If you need emergency car repair assistance, there are several ways to get the cash you need fast. Some are more affordable than others, and you should consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to find financing through credit cards, payday loans up to 50000 loans, or repair shop payment plans. They provide fast financing to cover repairs, often as quickly as the next business day.
0% intro APR credit cards
You can save a lot of money by using credit cards for emergency car repair loans. Some credit cards offer special financing for auto repairs, and many mechanics and parts stores accept branded credit cards.
These 0% intro APR offers can make it easy to finance your car repairs. However, you should always pay off the balance before the introductory period ends to avoid incurring interest charges and paying more in the long run.
Fortunately, there are several cards that offer 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. The length of these introductory periods can vary, so it’s important to find the right one for you.
It’s also important to note that cash advances are not covered under most 0% intro APR offers. If you use a card for a cash advance, you’ll begin accruing interest from the date the transaction posts to your account and will usually have to pay a high interest rate.
Payday loans
Payday loans can be a quick and easy way to get the cash you need to fix your car. They work well for minor repairs such as replacing rotors, brake pads and oxygen sensors.
However, payday loans carry high interest rates and have short repayment terms that can quickly balloon your debt. Additionally, they have hidden fees and provisions that may push you into refinancing your loan.
Another option is a secured car repair loan, which uses the value of your vehicle as collateral. This can be a great option for bad credit drivers who need to pay for expensive repairs.
Other ways to get auto repair money include selling second-hand items or taking your car to a pawn shop. While these alternatives can be a little less convenient, they also offer lower interest rates than other borrowing options. Plus, they can help you build up an emergency fund for your next big expense.
Credit unions
If you are looking for emergency car repair loans, credit unions might be a good option. These financial institutions are not-for-profit cooperatives that are governed by their members, which means they return profits back to the people they serve.
They offer a variety of products, including savings and checking accounts. Their fees tend to be lower than those at banks, and they are often rated higher in customer satisfaction.
Many credit unions are backed by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which covers up to $250,000 of your deposits at federally insured credit unions.
They also have a wider range of loan types than banks, and their consideration for approving a personal loan takes factors beyond your credit score into account. They also use artificial intelligence to help make smarter lending decisions.
Government grants
If you’re in need of emergency car repair loans, it may be time to look into government grants. These funds are available through a variety of programs and can be used to pay for new tires, maintenance work, or repairs on any type of vehicle.
One such program is the Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program, which offers funds to individuals who live in areas without public transportation at times when they need to travel to or from work. This is especially helpful for those who must commute on weekends or late at night, when conventional public transport services don’t operate.
Another way to stretch your budget is to apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which helps qualifying people promote self-sufficiency through employment. A small portion of these funds can be allocated to cover minor auto repairs, making them affordable.