Need Car Repair Financial Assistance? These Top Resources Can Help
Did you know that the average vehicle is around 12 years old? By 2023, IHS Markit predicts that Americans will be driving vehicles that are about 16 years old. This means more expensive car repairs. For many, pricey car repairs can easily lead to a personal financial crisis. If you’re one of the countless people in need of car repair financial assistance, the resources below will help you get back on the road quickly and safely.
Surprising facts on car repair costs to consider
Even if you do have an emergency fund, car repair costs can run into the thousands. The price of a car repair can easily affect anyone’s budget. If you don’t happen to have enough savings, it may also quickly put you in debt.
- The average car repair costs, according to AAA, range from $500 to $600.
- Average car maintenance costs will depend on the age, make, and model of your car. For a newer car, the yearly cost of maintenance is around $792 per year.
- Some simple car repairs may surprise you by how much they cost. For example, a full bumper replacement will set you back $900.
- Only 39% of Americans are able to pay for a $1,000 emergency expense, whether it be an unexpected car repair or medical bill.
Use these resources to help pay for car repairs
Car repair emergencies occur, whether you’re ready or not. If you’re wondering how to get help with bills, below are several resources that can point you in the right direction. If you need help paying for car repairs, these resources can be a lifeline.
Car repair assistance for single moms
- The Next Level Church, located in Charlotte, NC, provides car repair assistance for single moms. The ministry offers labor for minor auto repairs and services, as long as you provide the parts.
- 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.
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 offers car repair assistance for low income families in Maryland, DC, and Virginia areas. They also distribute quality used cars for as little as $950.
- Another nonprofit, the Good News Garage donates reliable transportation to low-income New England households. They also have a shuttle program if you need help getting to work.
Free car repairs for veterans
- Keys to Progress offers car repairs to veterans who are facing financial difficulties. Each year, they hold a giveaway event at locations throughout the US and donate quality used vehicles to veterans and their families.
- The Semper Fi Fund offers support and transportation resources for injured veterans. They provide car repairs, including modifications of existing vehicles to accommodate disabled vets.
Grants for car repairs
- Modest Needs is a nonprofit that offers short-term financial support to families and individuals in a temporary crisis. If you need help paying for car repairs or auto insurance, you may be eligible for one of their cash grants.
Car repair assistance for disabled drivers
- The nonprofit 1-800-Charity-Cars provides donated vehicles—for free—to disabled drivers with medical needs.
- If you are a disabled driver whose car is beyond repair, Cars 4 Christmas can help. Serving Kansas City area residents, the organization donates free, reliable vehicles to those in need.
Crowdfunding: the fast and easy way to pay for car repairs
When the above options fall short and you’re left wondering how to pay for car repairs with no money, crowdfunding can be a lifeline. Online fundraising can help you raise the money you need quickly—without lengthy applications, eligibility requirements, or endless waiting periods. The following tips will help ensure your car repair fundraiser is a success.
- Write your campaign 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 a video in your fundraising efforts. This helps 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 that you’re particularly excited about.
- At the end of your fundraiser, make sure to thank your donors with a thank you letter. A simple gesture of gratitude goes a long way.
Successful car repair fundraisers on 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
Jeremiah is a traveling musician who drives to most of his shows. He greatly depends on his car, which is a huge part of his livelihood. At his last event, he hit a bad pothole that ruined a part of his car’s rear axle. Unfortunately, the repair costs were more than he could afford. Jeremiah started a GoFundMe to get help. He surpassed his fundraising goal and has raised over $3,000 for his car repairs.
Unexpected car repairs
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 ended up having a serious engine issue, which made raising her son and getting around in her daily life difficult. She launched a GoFundMe where friends, family, and community members raised over $4,100 to help Layla repair her car.
Car repairs for journey home
To support her young son’s academic success, Sunday drove him the 900 miles from Seattle to San Francisco for a week-long, prestigious architecture workshop. While in the Bay area, their parked car was unfortunately broken into. Sunday had thousands of dollars of personal items stolen, including her son’s architectural model and sketchbook he had worked so hard on. Through her fundraiser, Sunday raised over $5,000—more than five times her original goal—to repair her car and get back home.
Get back on the road today
When you need emergency financial assistance for car repairs and don’t know where to turn, a fundraiser is your answer. With crowdfunding, you can quickly raise the money you need to get back on the road fast. Sign up today and start your fundraiser so you can stop worrying about costly repairs and get back to living your life.