If you’re like most people, you probably take your car for granted. You use it to get from point A to point B without a second thought. But what would happen if your car was damaged? How would you get around? What if you’re currently driving a vehicle that needs professional attention? Here is some advice from the experts!
Get a Quote
Firstly, how do you know that you can’t afford the repairs if you haven’t gotten a quote? A lot of people panic and automatically assume that they won’t be able to afford it – this isn’t always the case. If you take your car to a reputable mechanic or body shop, they should be able to give you a fairly accurate estimate of the repairs that need to be done.
Therefore, the first tip is to get a quote before you do anything else. This will give you a realistic idea of the repairs that need to be done and how much they will cost. From here, you can assess your financing options.
Talk to Family and Friends
If you don’t quite have the funds to cover the repairs, reach out to your family and friends. Many people are more than happy to help out in a situation like this – you just have to ask. If they are unable to help financially, they may be able to provide other forms of support, such as helping you with the repairs. If your family are like most others, they would rather lend you some money than drive an unsafe vehicle around.
If you’re going to borrow money from someone, make sure you have a plan in place to repay the debt. Nothing puts a strain on relationships like money, so it’s important to be respectful and communicative if you’re going to go this route. For example, write down when you will repay the amount and when.
Seek External Financing
For those who don’t have this option, you’re still not alone. Many people get into car accidents and don’t have the means to pay for the repairs; one option is to seek external financing. For example, you can get a short-term car repair loan from companies such as Cashify Loans. The idea is that you can get the money you need quickly to fix your car, and then repay the loan over time. This can be a good option if you know that you will have funds in the future, but not right now.
Ask the Garage for a Payment Plan
Furthermore, those in financial hardship can also ask the garage carrying out the repairs for a payment plan. This is often an easier solution as you’re only dealing with one company, and they are likely to be more understanding. Many garages will let you pay off the repairs in instalments, giving you some breathing room. Rather than having to find $1,000, for example, they might ask for $200 a month for the next five months.
Once again, those choosing this route should make sure they have the means to pay off the debt, as defaulting on payments can damage your credit score when an official contract and your relationships when an unofficial contract.
This year, please don’t drive a damaged car. If you can’t afford the repairs, ask friends and family for help, or look into a short-term loan. Do whatever you have to do to keep yourself and others on the road safe. Good luck – there are always solutions to every problem!
