Across the board, the vehicles on the road had a lifespan of 12.1 years, according to the Bureau of Transportation in 2021. The IHS Markit predicted that Americans will be driving vehicles that are more than 16 years old by 2024.
As a result, car repairs are becoming more and more expensive. It is not uncommon for expensive car repairs to cause personal financial crises for many people. Below are some resources that can help car repair-seeking individuals find financial assistance, so they can get back on the road as soon as possible.
In addition to being a necessity for most people, having a car can enable disabled people to live independently. The nature of a person's disability can affect whether they can walk or use public transportation, but they can still drive. This fact is recognized by charitable organizations, which offer discounted or free car repairs to those with disabilities.
The cost of car repairs can run into thousands of dollars, even if you have an emergency fund. It is easy for anyone's budget to be affected by the cost of car repairs.
You may also end up in debt if you don't have enough savings. Families who qualify for free car repair must meet certain income requirements. Read on to learn about the various options you can use to get free car repairs for the disabled.
If you need dental implants but cannot afford them, read our blog post on free government grants for dental implants.
Car Repair Cost Statistics
The following statistics shed light on the costs you have to bear if you find yourself in need of car repairs.
- AAA estimates that car repairs cost between $500 and $600 on average.
- Depending on the make, model, and age of your car, your car maintenance costs will vary. The annual maintenance cost for a newer car is roughly $792.
- Your car repair bill may shock you with some simple repairs. An example of this is the $900 cost of a full bumper replacement.
- An unexpected car repair or medical bill may cost $1,000, but only 39% of Americans can afford to cover it.
If you are suffering from financial troubles, check out our article on how you can get free money through government hardship grants.
Options For Free Car Repairs For The Disabled
Having a car can significantly improve the standard of living of disabled people. However, the maintenance that goes into keeping a car or repairing it in the event of a breakdown can be expensive.
Disabled people who are already struggling with inflation and relying on financial assistance to meet their daily and monthly expenses can take advantage of the following programs for free car repairs.
Free Charity Cars
A major focus of the organization is to help struggling families transition out of dependency and into self-sufficiency through free donated vehicles. In addition to repairing and servicing unwanted cars, Free Charity Cars accepts donations. A free car and car repair service is then provided for people who qualify for low-income assistance, including those who are disabled.
Free cars are only available to people who complete an application and create a profile. A charity's staff determines who will receive a donated car once a car becomes available in a specific area. In addition to helping people who own cars, the charity also assists them with maintenance and repairs.
Opportunity Cars
With Opportunity Cars, individuals and families having difficulty affording cars are able to get free vehicles, loans for cars, and assistance with vehicle repairs. Cars are donated to Opportunity Cars and repaired before they are given away.
A large number of disabled people are included among those considered to be working poor. Charity and nonprofit organizations, as well as government agencies, provide assistance through Opportunity Cars. Applications for cars or repairs must be submitted through your local program.
Cars4Christmas
A charity called Cars4Christmas provides transportation to elderly and disabled people in need. Donated cars are repaired and serviced by this nonprofit organization before being given to those who are in need of transportation but cannot afford it. In addition to providing grants, the organization helps people who need assistance with repairs.
Free Car Repair Programs For Veterans
Veterans have given a significant portion of their lives in service of their nation. According to the Census Bureau, in 2021, there were around 255,944 veterans between the ages of 35 and 54 who earned less than the poverty line. The following two programs offer free car repairs to veterans, including those who are disabled.
- Keys to Progress: Veterans with financial difficulties can get their cars repaired by Keys to Progress. Veterans and their families receive quality used vehicles each year at giveaway events throughout the United States.
- Semper Fi Fund: Assisting injured veterans with transportation and support is the mission of the Semper Fi Fund. Their services include providing car repairs and modifying existing vehicles to accommodate disabled veterans.
Local Charities
Local groups and charities often assist disabled individuals who cannot afford to repair their cars. Auto repair shops and community organizations also donate their services to charities.
Pocatello, Idaho, for example, offers free car repair work by church volunteers with experience in the field. The Auto Repair Good Guys Foundation in Arizona provides free labor for auto repair. Using local automotive technology students to supply the labor, Wheels to Work offers free repairs to those in need.
Modest Needs
Families and individuals in temporary crises can turn to Modest Needs for short-term financial assistance. You might be able to qualify for one of their cash grants if you need assistance with paying for auto repairs or auto insurance. The Modest Needs organization has been helping people in financial distress since 2002.
This organization carries out goFundMe-like operations. Donors who want to help people in need are matched with those in need. There is a difference between Modest Needs and other organizations.
Generally, they provide cash assistance for qualified individuals who are not eligible for other programs. The program does not dispense cash directly to people in need. Organizations or vendors, such as landlords, utility companies, or car repair shops, will receive the payments directly.
Modest Needs helps people living above the poverty line and are employed. Both of these criteria must be met in order to qualify for assistance:
- It is necessary to have at least one employed adult in the family when applying. The employer must provide proof of employment.
- The main source of income for each applicant can be retirement income, veteran benefits, cash assistance for child support, or employment.
Disability can dampen your quality of life and significantly reduce your ability to earn your livelihood. This is why disabled individuals have a strict budget to manage their expenses and fulfill their essential needs.
Having a car can significantly improve their way of living. However, when faced with unexpected maintenance and repairs, their financial situation gets disrupted. Several programs provide free car repairs for the disabled, which can reduce their financial burden. There are also programs that give home repair grants for disabled people.
Visit the rest of the Gov-Relations resources to learn more about government and private assistance programs that can help people in financial difficulty.
While securing free car repairs is essential, what about those who don't own a vehicle yet? If you're in California, our recent blog post on programs to help get a car in California could be the stepping stone you need. Find out more and hit the road with confidence.
Churches and faith-based organizations play a significant role in helping people who are struggling financially. Read our blog post on churches that help with financial assistance.
