Person and mechanic looking at car engine with bonnet open on British driveway, overcast sky
PURPOSE
PURPOSE

Car Repair Loans UK (2026)

Car broken down and need it fixed fast? Compare reviewed lenders for same-day car repair loans — no obligation, always free.

Top lenders reviewed Always free No obligation

Your car has broken down, the garage bill is more than you expected, and you need it back on the road for work. This is one of the most common reasons people borrow in the UK — a car repair that cannot wait. Whether it is an MOT failure, engine trouble, or a car that simply will not start, the cost often lands without warning.

Most car repairs cost between £300 and £1,500 — well within the range of lenders on our panel. Drafty (£50–£3,000), Cashfloat (£300–£1,500), and Lending Stream (£50–£1,500) all cover typical garage bills. If you need the car for work, the speed of payout matters: Lending Stream pays out in around 90 seconds, Drafty in minutes.

Before borrowing, get a written quote from the garage so you know exactly how much you need. Only borrow the repair cost — not more. If your car is a write-off and the repair exceeds its value, consider whether borrowing to fix it is the right financial decision. All lenders on our panel are FCA-regulated.

Who qualifies?

What helps your application

  • UK resident aged 18+
  • Regular income
  • Active UK bank account
  • You know the exact repair cost

Bad credit accepted

  • Most lenders accept bad credit for car repair loans
  • Emergency nature understood by lenders
  • Affordability assessment, not just credit score

Income types accepted

  • Employment income
  • Self-employment (car often essential for work)
  • Benefit income (some lenders)

Speed — when your car cannot wait

  • Lending Stream: 90-second payouts
  • Drafty: funds in minutes
  • Cashfloat: same-day transfer

Refine

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Minimum

Maximum

50%Any

Options

★ BEST RATE
118118 Money
118118 Money
Short-term loan2–24 hours
Nudge Score
9
Rep APR
49.9%
Loan Range
£1,000£8,000
Term
1–5 years
Bad Credit
✓ Accepted
Read our review →Apply now →
Representative example: Borrow £1,000 over 18 months. Rep APR 49.9%. Monthly repayment £68. Total repayable £1,224.
Drafty
Drafty
Short-term loanMinutes
Nudge Score
8
Rep APR
79.9%
Loan Range
£50£3,000
Term
1–3 years
Bad Credit
✓ Accepted
Read our review →Apply now →
Representative example: Borrow £500 over 12 months. Rep APR 79.9%. Monthly repayment £53. Total repayable £636.
Creditspring
Creditspring
Short-term loanSame day
Nudge Score
8
Rep APR
83.1%
Loan Range
£400£2,400
Term
6–12 months
Bad Credit
✓ Accepted
Read our review →Apply now →
Representative example: Borrow £500 over 12 months. Rep APR 83.1%. Monthly repayment £55. Total repayable £660.
Cashfloat
Cashfloat
Short-term loanSame day
Nudge Score
6
Rep APR
611.7%
Loan Range
£300£1,500
Term
3–9 months
Bad Credit
✓ Accepted
Read our review →Apply now →
Representative example: Borrow £400 over 6 months. Rep APR 611.7%. Monthly repayment £105. Total repayable £630.
Money Platform
Money Platform
Short-term loanInstant
Nudge Score
6
Rep APR
839.2%
Loan Range
£250£1,000
Term
3–6 months
Bad Credit
✓ Accepted
Read our review →Apply now →
Representative example: Borrow £300 over 3 months. Rep APR 839.2%. Monthly repayment £145. Total repayable £435.
Lending Stream
Lending Stream
Short-term loan90 seconds
Nudge Score
5
Rep APR
1,271%
Loan Range
£50£1,500
Term
4–6 months
Bad Credit
✓ Accepted
Read our review →Apply now →
Representative example: Borrow £300 over 6 months. Rep APR 1271%. Monthly repayment £107. Total repayable £642.
Moneyboat
Moneyboat
Short-term loanSame day
Nudge Score
5
Rep APR
1,267%
Loan Range
£200£1,500
Term
3–6 months
Bad Credit
✓ Accepted
Read our review →Apply now →
Representative example: Borrow £400 over 6 months. Rep APR 1267%. Monthly repayment £143. Total repayable £858.
QuidMarket
QuidMarket
Short-term loanSame day
Nudge Score
4
Rep APR
1,299%
Loan Range
£300£1,500
Term
3–12 months
Bad Credit
✓ Accepted
Read our review →Apply now →
Representative example: Borrow £500 over 6 months. Rep APR 1299%. Monthly repayment £182. Total repayable £1,092.

Independent loan comparison. Rates shown are representative; your actual rate depends on circumstances.

Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to MoneyHelper.org.uk. Nudge Finance is an independent loan comparison site. We are not a lender and do not provide financial advice.

P
Paul
Head of Lending Research & Content

[PAUL'S VERDICT — to be updated by Paul]

Key Insight

[KEY INSIGHT — to be updated by Paul]

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can I get a loan for car repairs?
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Can I get a car repair loan with bad credit?
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Is a personal loan or credit card better for repairs?
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What if my car repair costs more than expected?
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Can I get a same-day loan if I am skint and my car has broken down?
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Which lenders are fastest for emergency car repair money?
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