Buying and maintaining a car can be quite expensive. According to AAA, the average car repair cost in the US is around $5-600. This can be a huge burden for low-income families, who do not have the needed tools for necessary car maintenance or repairs. But this can lead to more serious problems and higher costs in the long run. That’s why I want to share with you some places that offer free car repair for low-income families.
National Organizations Providing Free Car Repairs
Working Cars for Working Families
Working Cars for Working Families is a National agency that works with non-profit organizations to help families get a car at the fairest price. While they do not offer free car repairs they do partner with various mechanics across the states so contacting them would be a good way to learn about free auto repairs and hopefully, there’s one near you.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
In an effort to improve recall remedy rates, the NHTSA has announced a grant program to assist states in informing vehicle owners about safety recalls. This means that in the case of a recall, you can contact the NHTSA and they will contact your dealers and you won’t have to pay for anything.
Government Assistance for Car Repairs
There are several federal, state, and local programs that provide financial assistance for low-income families who need transportation assistance.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income families with children. Each state has its own rules and eligibility criteria for TANF, but generally, you must:
- have a child under 18,
- be pregnant, or be the head of your household.
- be unemployed or underemployed and have low income.
With TANF, you can get funds for car repairs if they are necessary for your employment or education goals.
Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC)
For low-income workers, commuting to work is an absolute must as their work is most likely their only source of income. The Job Access and Reverse Commute is a federal program that provides grants to local agencies and organizations to improve transportation services for low-income workers.
JARC is pretty flexible in its eligibility. Most commonly to qualify for JARC, you will have to prove that your workplace is far from where you live and you can’t rely on public transportation. But you can also be qualified if you work for long hours, especially during night shifts or on holidays.
Consumer Assistance Program (CAP)
Vehicle emissions are a huge problem and to reduce motor vehicle emissions in California, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) offers The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) which helps repair vehicles that do not meet vehicle emissions standards.
To apply for repair assistance, review eligibility requirements and complete the online application. You might need to provide income verification documents later.
The CAP repair assistance option aids income-eligible consumers with emissions-related repairs at STAR test-and-repair stations if their vehicle fails the biennial Smog Check inspection.
You will receive aided funds depending on the condition of your car:
- Model year 1996 or newer: up to $1,200 for emissions-related repairs
- Model year 1976-1995: up to $900 for emissions-related repairs
Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program
This is a state program that helps Arizona residents who qualify financially with a grant for emission repairs on their cars. The program is administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and covers up to $550 for repairs at participating repair facilities. To be eligible, you must have a vehicle that failed an emissions test, have an income below 300% of the federal poverty level, and meet other requirements.
Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations that Offer Car Repairs
Another source of help with car repairs is nonprofit and charitable organizations. There are many local and national groups that offer free or low-cost car repairs for low-income families, especially single mothers, veterans, seniors, and disabled people. Some of these organizations are:
Wrench It Forward
Without a working car, it can be hard to do everyday tasks like grocery shopping, commuting, and dropping kids at school. It can also affect one’s ability to keep a job and stay financially stable. In some cases, unreliable cars can even lead to homelessness.
Wrench It Forward is a nonprofit organization that helps people move out of poverty and homelessness by providing them with reliable transportation. They offer services such as maintenance, repairs, diagnostics, and car parts at a fraction of the market price.
Since its opening, Wrench It Forward has completed over 100 repairs and saved the community an estimated $21,000. They serve individuals, families, students, senior citizens, and veterans with low incomes in Lubbock and surrounding areas.
Auto Care Haven
One more place that offers free car repairs for low-income families is Autocare Haven. Autocare Haven is a charity that provides free vehicle repairs in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex. They focus on helping veterans, senior citizens, single parents, and low-income households who need reliable transportation.
If you want to apply for their free repair services, you need to submit an application to determine your eligibility. You can find the application form on their website. But, you will need to provide some personal information, such as your name, address, income, and vehicle details. You will also need to explain why you need the free repair and how it will benefit you.
Autocare Haven’s goal is to alleviate financial burdens for Dallas / Fort Worth residents by providing necessary vehicle repairs. They believe that having a working car can improve one’s quality of life, mobility, and opportunities. They also hope to inspire others to give back to their community and help those in need.
The Lift Garage
The Lift Garage is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable auto repair services for Minnesotans in need. They aim to help people get out of poverty by preventing unexpected car expenses that can derail their budgets and plans.
The Lift Garage is available to those who meet the 150% Federal Poverty Guideline, which means they have an income below $19,320 for a single person or $39,750 for a family of four.
Customers at The Lift Garage pay only $15/hour for labor and receive parts at cost, which is much lower than the average market rate of $100/hour for labor and marked-up parts.
The People of the United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church is a Christian denomination that runs car ministries in many local churches across the country. They provide transportation assistance to individuals who are facing short-term crises, such as unexpected car repairs or repo threats.
United Methodist Church’s car ministries offer various services, depending on the availability and funding of each local church. Some of the services include free auto repairs, providing cars for job interviews, offering new vehicles, and assisting with auto loan payments. The main goal of the car ministries is to help people who need transportation due to employment reasons.
If you want to apply for their free car repairs or other services, you need to contact your nearest United Methodist Church and fill out an application form. You will need to provide some information, such as your valid driver’s license, ability to pay insurance, proof of hardship, income, personal references, and employment status. You will also need to demonstrate a need for transportation and how it will improve your situation.
1-800 Charity Cars
Another place that offers free car repair for low-income families is 1-800 Charity Cars. Charity Cars, Inc. is a non-profit organization that not only provides donated vehicles to struggling families but also helps them with car maintenance and repairs. They have been operating the largest free non-profit car-donation/distribution program in the United States since 1996.
While they might not provide repairs they might help you find local repair shops that offer help for low-income families.
Ways to Work
Ways to Work is a program that can help low-income families with free car repair and affordable vehicle loans. They work with HumanKind Lending, a non-profit organization that helps you improve your credit and get reliable transportation. They have been helping people in the Greater Richmond and Lynchburg areas and surrounding counties since 2009.
Ways to Work is different from other loan programs because they approve loans based on the applicant’s character, payment affordability, and eligibility guidelines. This means that you can get a loan even if you have a low credit score or financial challenges in the past. Ways to Work is also fair and reasonable about how they handle your loan payments, unlike other lenders that charge high interest rates and fees.
To apply for a loan from Ways to Work, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a valid Virginia Driver’s License,
- Be able to pay for a monthly car payment with insurance
- Live or work in their service area
- Have a stable job for at least 6 months working at least 30 hours per week.
Conclusion
Car repair can be a big expense for low-income families, but it doesn’t have to be a burden. There are many ways to get help with car repair, from government programs and nonprofit organizations to DIY tips and discounts. By exploring your options and being proactive, you can keep your car running smoothly and safely without breaking the bank.
