Looking for a free car in Wisconsin, a low-cost car, or help paying for car repairs? This page brings together the car assistance programs we found for Wisconsin residents, from charity car programs to government help. Listings change often, so contact each program to confirm eligibility before you apply.
| Nonprofit car programs found | 6 |
|---|---|
| Types of help available | Car loans, Repair help, Gas & rides |
| State TANF program | W-2 |
| Low-income car insurance | No state program; assigned-risk plan available |
| Vehicle replacement grant | None found in our research |
Nonprofit car programs in Wisconsin
Wheels-2-Work – Central Wisconsin Community Action
0% car loans for households at or below 150% FPL (applications paused pending funding).
Work-n-Wheels
Zero-interest car loans for rural workers.
JumpStart – West CAP
Low-interest loans for reliable late-model cars.
Couleecap
Car loan program for Southwest Wisconsin.
Community Action Inc.
Car ownership help for Rock and Walworth counties.
Ways to Work
Low-interest car loans for working families.
Government car assistance in Wisconsin
W-2 supportive services
Ask your W-2 agency about transportation help.
Car repair help in Wisconsin
Fixing the car you already have is often the fastest way to keep working. These Wisconsin programs can help with car repairs:
- W-2 supportive services — Ask your W-2 agency about transportation help.
You can also ask Community Action Agencies, churches and charities in Wisconsin for one-time repair help. See charities that help with car repairs and emergency car repair assistance.
Low-income car insurance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not run a state low-income car insurance program. Drivers who are turned down by regular insurers can get coverage through the state’s assigned-risk plan, and most drivers can lower their premium by comparing quotes, choosing appropriate coverage for an older car, and asking for good-driver and low-mileage discounts. Read our guide to low-income car insurance by state.
Statewide help available to everyone in Wisconsin
- W-2: ask your caseworker about “supportive services” or transportation assistance for work.
- 211 Wisconsin: dial 2-1-1 for local car repair funds, gas vouchers and car programs.
- Community Action Agencies: many run car, repair or emergency assistance programs.
- National programs: 1-800-Charity Cars, NABC Recycled Rides and nonprofit car loans.
- Veterans: the VA Automobile Allowance and adaptive equipment grants.
- Insurance: see low-income car insurance options for Wisconsin drivers.
How to apply for car help in Wisconsin
- Gather your documents using our application checklist.
- Ask a caseworker, employer, church or counselor for a referral letter.
- Contact the Wisconsin programs above that match your needs.
- Apply with Free Car Help — it is free and takes about 10 minutes.
Never pay an application or delivery fee for a free car. Learn the warning signs of free car scams.
Frequently asked questions
Are there free car programs in Wisconsin?
Free car giveaways are limited in Wisconsin, but you can find low-cost cars, loans or repair help from local nonprofits and government help through W-2. You can also apply with Free Car Help.
Does Wisconsin have government help with cars?
Wisconsin’s TANF program (W-2) can provide transportation supports such as car repairs or gas help for eligible families. W-2 supportive services: Ask your W-2 agency about transportation help.
How do I apply for a free car in Wisconsin?
Contact the programs on this page, ask a caseworker or nonprofit for a referral letter, and submit a free application with Free Car Help. Never pay a fee to apply.
Car programs in states near Wisconsin
Most car programs only serve their own area, but if you live near a state line, or are moving, these neighboring states may have options:
- Free car programs in Minnesota — including Wheel Get There / Cars for Neighbors and Minnesota Valley Action Council
- Free car programs in Iowa — including Wheels for Work – Northeast Iowa Community Action and Wheels for Work – United Way of Greater Fort Dodge
- Free car programs in Illinois — including Cars of Hope and Women With Drive
- Free car programs in Michigan — including Charity Motors and Vehicles for Change – Detroit