Car problems, whether it’s a breakdown or an accident, seem to come at the worst times. Even though the cost of regular maintenance for most cars is relatively low, some repairs can cost thousands of dollars. If you don’t have this type of money in your bank account and need to get your car back on the road, you might need to turn to an auto repair loan. If you have bad credit, you also might need to find an auto repair loan with no credit check. Take a look at some of your options and how these loans work.
What Is an Auto Repair Loan With No Credit Check?
When you’re struggling to come up with the money for an emergency car repair, an auto repair loan can cover these unexpected expenses. There are a few different types of auto repair loans with no credit check, including:
- Payday loans
- Auto title loans
These types of loans should be a last resort. If you have bad credit and can’t get a loan through a traditional lender, you might have to turn to a payday loan, where you agree to repay a short-term loan after you receive your next paycheck, or an auto title loan, where you use your vehicle as collateral. The companies will process your application without any credit check, which means that the lender does not require a hard inquiry into your credit history.
Without a hard inquiry, the specifics of your credit will not factor into whether you get approved. Instead, they look at your income and ability to pay back the loan, or the collateral that you have to secure the loan. Before signing the paperwork, it’s important to note that no-credit-check auto repair loans typically come with extremely high interest rates.
What Companies Offer Auto Repair Loans With No Credit Check?
There are several companies that offer no-credit-check loans. The process is usually quick, and they don’t charge fees. Here are a few examples:
MoneyMutual
MoneyMutual will pre-qualify borrowers in just a few minutes. They require a reliable income of at least $800 a month, and once you accept the loan offer, the loan will come through within a couple of days.
CashUSA.com
Prequalification requirements for CashUSA.com include U.S. citizenship or being a permanent resident. Borrowers must be 18 and have an income of at least $1,000 per month after taxes.
CreditLoan
CreditLoan guarantees an instant prequalification decision and, if approved, will deposit money into your account as soon as the next day.
AutoLoanZoom
AutoLoanZoom offers loans up to $35,000 with loan terms that range from two months to seven years. This company uses your car as collateral.
Pros of Auto Repair Loans
The only real benefit of an auto repair loan with no credit check is the speed. You can usually get the money you need to pay for the repairs in a very short time. The application process is quick, and once you’re approved, you’ll get the funds deposited into your bank.
Another benefit to online auto repair loans with no credit check is that they usually operate seven days a week and 24 hours a day. If you need to pay a mechanic on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday, you don’t have to wait until Monday morning when the bank opens up to apply for a loan. In many cases, you could even have the money before the weekend is over.
Cons of Auto Repair Loans
The interest rates for loans without a credit check are extremely high. Since they don’t check your credit, they make up for the risk by charging more to borrow money. You’ll end up paying much more for the repairs than you need to.
The short repayment period is another downside. Payday loans typically last just a few weeks. You might even have to pay the loan back within seven to 10 days, and it will need to be paid in full.
If you have a title loan and don’t make the payments, you could lose your car. In order to get the loan, you relinquish your title to the loan company, and if you don’t pay the loan back, you could lose a car worth thousands more than the repairs.
Tips for No-Credit-Check Loans
Here are a few tips to help you choose and apply for a no-credit-check auto repair loan:
- Find an online auto loan company. Many of the no-credit-check lending companies operate online, so you don’t have to leave your house to apply.
- Compare different loans. Since the risks are higher, it’s a good idea to have options before choosing a loan.
- Have proof of income ready. If you can show that you have enough income to pay back the loan, it will help you get approved, even with bad credit.
- Understand the terms. When choosing a loan, make sure you understand when your payments are due and how to get the lender the money.
What Can You Use an Auto Repair Loan For?
You can use an auto repair loan to pay for any repairs to your vehicle. Whether you need new tires, a battery change, or a new transmission, the money you get from an auto repair loan can go toward paying the bill.
Some of the most common repairs paid for with loans include:
- Brakes: New brakes can cost several hundred dollars or even more. Since they are an essential component for safety, this repair cannot wait for your next paycheck.
- Tires: Good tires are essential but can cost up to or more than $200 each. If you need four, it adds up fast.
- Accident damage: Even though most states require auto insurance, the required coverage is basic and only pays for damage that you cause to others’ vehicles and property. If you don’t have insurance to cover repairs to your own vehicle, you’ll have to pay out of pocket if you get into an accident.
- Emissions tests: Almost all states require emissions testing in order to get your car registered and inspected. The test is usually only about $100, but if you don’t have the extra $100, you can’t get on the road.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need money to pay for car repairs, there are better options than an auto repair loan with no credit check. If you have to apply for a loan, look carefully at the interest rate and the length of the loan term to ensure there will be no surprises.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
