If your car breaks down and you have no money, you have several different options available to you depending on the severity of the breakdown and your insurance coverage.
First, if your car has broken down due to a mechanical problem, you may be able to take it to a shop and have it repaired without having to pay out of pocket. Most shops are willing to work with customers to come up with a payment plan, so even if you don’t have the full amount upfront, you may still be able to get it fixed.
If you don’t have any insurance coverage and the repair costs exceed the value of your car, then you may want to consider donating or selling it. Many scrap yards will pay cash for old cars that are no longer running, and some places can help you with the process of donating it.
Alternatively, you could also list it for sale on an online marketplace like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
If you need to get somewhere in a hurry but your car won’t move, then you may want to consider instant loan services or credit cards. Many services can provide you with a short-term loan to cover the cost of a tow truck and repair bill.
Additionally, if you have a credit card, you may be able to use it to pay for repairs, although it might be in your best interest to avoid using it if you don’t have the funds to pay it back in a timely manner.
Finally, if you don’t have any other options, you may want to look into programs to help low-income individuals and families with car maintenance and repairs. These programs are available across the country, and you may be able to get financial assistance to pay for a tow truck and repairs.
No matter what your situation, there are options available to you if your car breaks down and you don’t have any money. It is important to take a few moments to assess your options and come up with the best plan of action for your situation.
Table of Contents
What to do if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere with no service?
If your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere with no service, it can be a daunting situation. The most important thing is to stay calm and assess the situation. Here are a few steps you can take to navigate this situation safely:
1. Make sure your car is not in a hazardous or potentially dangerous location. You don’t want to be stranded in the middle of traffic or a place with no visibility.
2. Call for help if you have access to a phone that has service. Your first instinct might naturally be to call family or friends but make sure your priority is to contact a licensed mechanic or towing service.
3. If you do not have access to a phone, you can check to see if you have access to another form of transportation. There might be a nearby service station, gas station, or even someone to call for a ride.
4. Stay in the car if you don’t have access to immediate help. Lock the doors and keep windows up until help arrives.
5. Prepare a safety kit to keep with you in your car. This might include a flashlight, tool kit, flares, and any other items you may need.
With the right preparation and knowledge, you can safely handle this situation. Be sure to call for help and stay in the car until help arrives.
What happens if my financed car breaks down?
If your financed car breaks down, your first step is to check your car warranty to determine what, if any, coverage you have. Many manufacturers offer comprehensive warranties that cover mechanical and electrical breakdown, but the coverage and length of the warranty varies.
You should take a look at your warranty booklet or visit the manufacturer’s website to determine your coverage.
If your car is still under warranty, then you can contact the manufacturer or the dealership who sold you the car to arrange for repair or replacement. You will likely be responsible for towing or shipping costs associated with replacing the car, but the dealership or manufacturer should cover the cost of the repair or car replacement.
If your car is no longer covered under a warranty and you need to cover the costs of repair, you should contact your auto loan lender to find out if they offer any assistance. Depending on your lender, you may be able to add the repair and parts to your existing loan balance, or you may need to take out a separate loan to cover the costs.
Be sure to check rates and terms to ensure that you’re getting a good deal.
Finally, it is always a good idea to budget for unexpected repairs and upkeep throughout the life of your loan. An emergency fund dedicated to car-related expenses can save you a lot of time and money if your car has a mechanical breakdown.
Can a garage keep my car if I refuse to pay?
No, a garage has no legal right to keep your car if you refuse to pay for the service or repair. If you do not pay for the services or repairs, you will be in breach of contract and the garage may take further civil legal action against you, such as filing a lien on the vehicle.
The garage may also contact the police to report a lien violation if you are not able to pay the amount owed in a timely manner. A garage also has the right to have your vehicle removed at your expense.
If you are unable to pay the bill, the garage may attempt to negotiate other forms of payment, such as a payment plan or even accepting trade-ins.
Should I pay a mechanic upfront?
The circumstances of the work to be done and the mechanic. Generally, it is best to avoid paying any large sums of money upfront, as this could result in not getting any work done. However, if you have a good relationship with a trusted mechanic who has a proven track record, then it can be okay to pay for the labor cost in advance if you wish.
It is always best to get a detailed estimate in writing before paying for any work, so that you know exactly what you will be responsible for paying. When in doubt, it is best to avoid paying large sums of money upfront, and to stick to methods of payment such as credit card, PayPal or even cash after the work is completed.
Are mechanics negotiable?
Yes, mechanics are negotiable. Mechanics are the various rules, regulations, strategies and techniques used by an organization to manage its resources, projects and operations to achieve the desired goals.
As such, mechanics can vary widely depending on the particular organization’s needs, objectives and preferences.
In some cases, an organization may choose to negotiate with its external partners or constituents to adjust mechanics. This can include, for example, agreeing to shorter payment terms, offering discounts, or allowing for certain deliverables in exchange for certain resources from the other party.
Negotiating mechanics can help to reach an agreement that is beneficial for both parties, as it enables them to come to terms on an arrangement that meets the needs of both.
At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that although mechanics can be negotiable, they should always be agreed upon by both parties. It is important to make sure that the mechanics are not only beneficial for both parties but are also practical and realistic.
Negotiations should be conducted in good faith, and all parties should be willing to compromise in order to reach an agreement.
How much can you get for a car that doesn’t work?
The amount of money you can get for a car that doesn’t work will depend on a variety of factors, including the make and model of the car, its condition, and the current market value. Some cars may be more valuable in scrap metal than they are as a functioning vehicle, while other cars may still be worth more even if they don’t run.
Additionally, the parts and components of a car may be worth more than the car as a whole, especially if those parts are rare or otherwise difficult to find.
In general, buyers will typically offer less for a car that doesn’t work or is in poor condition. Some buyers may offer as little as a few hundred dollars for a non-working vehicle, while others may offer more depending on its condition and its value as scrap metal or for its parts.
Ultimately, it’s important to do research on the current market value of the car and determine the best option for selling the vehicle.
Why should you not tell a dealer you’re paying cash?
When purchasing a vehicle, it is important to be aware that dealers may not always give you their best price when they know that you are paying cash. This is because they may feel that cash buyers are more likely to be impulse buyers, which gives them greater control over the sales price.
Furthermore, when you are upfront and tell the dealer that you are paying with cash, they may become more hesitant to negotiate the sales price for fear that you may change your mind and opt to finance the purchase.
In addition, sometimes there may be incentives or additional discounts that are available to buyers who finance the purchase instead of paying cash. By not disclosing to the dealer that you are paying cash upfront, you may be able to better negotiate a better price and/or access additional discounts that are otherwise not available to you.
How long can a garage keep your car?
It really depends on the environment and how you treat your car. In general, garages are designed to protect your car from harsh elements and to maintain the car’s original parts, which can help it last longer.
If you take good care of your car and keep it in an enclosed and ventilated garage, it can last for more than ten years.
In addition, regular maintenance is necessary to maintain the car’s condition. It is important to wash and wax the car regularly and inspect it for any signs of wear and tear. Also, changing the oil, filters, and other fluids regularly adds to the life of a car.
Another factor to consider is the environment in the garage. Make sure your car is not exposed to extreme temperatures, as extreme heat or cold can cause premature wear and tear. Also, open flames and certain chemicals can decrease the longevity of your car.
Overall, the length of time your car stays in a garage depends on how you take care of it and the environment in which it is stored. With the proper care, your car should be able to remain in good condition while in the garage.
Do dealers like when you pay cash?
It really depends on the dealership, as there are a few different perspectives when it comes to cash payments. Some dealerships may prefer that customers pay with cash because it eliminates the headache of credit card fees, saves them the time to process payments, and makes it easy to confirm that the payment has been received.
However, other dealerships may prefer other forms of payment, such as checks and credit cards, because it creates more trust, ensures payment reliability, and allows for easier record keeping. Ultimately, it is up to the individual dealership to decide what payment method they prefer.
It is best to ask the dealership directly if they prefer cash payments before making a purchase.
How do you get around if your car breaks down?
If your car breaks down, there are a few different ways to get around. Depending on where you are and what resources are available, your options could include Uber or Lyft, public transportation, a taxi, or a bike.
If the break down is a minor one, you can try to fix it yourself with a few tools or by going to an auto repair shop. If the break down is major, most tow truck services are able to take you to your home or to a service center.
If none of these options are available, you can always ask someone you know to give you a ride, or you could call a friend or family member to come pick you up.
What should you do if your car breaks down on a country road at night?
If your car breaks down on a country road at night, your first priority should always be your safety. If you feel unsafe or at risk, leave your vehicle immediately and go to a well-lit area. You should also call 911 to report your situation and ask for help and advise if it is safe to do so.
If you feel safe, there are a variety of steps you can take to try and remedy the situation and get your car moving. First, you should check your car and make sure the basics are functioning correctly (lights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.
) and evaluate if it can safely be moved. You should also check the tires, battery, engine oil, and fuel, and if any of these need to be refilled or replaced, you should do so if you have the materials available.
If these check out and you still can’t get the car going, it might be time to call for help. First, contact a trustworthy local tow truck service, such as AAA, or a car repair shop. Some may offer roadside assistance services at night.
If you’re with a roadside assistance plan, don’t forget to use your membership number or other contact details so that help can arrive as quickly as possible.
If all else fails, contact your family, friends, or a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft for assistance. It’s always best to travel with a friend or two and have a contingency plan for emergencies, so this may be a great time to call someone for help.
If you are unable to get a tow truck or car repair shop and you’re still in a safe place, it might be a good idea to spend the night in your car and call for help in the morning.
Either way, although dealing with a breakdown can be confusing and overwhelming, remaining calm and following the above steps will help you get through the situation safely and quickly.
Can I claim on insurance if my car breaks down?
Yes, you can claim on your insurance if your car breaks down, but the type of cover you have will determine the extent to which you can make a claim. If you have comprehensive car insurance, you should be able to make a claim to cover the cost of repairs, depending on the terms of your policy.
However, if you have third party only car insurance, you will only be able to make a claim for the damage caused to another person, vehicle or property and not for repairs to your own car.
You may also be able to make a breakdown cover claim if you have taken out a type of insurance such as this. Most breakdown cover policies will pay out to enable you to get your car to a garage for repairs.
Depending on the policy, you may also receive payment to cover the cost of repairs, a replacement hire car and overnight accommodation.
If you are in the unfortunate situation that your car has broken down, the first step is to contact your insurance provider to check the exact terms of your policy. They should be able to tell you if you are entitled to make a claim and the documentation you need to provide in order to do so.
Do you have to stay with your car if it breaks down?
No, you do not have to stay with your car if it breaks down. Depending on the severity and safety of the breakdown, you may choose to wait with the vehicle until help arrives or remove yourself and seek help elsewhere.
If you feel unsafe or cannot hide the vehicle, it is recommended to move yourself away from the area until help arrives. If you choose to stay, it is important to be sure that you stay visible, away from traffic, and keep your hazard lights on to alert motorists or law-enforcement personnel who may be in the area.
