Car Repair Loans

It’s a Monday morning, it’s pouring down, and you’re already running late for work. You jump in your car, start the engine, and… nothing. Your heart sinks.

It sinks further when the mechanic quotes the price for repairs.

Your savings fall short of covering the costs, but you need your car to commute to work.
Sound familiar? Little Loans might be able to help you hit the road again.

We’re a credit broker working with a panel of lenders who offer loans for car repairs from £100 up to £10,000. Depending on how much you apply to borrow, car repair loans can be repaid over terms between 3 and 60 months.

What are car repair loans?

Car repair loans are a form of short-term, personal finance to cover the cost of unexpected bills and expenses relating to your vehicle. Your loan is usually repaid in monthly instalments.

Car repair loans: things to think about

A car repair loan could be something to consider if you’re in need of funds to help cover the cost of unexpected expenses relating to your vehicle, but you should think very carefully before you apply.

• You should weigh up any other options that might be available to you and seek the best solution for your financial situation. We’ll have a look at some car repair loan alternatives further down the page.


• If you’re not already in the habit of doing so, take a few minutes to work out your monthly budget. This could help you choose a suitable loan and determine how much you’re able to spend on monthly repayments. Remember, repaying a loan should never impact your ability to pay for your monthly essentials, such as rent or mortgage and bills.


• You’ll need to be 100% certain that you’re able to afford your monthly repayments; defaulting could cause serious money problems and a negative impact on your credit score.

Can Little Loans help me search for emergency car repair loans?

Little Loans is a credit broker, working with a trusted panel of UK lenders. You’re welcome to search for a loan with Little Loans if you:

• Are over the age of 18;
• Are a UK resident with a UK address;
• Have a UK bank account with a valid debit card; and
• Have a regular source of income paid directly into your bank account.

Please be aware that some lenders may also ask you to provide up to three years’ worth of UK address history.

Car repair loans for bad credit

If you have poor credit history or a less-than-perfect credit score, you might feel apprehensive about applying for a loan. You can check your credit score with Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Some of these services may charge a monthly fee.

If your credit score is looking a little worse for wear, it may still be possible for you to get a car repair loan. Some of the lenders on our panel are willing to consider applications from those with bad credit. However, you should bear in mind that your borrowing options might be limited, and you could be presented with a higher rate of interest.

Our soft search credit check makes it possible for you to check your eligibility for a loan without affecting your credit score, which could give you peace of mind.

Please note that if you’re matched with a loan and make a full application with the lender, a creditworthiness assessment will be carried out. This will include either a hard search or Open Banking. A hard search will remain on your credit file for up to 12 months, and multiple hard searches within a short period of time will damage your credit score.

How much money could I apply to borrow?

The lenders on the Little Loans panel offer car repair loans from £100 to £10,000. You should never borrow more money than you need or can afford to repay.

How does the Little Loans process work?

Our application process has been designed to be as straightforward as possible and should take no longer than five minutes to complete. Financial emergencies are stressful but searching for a loan doesn’t have to be.

1. Choose your loan amount and term and fill in our online form.


2. We’ll be back with a result in just 60 seconds – we’re just running a soft search on your financial profile and scanning our panel of lenders for a suitable match.


3. If we’ve found you a loan, you’ll be redirected to the lender’s website. Be sure to carefully read all about the loan you’ve been offered before deciding whether to make a full application.


4. Should you choose to go ahead, the lender will complete a few further checks, including a hard credit search or Open Banking.*


5. If the lender is happy with the outcome of their checks, you’ll be formally offered a loan, and the lender will send the funds to your bank account.

*Open Banking is a secure procedure carried out by a number of the authorised lenders on our panel. With your consent, Open Banking enables the lender of your choice to review your recent financial transactions through your online bank account. Lenders have a read-only view, and you can withdraw your consent at any time.

If I’m approved for a car repair loan, how soon can I get the money?

We understand that when your car gives up the ghost, you’re likely to need money soon so that you can organise repairs and get back on the road.

Some of the lenders on our panel can send your money on the same day your application is approved. It’s worth noting that the exact time it takes for the money to appear as available in your account will depend on your bank’s policies and procedures.

How do I repay my car repair loan?

You’ll be required to repay the balance in monthly instalments. Falling behind on or failing to make your repayments could mean that you’re charged additional fees. This information will also be fed back to the credit reference agencies, and your credit score is likely to suffer as a result. A low credit score could affect your borrowing opportunities should you choose to apply for credit in the future.

What’s the difference between a hard and soft credit search?

A soft search gives credit brokers and lenders an overview of your financial history without leaving a mark on your credit file or affecting your credit score.

A hard search provides a more in-depth view and can remain on your credit file for up to 12 months. Too many hard searches across a short space of time could lead to a decline in your credit score.

Can I get a car repair loan without a credit check?

A responsible lender will always carry out a creditworthiness assessment as part of the application process. This is usually a hard credit search, but some lenders use Open Banking to understand if you will be able to make your monthly repayments. Whichever method your lender uses, always make sure that they are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – you can check this here.

Hard credit checks can be daunting, especially if you’ve struggled with poor credit history in the past. It’s important to remember that these checks are in place to protect you. Being given access to a loan you cannot afford could mean that you struggle to keep on top of or make your monthly repayments, which in turn could lead to additional charges and fees, as well as financial stress and hardship.

Using a credit broker v direct lender

If you’re looking for a car repair loan, you may wish to either start your search through a credit broker or apply directly with a lender.

When you apply for a car repair loan with a direct lender, they will carry out an affordability check, which could include a hard search. If your application for a car repair loan is turned down by one lender, you might apply again elsewhere.
Multiple hard searches within a short period of time will harm your credit score.

Searching with a credit broker, like Little Loans, could help to save you time and protect your credit score. Using one soft search, we’ll scan our panel of lenders for a suitable match for you, based on the information you’ve provided on your online application.

Why choose Little Loans for your car repair loan?

• Little Loans, and all the lenders we work with, are authorised and regulated by the FCA.


• As of March 2025, Little Loans is rated ‘great’ on Trustpilot and ‘excellent’ on Feefo.


• We’ve helped to match over 2.5 million customers with a suitable credit product.‡


• Our online form is straightforward and should take no longer than five minutes to complete.


• Find out whether you could be considered for a loan in just 60 seconds.


• No-obligation quotes.


• Our service is free to use.

Alternatives to a car repair loan

A car repair loan is a serious financial commitment and might not necessarily be the right option for everyone.

If you’re unsure whether a car repair loan is suitable for you, you may wish to do some research into possible alternative ways to cover the cost.

1. Dip into your emergency savings fund, if you have one. Very few of us enjoy taking money out of our hard-earned savings pot when faced with an unexpected financial emergency but using your own money rather than applying for a loan will mean that you won’t have to pay interest.

2. Save up. If you need your car as soon as possible, this solution may not be practical. However, if you can manage without your car for a couple of weeks/ months, you might consider saving up the money yourself instead. Could you borrow a partner’s car in the meantime, or take public transport? Is there any chance you could work from home to save you having to commute?

3. Borrow money from a loved one. A friend or family member might be willing to let you borrow the money at a lower rate of interest than a mainstream lender, or with no interest at all. Of course, this also comes with risks; if you find yourself struggling to repay the money you owe, your relationship could become strained. This is why it’s important to have a clear repayment plan in place that both parties agree to.

4. A 0% purchase credit card. This type of credit card comes with a set period of low or no interest spend. Please be aware that once the initial promotional period comes to an end, any balance left on your credit card will accrue interest at a standard rate. Please note that the credit limit you’re offered will be determined by several factors, including your credit score.

I’m struggling with money – what can I do?

Unfortunately, many of us will experience money worries in our lifetime. We’re sorry to hear that you’re in this position, but please remember that you’re not alone.

There are various charities and sites dedicated to offering free, impartial help and advice to anyone who needs it, including StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.

If you don’t feel like speaking on the phone, you can usually talk to someone through a live chat or via email; the important thing is to reach out and get the support you need.

‡This is the number of people who have applied on Little Loans between October 2013 and July 2023 and were matched to a credit product.