Local & National Organizations That Offer Help With Car Repairs

Wondering how you’re going to pay for all those car repairs? Do you need a car for work but can’t afford one right now? We may not be pros at repairing transmissions or fixing oil leaks, but we’re experienced when it comes to saving you money.

No matter who you are—a single parent, a military veteran, a college student, or a senior—sometimes you just need a helping hand. The following churches, charities, and nonprofits in your state can come to your rescue if you’re scratching your head about how to pay for car repairs or services with no money.

Local Organizations That Help with Repairs

The following local organizations and auto shops offer help by providing free or low-cost repairs, or they provide financial assistance for repairs.

Arizona

• The State of Arizona has a Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program that helps pay for required repairs on qualified vehicles that couldn’t pass an emissions test. The vehicle owner is responsible for the first $100, the service pays the next $900, and any remaining repair amount falls on the owner.

Florida

• The Brevard County Florida Community Action Agency just outside of Orlando offers grants for minor car repairs.

Georgia

• Members of McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church have spent time on the weekends repairing cars for people who would otherwise be unable to afford them.

Minnesota

• The Lift Garage is a nonprofit repair shop that “aims to move people out of poverty and homelessness by providing low-cost repairs, free pre-purchase inspections, and honest advice” that supports the local community.

Mississippi

• The Community Services Division in Mississippi provides financial aid to benefit community members and could be able to help you handle car repair bills through its grant and loan program.

Texas

• At Houston-area sites, the First Baptist Church’s Car Care Ministry makes vehicle repairs for single parents and widows “whose budgets may be stretched to the point that maintaining transportation for work, family needs, and everyday life becomes a heavy burden.” The organization asks individuals to bring any necessary parts, but the labor is free.

Washington

• Those participating in Washington’s WorkFirst Program can get help with expenses, including transportation and vehicle repair.

The organizations above are just some of the many that help with free car repairs. For help in your area, consider calling local charities or religious institutions and explaining your situation.

National Organizations That Help with Repairs

On the national landscape, the Modest Needs Foundation “offers grants designed to promote the self-sufficiency of individuals and families who, because they are working and live just above the poverty level, are ineligible for most types of conventional social assistance.”

Military members and their families can get help from Operation Homefront, an organization that helps provide financial assistance, including car repairs.

The United Way is a national organization, and its local chapter could help you with vehicle repairs. Find your nearest United Way and ask them for help.

Organizations That Help You Keep Driving

While free car repairs are nice, some people don’t have a car and need one on a temporary or permanent basis. Here are a few organizations that are helping people get affordable access to vehicles

Alabama

• Caring Cars, a branch of the Family Services Center in Huntsville, Alabama, matches donated vehicles with families who have dependent children in their household so parents can travel to and from work, school, or appointments.

North Carolina

• North Carolina residents living near Raleigh and Greensboro can turn to a non-profit, faith-based service called Wheels 4 Hope. The organization takes donated vehicles and sells them to qualified recipients for $500 plus tax.

Virginia

• Ways to Work, Inc. located in Lynchburg, Richmond, and Roanoke, Virginia offers affordable car loans and financial education to qualifying individuals.

Once again, these are just a few examples of organizations that are helping individuals keep driving. Look for local and national organizations that can help fulfill your specific needs.

Find a helping hand in your neighborhood.

For affordable car insurance, turn to Direct Auto Insurance. We’re here to lend a helping hand no matter your insurance history. Many of our agents live and work in the areas they serve, offering convenient and personalized assistance to customers. Call 1-877-GO-DIRECT (1-877-463-4732), click to get a quote online, or come into a Direct Auto location near you today to learn more.