Car Repair Loans
| Best loan type | Personal / installment loan |
|---|---|
| Sample payment | $1,200 over 12 months at 36% APR: about $120.55/month |
| Small repairs | A payday loan can cover a few hundred dollars |
| Credit | All credit types considered |
| Funding | Often next business day |
| Cost to use our form | Free, no obligation |
Get your car fixed now, pay over time
When your car breaks down, everything else gets harder: getting to work, picking up the kids, running errands. A car repair loan lets you say yes to the repair today and spread the cost over manageable payments, so you're back on the road fast.
Our free form takes about 3 minutes. Many lenders in our network decide within minutes, and approved funds are often deposited the next business day, so you can pay the shop and pick up your car. See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes.
Which loan fits a car repair
- Personal installment loan: the most common choice for repairs from about $500 to $5,000. You get the full amount and repay in fixed monthly payments.
- Payday loan: handy for a smaller fix, a tow or a diagnostic fee of a few hundred dollars that your next paycheck can cover. A sample $300 loan at $15 per $100 has a $45 fee, so you repay $345.
Not sure which you need? Enter the repair amount on our form and compare what lenders in your state offer.
Sample payments for common repairs
| Repair cost | Term | Sample APR | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600 | 6 months | 36% | $110.76 |
| $1,200 | 12 months | 36% | $120.55 |
| $2,500 | 24 months | 36% | $147.62 |
| $4,000 | 36 months | 36% | $183.22 |
These are examples, not offers. Your lender shows the exact APR and terms before you sign. A longer term lowers the payment, while a shorter term lowers the total cost. Try your own numbers with the personal loan calculator.
Step by step: from breakdown to back on the road
- Get a written estimate. Ask the shop for parts, labor and taxes so you know the exact amount.
- Add a small cushion. Repairs sometimes uncover another problem; a little extra prevents a second trip.
- Ask about timing. Find out when the shop needs payment and how long the repair will take.
- Apply online. Our form takes about 3 minutes.
- Review your offer. Check the payment, term and total to repay.
- Accept and get funded, often the next business day. Approved funds go to your checking account, so you can pay the shop by debit card or transfer.
- Pay the shop and keep the receipt.
Getting a car repair loan with bad credit
Many lenders in our network consider all credit types and focus on whether your income supports the payment. Your credit may affect your rate and term, but it doesn't stop you from applying. A repair that keeps you driving to work also protects the income lenders want to see. Tips: show steady deposits for the last two to three months, list all regular income, and choose a payment that fits comfortably. More in loans for bad credit.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 (19 in a few states) and a U.S. resident
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Regular income from a job, benefits, self-employment or gig work
- An active checking account for the deposit and repayment
- A working phone number and email address
Lenders mainly want to see that your income supports the monthly payment, and many accept benefits, self-employment or gig income. You don't need to have the car with you or put it up as collateral for a personal loan. If you'd like approval based on your vehicle's value instead, a title loan may be available in your state, as long as the car is titled in your name.
Fast money for a tow or diagnostic fee
Sometimes you need a smaller amount right away: a tow, a diagnostic fee, a battery or a set of tires. Many shops won't start work until the diagnostic is paid, so a quick small loan can get the process moving the same week. For a few hundred dollars, a payday loan repaid on your next payday is often the quickest match. See our $200 loan and $500 loan pages, or request the amount you need now.
Tips to keep repair costs down
- Ask whether the shop can prioritize safety repairs first and schedule the rest later.
- Ask about aftermarket or refurbished parts where appropriate.
- Check whether any part is still under a manufacturer or parts warranty.
- Request the old parts back so you know what was replaced.
- Ask whether the shop offers a discount for paying in full at pickup, which a loan makes possible.
A lower repair bill means a smaller loan and a smaller payment. If you're getting more than one quote, compare the parts and labor line by line, not just the total, so you know you're comparing the same work.
How to apply through us
- Fill out the form. Enter the amount, your contact details, income and bank information. It takes about 3 minutes.
- Get matched. We send your request to lenders in our network that serve your state.
- Review your offer. If a lender approves you, you see the amount, APR, payment schedule and total to repay before you sign.
- Get your money. Accept, e-sign, and funds are often deposited the next business day.
Zebra Finance is a free loan-matching service, not a lender. Whether you get an offer, and for how much, is up to the lender and your state's rules. You are never obligated to accept.
Many shops will hold your car while you arrange payment, so ask how long they can keep it once the repair is done. Then request your car repair loan — it takes about 3 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a loan to fix my car?
Yes. A personal installment loan is a common way to pay for car repairs, and lenders generally allow any legal purpose. Through our network you can request $100 to $5,000. For a small repair, a payday loan may also work. Your lender shows the exact terms before you sign.
How fast can I get a car repair loan?
Our form takes about 3 minutes, many lenders decide within minutes, and approved funds are often deposited the next business day. Apply early on a weekday, and have your ID, proof of income and checking account details ready to keep verification quick.
Can I get a car repair loan with bad credit?
Often, yes. Many lenders in our network consider all credit types and focus on your income and ability to make the payment. Your credit may affect your rate. No lender can promise approval before reviewing your application, but bad credit alone doesn't stop you from applying.
What is the monthly payment on a $1,500 car repair loan?
It depends on the APR and term. As a sample, $1,500 over 12 months at 36% APR is about $150.69 a month, and over 18 months it's about $109.06. Your lender shows your exact payment and total to repay before you sign.
Do I need my car as collateral for a repair loan?
No. A personal installment loan is usually unsecured, so your car isn't collateral. If you'd prefer approval based on your vehicle's value, a title loan may be available in your state when the car is titled in your name, and you keep driving it while you repay.
Sources
- CFPB — What is a personal installment loan?
- CFPB — What is a soft inquiry?
- eCFR — 12 CFR Part 1026 (Regulation Z, Truth in Lending disclosures)