Motorists in the US spent a grand total of $194.9 billion on car repairs and maintenance in 2021.
Whether it’s a blown tire or a broken transmission, repairs can leave car owners facing a bill of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Thankfully, there are plenty of strategies you can use for gathering money to cover unexpected car repair costs.
Continue reading, and we’ll share seven valuable tips to help you get the money you need.
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How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Car?
An automotive repair is rarely cheap. The cost varies depending on the type of repair needed, the make and model of the car, and the location of the repair shop.
According to data from Cox Automotive, consumers today are spending an average of $548.32 fixing their cars. You won’t have to break the bank to fix a smashed headlight, but replacing or repairing an engine is likely to land you a car repair bill exceeding $5,000.
Seven Tips For Getting Money Together
It can be very stressful if you need to fix your car and your bank account is empty. So, let’s see seven ways you can gather up money for unexpected car repair costs.
1. Sell Things You No Longer Use
One excellent way to gather money for unexpected car repairs is to sell unneeded items. Everyone has belongings in their home that they no longer use or need. By selling these items, you can raise money to cover the cost of repairs.
To sell unneeded items, consider listing them for sale online or go the traditional route by hosting a garage sale. You can sell a variety of items, including electronics, furniture, clothing, and more. Not only will you raise money for car repairs, but you’ll also declutter your home in the process.
2. Ask Loved Ones for Financial Assistance
While it may feel uncomfortable to do so, asking for help from family or friends is another viable option when attempting to cover unexpected car repair costs. It’s important to be honest and direct while explaining your financial situation, and tell them straight about the sum of money you require for your car expenses.
Offer a repayment plan and respect whatever decision they choose to take. Approaching a trusted family member or friend for a loan is not ideal, but sometimes it is necessary. You should tread carefully when borrowing money from someone you know, and ensure you don’t take advantage of their kindness.
3. Crowdfund
Thanks to the world wide web, there are new ways for people in need to get cash together quickly.
Crowdfunding is a popular online tool for raising money whereby individuals receive small contributions from a large number of people. It works best for people with a strong personal network that they can reach out to for support.
Yet, crowdfunding is not only for people who can rely on their family and friends. A compelling campaign story that evokes an emotional response in readers can help individuals receive donations from anonymous people online.
4. Use a Credit Card with a 0% Introductory APR
If you have a good credit score, using a credit card with a 0% introductory APR can be an excellent option for covering unexpected car repairs. Some credit cards offer an introductory period with 0% APR, which means you won’t accrue interest on your balance for a set period of time (usually 12-18 months).
If you’re able to pay off the balance before the intro period ends, you can avoid paying any interest on the loan.
When using a credit card to cover unexpected car repair costs, it’s essential to use it responsibly. Only charge what you can afford to pay off within the intro period, and ensure you make all payments on time to avoid late fees and damage to your credit score.
5. Get a Personal Loan
Another way to gather up money is to apply for personal loans online. Loans can provide a lump sum of cash that you can use to cover the cost of the mechanic services.
When considering a personal loan, it’s important to find a reputable lender and secure a loan with favorable terms. Do your utmost to find a lender that offers competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. And, before signing anything, be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms of the loan.
6. Start a Side Hustle
Finding extra work is another way to earn income that can help pay for your car repair costs. Being in debt to a bank or a loved one is not an ideal scenario.
A side hustle offers flexibility and skill development, and it can potentially even lead to a new career path. There are many ways to earn extra money on the side, such as blogging, walking dogs, and anything in between.
7. Sell Your Car
Sometimes repairing a car simply isn’t worth it. Someone else may be willing to take it off your hands, and you can use that sale cash towards buying another vehicle.
When buying another car, be sure to budget better for inevitable car maintenance costs.
It might also be worth considering selling your car for parts, because there are plenty of mechanic services that may be interested in your car’s functioning components.
Get Those Car Repair Costs Paid Off
Unexpected car repair costs can wind up being a significant financial burden. However, as detailed above, there are many ways you can solve this problem to gather the necessary funds.
In the future, try to be more proactive and have a plan in place to avoid being caught off guard by unexpected car expenses.
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