Where to Get Help Paying for Car Repairs (Without the Stress)

Overview

How to Pay for Car Repairs
What Are the Best Ways to Pay for Car Repairs?
1. Secured Personal Loan
2. Community Programs and No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS)
3. Borrow from family or friends
4. Roadside assistance and insurance
Plan for Stress-free Repairs

It costs a lot to own a car. Fuel, insurance, and rego all add up, so when repairs pop up unexpectedly, it’s important to know where you stand. 

Repair costs can vary widely depending on the problem, from a few hundred dollars for tyres or brakes to several thousand for engine work. Knowing the potential scale of the expense helps you decide whether you can cover it from your savings or need extra support.

With the right options, you can sort out a car repair bill quickly and keep driving without stress hanging over you.

There’s no single way to manage repair bills, and the right option depends on your circumstances. Some choices give you fast access to funds, while others reduce the cost of repairs or spread payments over time. Here are some of the most practical ways to cover expenses and get back on the road.

1. Secured Personal Loan

A secured personal loan from Red Tree gives you access to up to $5000 when you use an asset such as your car or boat as security. Your vehicle must be registered and drivable, and once approved, funds are released fast.

Secured loans can cover:

• Servicing and registration costs
• Mechanical repairs such as brakes, steering, gearbox or engine parts
• Body repairs and paintwork
• Extras like mirrors, roof racks or air conditioning fixes

2. Community Programs and No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS)

If you’re in financial hardship, community organisations may provide access to urgent help with costs. The most common option is the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), which lets you borrow up to $2000 for essentials such as car repairs, rego, or servicing without paying interest.

3. Borrow from family or friends

Another way to cover urgent car repairs is to borrow from family or friends. This option isn’t for everyone, but if it’s available to you, it can save on interest payments and get you back on the road quickly.

If you go down this path, be clear about the details from the start. Agree on the amount, repayment terms, and timeframe, and write everything down so you all have a plan to follow. Having a simple agreement avoids confusion and helps protect your relationship while you repay the money.

4. Roadside assistance and insurance

If you already hold roadside assistance or comprehensive insurance, check your policy carefully. Many providers include towing or partial repair cover, which can reduce the amount you need to pay yourself. While it won’t cover everything, it can ease the burden of a breakdown.

Not every breakdown is avoidable, but there are ways to reduce the impact when it happens:

• Build an emergency fund: even $20 a week creates a safety net.
• Keep up with servicing: prevent small issues from turning into major ones.
• Get multiple quotes: prices vary, so compare before you commit.
• Know your rights: consumer law protects you if parts or repairs fail.
• Plan for big-ticket items: budget ahead for tyres, brakes, and batteries, as these wear out regularly.

By putting a little aside for these costs, you can deal with them on your own terms. And if the unexpected still happens, Red Tree Finance offers quick and car repair loans to keep moving.

For more practical tips, see our guide on how to save money on a low income.

Get Back on the Road With Confidence

Car repairs don’t need to slow you down. With Red Tree Finance, you can apply online in minutes and access up to $5000 through a secured personal loan. The process is fast and straightforward, designed to cover repairs, servicing or upgrades when you need them.

You can apply online today or, if you prefer, talk with our customer service team about the best way forward for you.

Where can I get money to fix a car?

You can cover repair costs several ways depending on your situation. Savings are always the cheapest solution if you have funds set aside. If not, community programs such as No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS) may help with essential repairs. Another option is a secured personal loan, where you can borrow up to $5000 using your car or another asset as security. This gives you quick access to money so you can get your car back on the road.

How can I get money very quickly to pay for car repairs?

Selling unused items or borrowing from family and friends can also provide fast cash without interest, but a loan gives you a structured and reliable option when time is critical. But if you need funds immediately, a secured personal loan is usually the fastest option. With Red Tree Finance, the application is 100% online, approval happens in hours, and funds are often released the same day once approved. 

Can you get a loan for a repairable write-off?

A repairable write-off can sometimes be financed, but it depends on the lender’s rules. To qualify for a secured personal loan with Red Tree Finance, your car needs to be registered, drivable, and able to be used as security. If the vehicle is still classified as a write-off, it may not be eligible. In that case, you might need to explore other funding options, such as a different asset for security or alternative financial support programs.

The information provided in this blog is of a general nature and is provided without considering your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or other professional advice.

Before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the information presented, you are strongly encouraged to assess its appropriateness in light of your individual circumstances. Red Tree Finance does not intend to provide personalised financial advice, and you should seek independent financial, legal, tax, and other relevant advice tailored to your unique situation.