What To Do When Your Car Breaks Down Before Payday

Key Takeaways

• Car breakdowns can cost $35-$125 for towing, $50-$150 for a tire change, $75-$100 for fuel delivery, and more for other costs.
• Drivers facing urgent auto repair costs before payday can consider various options such as doing DIY repairs, using credit cards, borrowing from family or friends, setting up payment plans with repair shops, or opting for payday or title loans.
• Basic vehicle problems like dead batteries, worn wiper blades, clogged air filters, and burned-out bulbs can usually be repaired at home, helping to cut repair costs and avoid extra labor charges.
• Payday loans may provide fast access to $100–$1,200 for urgent car repairs, while title loans might provide up to $15,000 depending on vehicle value, even for those with poor credit.
• When your vehicle breaks down before payday, weighing all financing and payment alternatives can help you get back on the road swiftly while reducing financial stress and inconvenience.

Whether your car requires towing, a new battery, or significant repairs, unforeseen vehicle issues can be costly. If your car breaks down before payday, you can consider various options to cover the expenses, such as payment plans, credit cards, assistance from family, or short-term loans.

In this guide from Texas Car Title and Payday Loan Services, Inc., we will outline the average cost of a breakdown and explain the top six ways to cover the costs, including title loans and payday loans.

Average Cost Of A Car Breakdown

Naturally, the cost of a car breakdown varies wildly, depending on the severity of the issue or damage. However, we can offer ballpark figures using current non-membership industry averages.

Here's what to expect for the most common roadside services:

• Standard towing — According to Allstate, the average cost of towing for 5 miles or less is between $35 and $125. If it’s up to 40 miles, it can cost between $125 and $275. This cost can continue to rise based on time, distance, vehicle size, and complexity.
• Jump-start — You should expect to pay between $50 and $100, but the accessibility of the location and speed priority may change the price.
• Tire change — Provided you have a usable spare, it will cost anywhere from $50 to $150 to get a tire changed. However, expect it to cost more based on the tire type, severity of damage, location of the breakdown, and labor costs.
• Fuel delivery — The service fee for roadside fuel delivery is between $75 and $100 plus the cost of gas. This cost can vary based on the location of the breakdown and what fuel you need. The roadside fuel delivery charge covers the driver's time and mileage. 
• Vehicle lockout service — You should anticipate spending between $80 and $150 to unlock a car door. This cost can increase to $120 to $300 for transponder keys or key fobs. However, your car's make and model may increase the price, as modern locks often require specialty tools. 

While these roadside services can be costly on their own, they often represent only a fraction of the total expense. If your vehicle requires replacement parts or major repairs, your final bill could be significantly higher.

If the repair estimate is higher than expected, the next step is finding a way to cover the expense. Below are six potential options to consider before your next payday.

6 Ways To Cover The Costs Of Auto Repairs Before Payday

In addition to the costs mentioned above to help with the breakdown, you will likely have to pay for other car repairs. For example, your car may have broken down because the battery stopped working. You will have to replace the battery to continue driving your car.

You may have also been in a car accident that led to the breakdown, so you will have to pay for the damage caused to your vehicle. While this can cost you hundreds or thousands, there are options to help you pay for surprise auto repairs.

The following are six ways to pay for car repair costs between paydays:

1. Attempt A DIY Solution

Oftentimes, the cheapest solution is one you do at home. If you aren't mechanically inclined, you can ask a friend who might know a thing or two if they can help with a DIY solution.

Some repair shops may offer free diagnostic testing, while others charge a fee that may be applied toward repair costs. If you were able to get a free diagnostic test, you can figure out how to fix it yourself (or with a friend). 

Some easy DIY car repairs you can handle at home include:

• Replacing wiper blades
• Swapping engine and cabin air filters
• Changing light bulbs
• Checking fluids
• Replacing a car battery
• Buffing out a scratch

YouTube is a helpful resource here, especially if you have a popular car make and model. You may be able to find step-by-step video tutorials for common repairs on your vehicle's make and model. If it's a simple fix, try it yourself. Although it's always best to hand off the repairs to a professional for more serious issues.

2. Use A Credit Card

If you already have a credit card, you can use it to pay for car repairs. However, this probably won't be the best solution if you don't currently have a credit card, as the approval process may take too long to be beneficial. 

When using your credit card, just remember that the interest rates tend to be high. Ensure you can afford the repayments before committing to this solution.

Using a large portion of your available credit could temporarily affect your credit score, depending on your overall credit utilization. As long as you can repay the debt in a timely manner, your score can rebound.

3. Borrow Money From Family Or Friends

Close friends and family may be able to lend you money to fund urgent repairs. This might be a tough thing to do because you don't wish to put your loved ones in a tricky circumstance if you can't repay the money.

Therefore, it's important to only request money you know you can pay back pretty quickly. There have been plenty of relationships ruined by the borrower failing to repay their friends or family. This is why it’s best to only ask friends and family to help with a portion of the cost to make it easier to get their money back.

4. Ask The Repair Shop For A Payment Plan

Generally speaking, you will have to pay the repair shop immediately after they fix your car, before you can drive it away. However, you may be lucky enough to find a garage willing to set up a payment plan for you. This is rare, but not unheard of.

The shop may require credit checks or employment verification for its protection. Regardless, it's still worth asking, as it can be the most affordable option.

This will allow you to pay in fixed installments over a few weeks or months, so you can reach your next payday and rebuild your finances before paying for auto repairs.

5. Get Payday Loans For Auto Repairs

Payday loans, also known as cash advances, are an option that can quickly fund your car repairs without requiring a good credit score. You can borrow between $100 and $1,200 to cover repair costs quickly. You must have proof of income to qualify.

How much you can borrow will depend on your income level and ability to afford repayment with your next paycheck. A cash advance is a good option for those looking to cover financial emergencies between paychecks.

You only need three required items to get approved:

• Identification — Borrowing money in Texas requires you to be at least 18 years old. You can prove this with a state-issued photo ID. We accept primary forms of ID displaying your full legal name, date of birth, and portrait photograph. This can include your driver’s license, passport, Texas state ID, etc.
• Pay stub — You must ensure this is your most recent pay stub, so we can get an accurate read on your current earning power. We use this as your proof of ability to repay the loan. Your payday loan amount will depend on how much you earn and what we believe you can afford to repay.
• Checking account — You must have a checking account to get approved for a cash advance in Texas. We will use the details of your account to assess your finances.

Once you've collected these documents, you can proceed with the approval process, which should take less than 30 minutes. You can apply online, speak to a representative over the phone, and visit one of our stores to get approved for same-day payday loans for auto repairs.

6. Borrow Title Loans For Auto Repairs

If payday loans aren't the right option for you, we also offer title loans for auto repairs. With this loan, you can borrow up to $15,000. We use your car's value to establish the amount we can offer. 

You must own your vehicle outright to get approved. We only accept titles associated with cars, trucks, or vans. You will need a state-issued photo ID, a lien-free vehicle title in your name, and a vehicle for an inspection to get approved. We will also need to prove your income, but you can use alternative income to establish your repayment ability.

Provided you have the above, you can follow these steps to get a title loan:

1. Complete the online form
2. Speak to us over the phone to discuss how our car repair loans work
3. Head to your nearest Texas store location
4. We'll examine your documents before inspecting your vehicle to evaluate how much you can borrow
5. If you're approved, we'll help you finish the paperwork
6. Receive your emergency cash in Texas later that day or by the next business day

FAQs About Vehicle Repair Loans

Can you get a title loan with a damaged vehicle?

As long as your vehicle still retains value, you can use it for a title loan. You’re less likely to get approved for a totaled or inoperable car. Call us before applying to explain your situation, and our loan representatives will work with you.

Can you borrow a title loan and a payday loan at the same time?

No, you can only borrow one loan at a time in Texas. You will have to choose one that best fits your situation. Assess the cost of your car repairs and determine which loan you can qualify for.

Will applying for an auto repair loan affect my credit score?

We do not conduct hard credit checks or report our loans to the major credit bureaus. Your credit score will remain unchanged with title loans and payday loans.

Get Car Repair Loans In Texas Today!

We understand the stress of a car breakdown between paydays. Once you have tried other options for paying the cost, Texas Car Title and Payday Loan Services, Inc. can help with our auto repair loans. You can get approved for our title loans or payday loans to afford vehicle repairs the same day you apply.

Receive same-day cash for emergency vehicle repairs today; just fill out our online loan form and visit our nearest store for a 30-minute qualification.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.