What to do if you can’t afford a car repair

When your car breaks down, the financial impact can be immediate and significant. For many people, a working vehicle isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for getting to work, picking up kids, or just getting to the shops. So when the mechanic says it’s going to cost hundreds (or even thousands) to fix, and your bank balance is already on the edge, what can you do?

In this guide, we look at why unexpected costs like emergency car repairs can tip people into debt, what support might be available, and how to plan for the future, even when things feel uncertain.

Why emergency car repair costs cause financial strain

It’s not just you. According to the Office for National Statistics, over a quarter of UK households reported that they would struggle to afford an unexpected £850 bill. That means even a routine repair – like a clutch or brake replacement – could be enough to cause real hardship.

And car costs don’t happen in isolation. They often come alongside other pressures – rising fuel prices, inflation, or the need to replace work equipment stored in the car. If you’re already budgeting tightly, a broken vehicle can upend everything.

Unlike planned expenses, emergency repairs usually come out of the blue. If your MOT fails or your car breaks down, you often have no time to save or shop around. And because cars are often needed for earning a living, it can feel like there’s no choice but to pay – even if it means using credit or going without other essentials.

If you have no money and your car broke down

If you’ve found yourself with no money and your car broken, you’re not alone. Many people face this situation each year. The key is not to panic and avoid quick decisions that could lead to further debt.

Here are your first steps:

• Get a second opinion – if the repair quote is high, consider asking another garage. Labour and parts costs can vary significantly.
• Check your warranty or insurance – some parts or issues may be covered.
• Speak to the garage – you might be able to agree a payment plan or defer the work until payday.
• Explore interest-free options – some garages offer 0% finance for repairs. Be sure to read the terms carefully.

Help if you can’t pay for car repair

If you’re facing a high car repair cost due to an emergency, there may be grants or schemes that can help:

• Local welfare schemes – run by your council, these may help with essential costs. 
• Budgeting Loans – if you receive certain benefits, you might be eligible for an interest-free Budgeting Loan from the government.
• Charitable grants – some charities offer help based on occupation, location or need. Turn2us has a free grant search tool.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many national grants specifically for car repairs, but if your vehicle is essential for work or caring responsibilities, it’s worth asking local services or your Jobcentre if help is available.

When emergency costs lead to debt

For some, an unexpected cost like a car repair might be the tipping point into debt. If you’ve used a credit card, overdraft or payday loan to cover the cost, it’s important to think ahead about how you’ll repay it. The same goes if you’ve missed rent, bills or other priority payments to afford the repair.

When this happens, it’s worth getting tailored debt advice. Some debt solutions like a Debt Management Plan (DMP) can reduce what you pay toward unsecured debts each month, helping you keep up with essentials. 

Simple ways to prepare for the next emergency

It might feel impossible to save when money’s tight, but even small changes can make a difference. Here are a few tips to protect yourself from the impact of unexpected costs:

• Create a basic emergency fund – even £50 saved over a few months can cushion the next small emergency.
• Use a budgeting tool – try a free budget planner to see where your money goes.
• Plan your car costs – MOT, tax, insurance, and servicing can be spread out across the year. Set a calendar reminder so you’re not caught off guard.

Know your priorities

When money is tight, it’s crucial to know which bills to pay first. Missing some payments has more serious consequences than others. For example:

• Rent and mortgage payments come first (you could lose your home if you fall behind)
• Council tax and energy bills are also priority debts
• Credit cards and personal loans are considered non-priority.

How MoneyPlus can help

If you’re facing debt after an emergency cost like a car repair, you’re not alone and support is available. You can visit MoneyHelper for free, impartial guidance on dealing with debt. 

Or, get in touch with MoneyPlus. We’ll look at your full situation – including your income, your household bills and your debts – to explore tailored options that could make things more manageable.

Don’t wait for your situation to get worse. The sooner you take action, the more choices you may have.