Car Repair Loans: Options to Pay for Auto Repairs
When your car needs a repair you can't put off, a personal loan is one way to cover the bill. Request $200 to $5,000 for a car repair and see whether lenders in our network have offers for you.
Tilt App is a loan-matching service, not a lender. Submitting a request doesn't guarantee an offer.
How car repair loans work
A car repair loan is usually a personal loan you use to pay the shop. You repay the lender over time, often in fixed installments, while the repair gets done now.
Before you borrow, get a written estimate and ask whether the work can be split into what's urgent now and what can wait. Borrowing only for the urgent part keeps the loan smaller.
Paying for a car repair
Varies by lender- Ways to pay
- Savings, a payment plan with the shop, a credit card or a personal loan
- What to have ready
- A written, itemized estimate from the repair shop
- Amounts you can request
- Any amount from $200 to $5,000
- APR range
- 5.99%–35.99%
- Example
- a $2,000 loan with a 24.99% APR repaid over 24 months would have a monthly payment of about $106.39 and a total repayment of about $2,553.36. Your actual rate, term and payment depend on the lender and your creditworthiness
Rates, fees and terms are set by each lender and depend on your credit profile, term and state.
Before you borrow for a car repair
A few steps that can lower what you need to borrow.
- Get a written estimateAsk for an itemized quote with parts and labor so you know exactly how much to request.
- Get a second opinion on big jobsFor a major repair, another shop's quote can confirm the work is needed and the price is fair.
- Separate urgent from optionalAsk the mechanic which repairs are needed for safety now and which can wait.
- Ask about shop financingSome repair shops offer payment plans. Compare their cost with any loan offer.
Other ways to pay
Depending on your situation, these may cost less than a loan.
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Payment plan with the shop
Ask whether the shop will split the bill. It may cost less than a loan.
Payment plans -
Warranty or insurance
If the problem is covered by a warranty, or the damage came from an accident, a claim may reduce what you pay.
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Cash advance app
For a small repair you can repay from your next paycheck, an advance may be enough.
Cash advance apps
How much do you need?
Base your request on the estimate or bill, and borrow only what the urgent part costs. You can request any amount from $200 to $5,000.
Rates and terms vary by lender: 5.99%–35.99%
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$500 loan options
For a smaller repair.
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$1,000 loan options
For a mid-size repair.
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$2,000 loan options
For a larger repair.
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$3,000 loan options
For a major repair.
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$5,000 loan options
For several costs or a major repair.
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Compare all loan amounts
Or enter any amount from $200 to $5,000.
Other unexpected expenses
Guides for other bills that can't wait.
Car repair loan questions
More answers in the help center.
Can I use a personal loan for car repairs?
Yes. Most personal loans can be used for car repairs; check the lender's terms for any restrictions. Once the funds arrive, you pay the shop.
How much should I borrow for a car repair?
Is a car repair loan the same as a title loan?
No. A title loan uses your car title as collateral, so missing payments can mean losing the car. An unsecured personal loan doesn't use your car as collateral. Check each offer's terms to see whether it's secured.
Can I get a car repair loan with bad credit?
You can submit a request whatever your credit history. Lenders set their own criteria, and no one can guarantee approval. See bad credit loan options.
How fast can I get money for a car repair?
As soon as the next business day after you’re approved, though exact timing depends on your lender and your bank If the shop needs payment sooner, ask whether it will start work with a deposit.