General FAQs
Can I apply for a car repair program by mail?
Yes, you can apply for our car repair assistance program by mail. However, for quicker processing of your application, we highly recommend using our online application portal. You can easily download a printable application form in both English and Spanish from our website. Alternatively, you can contact us directly by phone, and we will gladly mail an application form to you.
Is it necessary to upload income verification documents after submitting my application?
Yes, submitting your income verification documents is a crucial step and can significantly speed up the processing of your application. To understand what documents are accepted as proof of income, please visit our Income Eligibility Requirement page. Providing these documents promptly helps us determine your eligibility for the car repair program efficiently.
How can I check the status of my car repair program application?
You can easily track the progress of your application through our online status check tool. To use this tool, you will need your CAP ID number and your vehicle’s license plate number. This online tool provides real-time updates on your application status, ensuring you stay informed throughout the process.
Application Review and Processing FAQs
What is the most frequent reason for a car repair program application to be deemed incomplete?
The most common reason applications are marked incomplete is the absence of income verification documentation. We cannot proceed with evaluating your eligibility for the car repair program until we have successfully verified your household income. Make sure to include all required income documents with your application to avoid delays.
How will I be informed if my car repair program application requires more information or documents?
If we need any additional information or documentation to complete your application, we will send you a formal notice of deficiency. This notice will clearly specify the exact information or documents you need to submit. Please respond to this notice promptly to keep your application moving forward.
What are the typical reasons for denial of a car repair program application?
Several reasons can lead to the denial of a car repair program application. These include:
- Vehicle Passed Smog Check: Your vehicle must have failed a biennial Smog Check inspection to qualify for repair assistance. We verify this information through official Smog Check records.
- Expired Vehicle Registration: If your vehicle’s registration sticker has been expired for more than 365 days, your application may be denied. We check DMV records for registration expiration dates.
- Vehicle Ownership Change: Applications are denied if the vehicle is currently undergoing a change of ownership. We confirm vehicle ownership status through DMV records.
- Income Exceeds Limit: If your household income surpasses 225% of the federal poverty guidelines, you will not be eligible for the program. We assess income based on your application and submitted income verification documents.
- Applicant Not Registered Owner: You must be the registered vehicle owner with the title issued in your name. We verify this by comparing the name on your application with the vehicle title information in DMV records.
If my car repair program application is denied, and I fix the issue, do I need to re-apply?
No, you do not need to submit a new application if your initial application was denied and you have resolved the reason for denial. You can simply upload documentation proving that you have addressed the denial reason through our online status check tool. Alternatively, you can mail the documentation to the provided address, clearly marked for the Car Assistance Program (CAP) attention.
After uploading documents, how long does it take to re-evaluate my eligibility for the car repair program?
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 notice regarding our eligibility decision. We strive to process these reviews as quickly as possible to assist you with your car repairs.
Vehicle Repair FAQs
What exactly are emissions-related repairs in the context of Car Repair Programs?
Emissions-related repairs are specific repairs that address issues causing your vehicle to fail a Smog Check inspection. These repairs are essential for reducing harmful pollutants emitted by your vehicle and ensuring it meets environmental standards.
Which emissions-related repairs are covered under your car repair assistance program?
Our car repair program covers a wide range of emissions-related repairs needed to fix Smog Check failures. The specific reasons for your vehicle’s failure are detailed in the Vehicle Inspection Report. Covered repairs typically include, but are not limited to, issues related to:
- Computer systems
- Engine and mechanical systems affecting 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 are NOT covered by the car repair program?
Yes, certain repairs and maintenance services are not covered by our car repair assistance program. These exclusions include:
- Body repairs
- Brakes
- OBD II drive cycle completions
- Fuel costs
- Glass repairs
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) repairs
- Mufflers
- Oil and fluid top-offs
- Oil treatments
- Radiators
- Repairs done after vehicle certification
- Repairs done without prior authorization
- Safety-related equipment (like airbags, seat belts)
- Suspension repairs
- Tailpipes
- Tires
- Transmission flushes
- Water pumps
- Specific knock sensor issues in 2004 and older Nissan models
What costs am I responsible for paying when using the car repair program?
As a participant in the car repair program, you are responsible for a co-payment to the STAR test-and-repair station. This co-payment is a percentage of the total cost of diagnosis and approved emissions-related repairs. The exact co-payment amount is calculated based on:
- Your vehicle’s model year
- The total cost of diagnosis and emissions repairs
Co-payment Structure for 1976-1995 Model Year Vehicles:
| Total Cost of Diagnosis & Emissions Repairs | Your Co-payment | Example |
|---|---|---|
| $1,375 or less | 20% of the total cost | If total cost is $500, your co-payment is $100. |
| More than $1,375 | Subtract $1,100 from the total cost | If total cost is $1,500, your co-payment is $400 ($1500-$1100). |
Co-payment Structure for 1996 or Newer Vehicles:
| Total Cost of Diagnosis & Emissions Repairs | Your Co-payment | 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 | Subtract $1,450 from total cost | If total cost is $2,000, your co-payment is $550 ($2000-$1450). |
Important Notes on Costs:
You are also responsible for covering:
- Costs of any repairs not authorized by our program.
- Costs for repairs not directly related to the Smog Check failure.
- The Smog Check certificate fee ($8.25).
What are my options if the repair assistance from the program doesn’t fully cover my vehicle repair costs?
If the car repair program contribution does not cover the entire repair cost, you have several options:
- Proceed with Repairs and Pay the Difference: You can choose to continue with the necessary repairs and personally cover the remaining balance.
- Vehicle Retirement/Replacement: Consider retiring or replacing your vehicle if the repair costs are excessively high.
- Contact Smog Check Referee Program: Contact the Smog Check Referee Program to inquire about a possible one-time repair cost waiver if you are eligible.
Why might a STAR test-and-repair station require another Smog Check before starting car repair program repairs?
STAR stations are required to verify and document the current condition of your vehicle before commencing repairs covered by the program. A new Smog Check inspection helps assess the vehicle’s current emissions-related issues and allows the station to accurately recommend and perform the necessary CAP repairs.
Can a STAR test-and-repair station refuse to work on my vehicle under the car repair program?
Yes, STAR test-and-repair stations have the option to decline working on a vehicle. Reasons for refusal can include situations where:
- Your vehicle is inaccessible, unsafe, or cannot be properly tested.
- The station lacks the specific expertise to diagnose and repair your particular vehicle make or model.
- You are not willing to cooperate with the station or adhere to the car repair program guidelines.
What should I do if a STAR test-and-repair station is uncooperative or unwilling to follow car repair program guidelines?
If you encounter a STAR test-and-repair station that is uncooperative or not adhering to program guidelines, please contact us directly. We are here to assist you in resolving such issues and ensuring you receive the help you need through the car repair program.
Do you have more questions about car repair programs?
For further information or if you have more questions, please feel free to call us. We are available to assist you Monday through Friday, during business hours, excluding state holidays.
