends $1,475 per year on maintenance and repairs, according to the AAA.
- The total cost of owning and maintaining a new vehicle today is $12,297, or $1,024.71 each month.
- The price you’ll pay for car repairs varies widely depending on your state. California currently stands as the most expensive state, sitting at 12.17% above the national average.
- 56% of Americans are currently unable to pay for a $1,000 emergency expense, whether that’s a road collision, medical diagnosis, or other personal crisis.
Financial resources & assistance programs for car repair
Car Care and upkeep can be a significant burden, particularly for households living paycheck to paycheck. Low-cost support options are available for those who qualify, including nonprofit aid, community action agencies, and local voucher programs.
Whether you’re prepared or not, there’s always a possibility that breakdowns and other vehicle emergencies will occur. And for those without car insurance, an accidental collision or random fault can quickly lead to the necessity of emergency assistance. If you’re wondering how to get help with unplanned bills resulting from car repairs, the following resources, nonprofit organizations, and car repair assistance programs can offer vital financial help.
Please remember that although these groups strive to help anyone in need of vehicle repairs, some of these programs may necessitate proof that you are an eligible recipient. If you’re applying for assistance from a charity or community group, you may have to show a driver’s license, proof of income, or Social Security number.
Car repair assistance for single moms
- Hands of the Carpenter is a Colorado-based nonprofit which provides repairs and other vehicle-related financial help to single mothers with dependent children. With a focus on the safety and longevity of vehicles, they offer repairs at 50% of the retail cost to cover parts and labor. For cars beyond repair, replacement vehicles are also provided at 50% of their retail cost.
- Help for single moms is also offered through the federal government’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Low-income applicants who are pregnant or caring for children under the age of 18 may be eligible for car repair assistance if transportation is required to get to work. Though TANF is federally funded, it is a state-run program, so not all states will offer this program.
- United Way is a worldwide network of community workers and volunteers who provide hope, strength, and tangible assistance to those in need. Their Stark County Auto Repair Program, for example, helps struggling families get back on the road by providing up to $1,500 for major vehicle repairs.
Car repair assistance for low-income households
- A project of the National Consumer Law Center, Working Cars for Working Families, helps families access reliable cars at fair prices. They work with 120 nonprofits nationwide to match personal contributions to car down payments. They also offer low-interest vehicle loans.
- Vehicles for Change is the nation’s largest affordable car ownership program. They provide car repair assistance for low-income families in Maryland, DC, and Virginia, and distribute quality used cars for as little as $950.
- Another nonprofit, the Good News Garage, provides reliable transportation to give struggling New England families a path to self-sufficiency. Their Ready to Go (R2G) program uses donated vans to transport low-income individuals and families to and from essential life activities across Vermont, including doctor appointments, grocery runs, and job interviews when public transportation is limited.
Free car repairs for veterans
- Keys to Progress provides safe, reliable vehicles for military men and women who are facing financial difficulties. They hold a car giveaway event each winter in various locations across the country, where quality used vehicles are donated to veterans and their families.
- The Semper Fi Fund offers transport support and a variety of other resources to wounded, ill, and injured US veterans. They provide car repairs, adaptive means of transport, and even modify existing vehicles to accommodate disabled vets.
- Autocare Haven is a community-focused nonprofit which provides free vehicle repair assistance to veterans, senior citizens, single parents, and low-income households in North Texas. By collecting donations, the organization connects those in need with qualified and trusted mechanics who complete the repairs at no cost to the owner.
Grants for car repairs
- There is currently no government assistance for auto repair shops or mechanic bills, though general programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are still a lifeline. Created as a social services program to help families with children who have a low income, you can call your state’s TANF program to see if they offer vehicle-specific assistance in your area.
- Modest Needs is a nonprofit that offers a range of grants designed to help working people who live just above the poverty level and are therefore ineligible for most forms of social assistance. If you have experienced an auto accident or are in need of short-term transportation assistance, you may be eligible for one of their programs.
Car repair assistance for disabled drivers
- The nonprofit 1-800-Charity-Cars provides donated vehicles—free of charge—to disabled drivers with medical needs, among other disadvantaged groups.
- If you are a disabled driver whose car is beyond repair, Cars 4 Heroes can help. Serving Kansas City area residents, the organization donates free, reliable vehicles to those in need.
- The Salvation Army and certain Catholic Charities commonly provide assistance to people with disabilities and may be able to offer discounted automotive repair vouchers among other supports. Try reaching out to Catholic Charities in your local area, or enter your zip code to find nearby grassroots services from the Salvation Army.
Crowdfunding: the fast and easy way to pay for car repairs
When the institutions and human services described above let you down and you find yourself in the position of having to pay for your car repairs on your own, crowdfunding can be a lifesaver. Online fundraising can help you raise the money you need quickly, without lengthy applications, eligibility requirements, or endless waiting periods.
Use the following tips to ensure that your car repair fundraiser reaches its full potential:
- Write your story in a way that is compelling and makes an emotional connection with your audience. Let potential donors know what you’re going through and exactly how their donation will help.
- Consider including video content while documenting the progress of your fundraiser. This helps to strengthen your bond with donors and makes it easy to share your fundraiser on social media.
- Keep donors in the loop with regular fundraiser updates. Let your audience know once you start using funds to repair your car, or if you’ve reached a fundraising milestone.
- At the end of your fundraiser, thank your donors with a heartfelt message. Gratitude can go a long way in showing appreciation and encouraging future support.
Car repair fundraiser success stories from GoFundMe
Take a look below at how others have used crowdfunding to quickly raise the money they needed for essential car repairs.
Help Jeremiah with his car repairs
As a travelling musician who drives to most gigs, Jeremiah’s car is a major part of his livelihood. When he hit a bad pothole that ruined a part of his car’s rear axle, the resulting repair costs were more than he could afford. Putting faith in the generosity of friends, family, and strangers, Jeremiah started a GoFundMe to get help. He surpassed his fundraising goal and has currently raised over $3,000 to cover his vehicle repair costs.
When Layla’s car was totaled in an accident, she had to buy a replacement vehicle quickly to get around. Unfortunately, the used car she bought had no warranty and ended up having a serious engine issue, which led to great difficulties in getting to work and raising her son as a single parent. She launched a GoFundMe where friends, family, and community members raised over $4,100 to help Layla repair her car, fully reimbursing the $3,800 in repair costs that she could not previously afford.
As parents in a busy household which relies on multiple vehicles, Brie and James found themselves in a dire situation when all three of their cars suddenly needed repairs. In the space of just a few weeks, the motor in James’ truck blew out, his Mustang needed multiple part replacements, and Brie’s car accidentally collided with a pole. Feeling close to breaking point, Brie turned to crowdfunding for financial help, and started a GoFundMe which quickly exceeded her $1,500 fundraising target—as of today, over $6,000 has been raised.
Get back on the road today
If you need emergency financial assistance for car repairs and you don’t know where to turn, a fundraiser is often the best way to go. With crowdfunding, you can quickly raise the money you need to get back on the road fast, whether it’s for daily commuting, meeting emissions requirements, or helping your family stay safe. Sign up today and start your fundraiser so you can stop worrying about costly repairs and get back to living your life.