Free Car Foundation

Repair help

Car Repair Assistance for Low-Income Families

If you already have a car, getting it fixed is usually faster and cheaper than waiting for a free one. Here is where to find free and low-cost repair help.

Last verified: · By the Free Car Foundation Editorial Team

Mechanic repairing an orange car with the hood open and tools on the ground

Where to get help with car repairs

  • Community Action Agencies — many run emergency repair or transportation funds for working families
  • TANF and workforce programs — can pay for repairs when your car is needed for work or training (ask your caseworker)
  • Churches and local charities — the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and local congregations sometimes pay for repairs
  • Car-ownership nonprofits — groups like Wheels of Success offer repair help as well as cars
  • Vocational schools — automotive training programs may repair cars at low cost
  • 211 — dial 2-1-1 for local emergency repair funds

Repair help for specific groups

Veterans can ask local VFW and American Legion posts about emergency grants. Seniors should contact their Area Agency on Aging. See help for veterans and help for seniors.

How to get the most from repair assistance

  1. Get a written estimate from a reputable shop
  2. Prioritize safety and essential repairs
  3. Ask programs whether they pay the shop directly — most do
  4. Keep receipts and documents for future applications

Repair help by state

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Be wary of "repair grant" websites that ask for an upfront processing fee. Real programs do not charge you to apply. Learn more.

Related help

Prevent repairs with low-cost maintenance · gas assistance programs · help with car payments · church car ministries

Frequently asked questions

Can I get free car repairs if I am low income?
Sometimes. Community Action Agencies, TANF, churches and charities may cover essential repairs, especially if you need your car for work.
Are there grants for car repairs?
There is no single federal repair grant, but many local programs offer one-time help. See our car grants guide.

Related guides

How to get a free carEligibility, programs and backup optionsCar grantsGrants, incentives and nonprofit loansGovernment car helpTANF, WIOA, VA and moreReal cost of a donated carBudget before you are selected

Need a car to get to work?

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