Can I Get Help Paying for Car Repairs After Hitting a Deer?
Victoria asked:
A deer jumped in front of my car, and I don't have comprehensive insurance to cover the damage. I've already contacted my county, DSS, TANF, Community Action, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army, but no one has been able to help.
I live too far from public transportation, and my car is the only way I can get to work. Without it, I'm afraid I'll lose my income and eventually my home.
Are there any national programs, charities, or other resources that help low-income people pay for emergency car repairs or replace a vehicle after an accident? Where should I turn when I've already exhausted the local programs?
I'm so sorry this happened. It sounds like you've done exactly what most people would recommend already—you've contacted DSS, Community Action, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and other local organizations—and it's incredibly discouraging to keep hearing "no" when your ability to work depends on your vehicle.
Unfortunately, there isn't one national program that provides emergency car repair grants to anyone who qualifies. Most assistance is administered locally, which means availability varies a lot by community. However, we have found programs that provide free or low-cost car repair as well as other programs that provide free vehicles for people who qualify.
But wait - we've got more details for you below!
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What You Need to Know
In addition to the two guides linked above, there are a few other national resources that may still be worth exploring as well.
- SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T): If you receive SNAP benefits, ask specifically whether your state’s SNAP Employment & Training program offers transportation supportive services. In some states, those services can include assistance with car repairs when a working vehicle is necessary to keep or obtain employment. Availability varies by state, so it’s important to ask specifically about SNAP E&T rather than general emergency assistance.
- Working Cars for Working Families: This national project doesn’t provide grants directly, but it maintains a directory of nonprofit transportation programs around the country that help working families obtain reliable transportation or locate local vehicle assistance programs.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or employer hardship funds: If you’re currently working, ask your employer whether they offer an Employee Assistance Program or an emergency employee relief fund. Many employers have hardship assistance that employees don’t know exists until they ask.
- Unions, professional associations, and faith communities: If you’re a member of a union, trade organization, veterans organization, or church, ask whether they have emergency hardship funds. Many of these programs aren’t widely advertised.
- Community colleges and vocational schools: Schools with automotive repair programs sometimes offer reduced-cost repairs because students perform the work under instructor supervision and you pay only for parts.
- Some hardship grant programs may help pay for emergency vehicle repairs or other transportation-related expenses. Every program has its own eligibility rules and available funding. You can see our full list of hardship grant programs here. See our full list of hardship grants here.
If the damage is severe enough that repairing the vehicle isn’t realistic, it may also be worth looking into programs that provide donated or low-cost vehicles. They often have waiting lists, but they’re another avenue to explore.
We’re truly hoping you’re able to find the help you need, and we wish you and your family all the best.
Low Income Relief Team