Repairs
Car Repair Assistance Programs
Get help paying for car repairs. See state repair programs, nonprofit garages, TANF repair help and charities that fix cars for free or low cost.
Learn moreCar Assistance Programs
Explore free car programs, car repair assistance, help with car payments, insurance, gas and transportation. Choose the help that fits your situation.
How car assistance works
Car assistance is not one program. It is a patchwork of nonprofits, churches, state agencies and lenders that each solve part of the transportation problem. Some give away repaired donated cars. Others sell reliable cars at low prices, lend money at fair rates, pay for repairs, or cover costs like insurance, registration and gas.
Most programs are local and have limited funding, so the best approach is to apply for the help that fits your most urgent need first, then work toward a longer-term solution. For example, a repair grant or gas card can keep you working while you wait for a donated car or save for a down payment.
Find the right help for your situation
| Your situation | Start here | Also read |
|---|---|---|
| I need a car to get to work | Low-Income Families | Affordable Cars & Loans |
| My car broke down | Car Repair Assistance | Emergency Car Repairs |
| I'm behind on my car payment | Car Payment Help | Avoid Car Repossession |
| I can't afford car insurance | Car Insurance Help | Low-Income Car Insurance |
| My registration or license fees are due | Registration Help | License Reinstatement Help |
| I can't afford gas this week | Gas Vouchers | TANF Transportation Help |
| I need a ride to the doctor | Transportation Help | Free Medicaid Rides |
| I need tires or a battery | Free Tires & Batteries | Car Maintenance on a Budget |
| I want a donated car from a charity or church | Donated Cars | Church Car Programs |
Types of help
Help to get, keep and afford a car
Practical help to get a car, keep it running and afford to drive it.
Emergency
Emergency Car Repair Assistance
Car broke down and you can't afford the repair? See emergency car repair help from charities, TANF, workforce programs and local agencies.
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Payments
Car Payment Assistance
Behind on your car payment? Learn about car payment help, lender hardship options, nonprofit loans and how to avoid repossession.
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Insurance
Help With Car Insurance Payments
Find low-income car insurance programs, state plans and discounts. Learn ways to lower your auto insurance payment and keep driving legally.
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DMV fees
Car Registration Assistance
Need help paying car registration, title or license fees? See TANF, workforce and charity programs that cover DMV costs for low-income drivers.
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Fuel
Free Gas Vouchers and Emergency Fuel Assistance
Find free gas cards and emergency fuel help from charities, churches, TANF and workforce programs. Learn where to ask and what to bring.
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Tires
Free Tires and Car Batteries for Low-Income Families
Find help with free or low-cost tires and car batteries for low-income drivers, from charities, repair programs and tire shop programs.
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Rides
Transportation Assistance for Low-Income Families
Free bus passes, free rides to medical appointments, rideshare help and more. See transportation assistance for low-income families.
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Cars
Donated Cars for Families in Need
How donated car programs work, which charities give donated cars to families and what you need to apply. Free help in all 50 states.
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Loans
Affordable Cars and Low-Interest Car Loans
Can't get a free car? Find affordable cars, zero-interest and low-interest car loans and matched savings for low-income working families.
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Church Car Programs and Car Ministries
Many churches and faith-based charities run car ministries that give donated cars, fix cars or help with gas. Learn how they work and how to ask for help.
Learn moreWho we help
Programs for specific groups
Many programs give priority to people in these situations. See everyone we help.
Free Cars for Low-Income Families
Find free and low-cost car programs for low-income families in all 50 states. See who qualifies, which nonprofits help and how to apply for free.
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Free Cars for Single Mothers
Single moms can get help with free or low-cost cars, repairs and car payments. See programs for single mothers and learn how to apply today.
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Free Cars for Single Parents
Find car help for single dads and single moms: donated cars, low-cost cars, zero-interest loans and repair help. Free to apply.
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Free Cars for Veterans
Veterans can get help through the VA automobile allowance, adaptive equipment grants and charities that give cars to veterans. See how to apply.
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Free Cars for Disabled Veterans
Learn how disabled veterans can use the VA automobile allowance and adaptive equipment grants, plus charities that provide vehicles.
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Free Cars for People with Disabilities
Car help for people with disabilities: vocational rehab vehicle changes, mobility grants, Medicaid rides and charities. Learn how to apply.
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Free Cars and Transportation Help for Seniors
Seniors on a fixed income can get help with car repairs, insurance and free rides to appointments. See the best options for older adults.
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Free Cars and Car Help for Students
Students in college or job training can get help with cars, gas and transit. Learn which programs accept students and how to apply.
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Car Help for Unemployed People and Job Seekers
Out of work and need a car to get a job? See car help for job seekers: workforce programs, TANF support, ride help and job-offer car programs.
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Cars for Working Parents
Car programs built for working parents: low-cost donated cars, zero-interest loans and help getting a car for work. See how to qualify.
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Car Help for Domestic Violence Survivors
Reliable transportation helps survivors stay safe and independent. Find car programs, emergency transportation and safety planning help for survivors.
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Car and Transportation Help for Foster Youth
Current and former foster youth can get help with driver's education, licenses, insurance and transportation through Chafee programs and state initiatives.
Learn moreFAQ
Car assistance questions
What is car assistance?
Car assistance is any program that helps people get or keep reliable transportation: donated or low-cost cars, repair grants, help with payments, insurance, registration or gas, and ride programs.
Which program should I apply to first?
Start with the help that solves your problem fastest. Repair, gas and ride help usually move faster than a donated car. Our free application helps you sort out the options.
Are these programs free?
Many are free. Some low-cost car programs charge a small amount for the vehicle, and loan programs must be repaid. Legitimate programs never charge an application fee.
Can I get help in my state?
Yes. Every state has some form of help through TANF, community action agencies, charities and churches. See your state guide for local programs.
Free help, no fees
Need a reliable car? We can help.
Applying is free and takes about 10 minutes. We review every application and point you to programs you may qualify for.