General Questions About Car Repair Assistance
Find answers to common questions about applying for vehicle repair help.
Understanding Your Application: Review and Processing
Your questions about the application process, answered here.
All About Vehicle Repairs and Assistance Coverage
Everything you need to know about getting your car repaired through the program.
General FAQs
Can I submit my application by mail?
Yes, you can. However, for the quickest processing of your application, we highly recommend applying online through our portal: Apply Online. If you prefer a paper application, you can download a printable version in either English or Spanish. Alternatively, you can request a mailed application by calling us at (866) 272-9642.
Is it necessary to upload my income verification documents after I apply?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Uploading your income documents is a proactive step that can significantly speed up the processing of your application. To understand what documents are acceptable for income verification, please visit our Income Eligibility Requirement page, which provides a comprehensive list of options.
How can I check the status of my car repair assistance application?
Checking your application status is easy and convenient with our online status check tool. To use this tool, you will need your CAP ID number and your vehicle license plate number readily available. This will give you real-time updates on where your application stands in the review process.
Application Review and Processing FAQs
What is the most frequent reason applications for car repair assistance are marked incomplete or deficient?
The most common issue is missing documentation to verify your household income. We cannot proceed with determining your eligibility for the Car Repair Assistance Program until your income has been properly verified. Ensuring you submit these documents upfront will prevent delays.
How will I be informed if my application requires more information or documents?
If we need any additional information or documentation to complete your car repair assistance application, we will send you an official notice of deficiency. This notice will clearly outline exactly what information or documents are needed from you. Please respond to this notice promptly to keep your application moving forward.
What are the typical reasons for denial of a car repair assistance program application?
Several factors can lead to an application being denied. Common reasons include:
- Vehicle Passed Smog Check: Your vehicle must have failed its biennial Smog Check inspection to qualify. We verify this through Smog Check records.
- Expired Registration: If your vehicle’s registration sticker has been expired for more than 365 days, it may be grounds for denial. We check vehicle registration dates with the DMV.
- Change of Ownership: Vehicles undergoing a change in ownership are typically not eligible. We confirm ownership status via DMV records.
- Income Limit Exceeded: If your household income is above 225% of the federal poverty guidelines, you will not qualify. This is verified using the income information you provide and supporting documents.
- Applicant Not Registered Owner: You must be the registered owner of the vehicle, and the title (pink slip) must be in your name. DMV records are used to confirm vehicle ownership details and ensure they match the application.
If my application is denied, but I fix the issue that caused the denial, do I need to apply again for the car repair assistance program?
No, you do not need to re-apply. If you can resolve the reason for denial, you can simply upload the necessary documentation to prove that the issue has been corrected. Alternatively, you can mail the documentation to: BAR, Attention: CAP, 10949 N. Mather Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.
After uploading documents, how long will it take to re-evaluate my eligibility for car repair assistance?
Once you upload your documents, our team will review them within approximately four weeks of receipt. After the review is complete, we will send you an updated determination notice informing you of the outcome.
Vehicle Repair FAQs
What exactly are considered “emissions-related repairs” in the context of car repair assistance?
Emissions-related repairs are specifically those repairs that are necessary to fix problems that caused your vehicle to fail its Smog Check inspection. These repairs target the systems that affect your vehicle’s emissions output.
What specific emissions-related repairs are covered under the car repair assistance program?
The car repair assistance program is designed to cover a range of emissions-related repairs that are crucial for passing a Smog Check. The Vehicle Inspection Report will detail the reasons for your vehicle’s failure, and covered repairs generally include, but aren’t limited to, issues with:
- Computer Systems
- Engine and Mechanical Systems impacting emissions
- Evaporative Emissions Control Systems
- Exhaust Emissions Control Systems
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation Systems
- Fuel Systems
- Ignition Systems
- Positive Crankcase Ventilation Systems
Are there any repairs that the car repair assistance program does not cover?
Yes, there are certain types of repairs and maintenance services that are not covered by the car repair assistance program. These exclusions include, but are not limited to:
- Body Repairs
- Brakes
- Completing OBD II Drive Cycles (resetting monitors)
- Fuel Costs
- Glass Repairs (windshield, windows)
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Repairs
- Mufflers (unless directly emissions-related)
- Routine Oil and Fluid Top-offs
- Oil Treatments or Additives
- Radiators
- Repairs done after vehicle certification in the program
- Unauthorized Repairs (repairs without prior program approval)
- Safety-Related Equipment Repairs (e.g., airbags, seat belts)
- Suspension Work
- Tailpipes (unless directly emissions-related)
- Tires
- Transmission Flushes
- Water Pumps
- Specific issues like 2004 and older Nissan product knock sensor problems
What costs will I be required to pay out-of-pocket?
You are responsible for paying a co-payment to the STAR test-and-repair station. This co-payment applies to the total cost of both the diagnostic services and the emissions-related repairs. The amount of your co-payment is calculated based on two factors:
- The model year of your vehicle
- The total cost of the eligible diagnosis and emissions repairs
Co-payment Structure for Vehicles Model Year 1976-1995
| Total Cost of Diagnosis & Emissions Repairs | Your Co-payment Calculation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| $1,375 or less | 20% of the Total Cost | If total cost is $500, your co-payment is $100. |
| More than $1,375 | Total Cost minus $1,100 | If total cost is $1,500, your co-payment is $400. |
Co-payment Structure for Vehicles Model Year 1996 or Newer
| Total Cost of Diagnosis & Emissions Repairs | Your Co-payment Calculation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| $1,812.50 or less | 20% of the Total Cost | If total cost is $1,000, your co-payment is $200. |
| More than $1,812.50 | Total Cost minus $1,450 | If total cost is $2,000, your co-payment is $550. |
Important Notes on Costs: You are also responsible for:
- Costs for any repairs not authorized by the car repair assistance program.
- Costs for repairs that are not directly related to the Smog Check inspection failure.
- The Smog Check certificate fee ($8.25).
The car repair assistance program contribution doesn’t cover the entire repair bill. What are my options?
If the assistance doesn’t fully cover your repair costs, you have several options:
- Proceed and Pay the Difference: You can choose to continue with the necessary repairs and pay the remaining balance yourself.
- Vehicle Retirement/Replacement: Consider retiring your older, polluting vehicle or explore vehicle replacement options.
- Smog Check Referee Program Waiver: Contact the Smog Check Referee Program at (800) 622-7733. You might be eligible for a one-time repair cost waiver under certain conditions.
Why did the STAR test-and-repair station require another Smog Check before starting CAP repairs?
STAR test-and-repair stations are required to verify and document the current condition of your vehicle before starting repairs funded by the car repair assistance program. A new Smog Check inspection provides up-to-date information about the vehicle’s emissions failures, ensuring that the recommended and performed repairs are still appropriate and necessary.
Can a STAR test-and-repair station refuse to work on my vehicle even if I’m approved for car repair assistance?
Yes, under certain circumstances, a STAR test-and-repair station can decline to work on your vehicle. Reasons for this may include:
- Vehicle Condition: If your vehicle is inaccessible, unsafe to work on, or untestable.
- Lack of Expertise: If the station does not have the specific expertise needed to diagnose and repair the issues with your particular vehicle make and model.
- Client Cooperation: If you are uncooperative or unwilling to adhere to the guidelines of the car repair assistance program.
What should I do if the STAR test-and-repair station is uncooperative or won’t follow program guidelines?
If you encounter issues with a STAR test-and-repair station being uncooperative or not following the car repair assistance program guidelines, please contact us directly at (866) 272-9642 for assistance.
Still have questions about car repair assistance programs?
For more detailed information or if you have further questions, please call us at (866) 272-9642. We are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays, to assist you.
