Free Donated Cars
Donated, repaired vehicles given to families who need a car for work, school or medical care.
Learn moreCar Assistance Programs for Low-Income Families
Free cars, low-cost cars, fair loans, repair grants, gas cards, insurance help and more. Find the right kind of help for your situation.
Low-Cost Cars
Repaired donated cars sold at a fraction of market price to working families.
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Low-Interest Car Loans
Fair, affordable car loans for working people with poor or no credit.
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Car Payment Assistance
Help when you are behind on a car note and at risk of losing the car you need for work.
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Car Repair Assistance
Grants and low-cost repairs that keep your current car safe and on the road.
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Insurance & Registration Help
Low-income car insurance programs and help with registration costs.
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Vehicle Replacement Grants
State grants to replace an old, polluting car with a cleaner, more reliable one.
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Accessible Vehicles
Funding for wheelchair-accessible vans, adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications.
Learn moreWhich car assistance program is right for me?
- No car and a job to get to? Start with low-cost cars, free donated cars and car loans.
- Car is broken? Car repair assistance is usually faster than getting a new car.
- Behind on your car note? See car payment assistance.
- Old, unreliable car? Look at vehicle replacement grants.
- Need an adapted vehicle? See accessible vehicles.
Free car assistance programs vs. government help
Car assistance comes from two main places. Nonprofits and churches run donated car, low-cost car, loan and repair programs, usually for a specific city or region. Government programs — mainly TANF supportive services, the VA, vocational rehabilitation and state clean-air programs — pay for specific transportation costs for people who qualify. The best results usually come from combining both: for example, a low-cost car from a nonprofit plus TANF help with the first insurance payment.
Car grants and help with car payments
Many people search for car grants for low-income families or free grants to help with a car payment. True cash grants for buying a car are rare, but help does exist: state vehicle replacement grants, matched savings programs, and emergency funds from charities and TANF that can cover a missed payment. Read car grants for low-income families and help paying a car payment.
National vehicle assistance programs to know
- Working Cars for Working Families — the national network of car ownership programs.
- Ways to Work car program — fair car loans for working parents with poor credit.
- Good News Garage — donated, repaired cars for families in New England.
- Salvation Army — emergency help that can include gas, repairs and referrals.
- Government car voucher program — what government help really covers.
What every program will ask you
- Your household size and income
- Why you need transportation (work, school, training or medical care)
- Whether you have a valid driver’s license
- How you will pay for insurance, registration and upkeep
Use our application checklist to get ready, and browse programs by state.
Not sure? Apply once and we will help you find the best fit.
Ready to get on the road?
Our application is free and takes about 10 minutes. We review every application and connect you with donated vehicles and programs in your state.