How to Pay for Car Repairs With No Money

Smoke pours out from under the hood, a tire blows out, or your sunroof is leaking. Whatever the source of your auto repair woes, it’s not going to be cheap. Why? Because it never is, no matter if you drive a brand-new automobile or an older car.

According to AAA, the average repair costs at the dealership or repair shop in America is between $500 and $600. If you’re like 64 million other American drivers, that expense is more than your personal finances can take.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go without a car. There are plenty of ways to take care of your financial needs and repair your car repairs at the same time. Whether you choose extended warranties, personal loans, credit cards, payday loans, or title loans, it’s possible to have your car and drive it too.

Here are a Few Ways to Pay for Car Repairs Even if You Don't Have Money

Check if You're Covered with a Warranty

Buy your car from a dealership? Then your car repairs may be covered under the vehicle’s warranty. If your car is very new and experiences significant problems (engine, transmission, etc.), the warranty may equate to free repairs.

Actually, even if your vehicle doesn’t have a warranty, some reputable dealers will do whatever they can to keep happy customers. If your vehicle has major problems within the first three to six months of ownership, talk with the dealership about free repairs or a different vehicle.

Do You Have an Extended Warranty?

Extended warranties can also be purchased for a vehicle, regardless of where the car was bought. This is essentially an insurance policy for car repairs in the event your vehicle needs significant repair. However, like other warranties, it has limitations. Check the fine print to find out if your repair needs are met with your extended warranty.

Have You Considered Roadside Assistance?

Before you call a tow truck, you may have a better option, such as AAA’s free roadside assistance. With this service, an auto repair professional comes to your car, wherever it may be. Diagnosis of the problem is made and if possible, instant repair is performed. If more involved service is required, the AAA professional recommends a mechanic who is known for quality and honesty.

Credit Cards for Car Repairs

A credit card is often the first line of defense against unexpected auto expenses. After all, they provide instant credit that helps in a pinch.

Unfortunately, depending on your credit score, that new credit card in your wallet may not provide a large enough credit limit to pay off your car repair. And if it does, the interest rate may get you.

Because you’re only required to make a minimum payment to keep your credit card in good standing, it’s common for credit card users to do just that. This often results in a credit card bill that takes months or even years to pay off, and most of that bill winds up being interest charges.

If you must pay with a credit card, do everything in your power to pay off the card as soon as possible.

Fix Your Car Using a Personal Loan

Personal loans are typically borrowed from a bank, credit union, or online lender. This money is repaid in fixed monthly payments, or installments, typically over two to seven years. Access to personal loans is based on your credit and other factors.

Depending on your credit, you may be eligible to receive hundreds or even thousands of dollars with a personal loan. However, as with credit cards, a personal loan can accumulate a lot of interest if you do not pay it off quickly.

Payday Loans For Your Auto Repairs

Built to serve small, short-term needs, a Payday Loan gives you a small amount of credit that is due in full on your next payday. The total loan amount available is typically no more than $1,000, and because it is supposed to be a short-term loan, you’ll know the exact fees associated with your loan upfront.

When an auto repair bill comes your way, getting an influx of cash to your bank account is a quick, easy way to get your car back on the road without breaking the bank. Then, on your next payday, simply pay off the loan and get on with life.

In some states, you can even get a Payday Loan Online. This allows you to apply for your loan online and have the cash deposited directly to your checking account. Then, on the date of your next payday, the total loan amount and associated fees are electronically withdrawn from your account.

Try Title Loans to Fix Your Car

Whether you have a newer car or older car, a Title Loan may put you in a good position to pay for car repairs. If you have a clean car title in your name, you may be able to get a title loan for as much as $25,000, depending on your eligibility. The amount of the loan depends on the value of your automobile, among other things.

The difference between a Payday Loan (also known as a Cash Advance) and a Title Loan is their payment terms. Over time, the loan is paid down and ultimately completely paid off. Throughout the terms of your Title Loan, you get to keep your car, making it possible to get to and from work, so you can pay off the Title Loan brought on by your car repair.

An Installment Loan is also a great option, offering thousands in credit. Like a mortgage, an Installment Loan gives a lump sum of money that is paid off in multiple payments over a period of weeks or months.

Fast and Easy Financing Options from Check Into Cash

Check Into Cash offers plenty of easy financing options available for you. When you’re looking for good loan terms, there’s only one lender to turn to: Check Into Cash.

With just a few minutes, you can easily find out how much you’re eligible to receive. Once you submit all required documents, it only takes a few more minutes to get approved for your custom loan and no more than one business day to receive the cash in your bank account. (In-store loans receive funds immediately.)

So, when a car repair bill comes your way and your checking account can’t bear the weight, Check In at Check Into Cash to find the loan option that fits your needs.

Editor's Note:

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, your service provider may make special accommodations during this unprecedented time.

Not all consumers may qualify for loan products noted above; certain restrictions apply.  All products and services not available in all states or stores.  Rules, fees and limits apply.  See store for details.

California:  In California, deferred deposit loans are provided in accordance with the Department of Financial Innovation pursuant to California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law, Cal. Fin. Code §23000 et seq.