General FAQs
Get quick answers to common questions about applying for vehicle repair assistance through a Car Repair Program.
Application and Processing FAQs
Understand the application review and processing stages with these frequently asked questions about the car repair program application.
Vehicle Repair FAQs
Find answers to your questions about vehicle repairs covered under a car repair program and what to expect during the repair process.
General FAQs
Can I submit my application for the car repair program via mail?
Yes, you can apply by mail. However, for quicker processing of your application, we highly recommend using our online application portal at apply online. You can also download a printable application form in English or Spanish. Alternatively, you can request a mailed application by calling us at (866) 272-9642.
Is it necessary to upload documents verifying my household income after applying for the car repair program?
Yes, it is essential to upload income verification documents after you submit your application. Uploading documents is crucial for reducing the overall processing time and helps us determine your eligibility for the car repair program efficiently. Please refer to the Income Eligibility Requirement page for a comprehensive list of acceptable documentation.
How can I check the status of my car repair program application?
You can easily check the status of your application using our online status check tool. To use this tool, you will need your CAP ID number and your vehicle license plate number. This online portal provides real-time updates on your application’s progress within the car repair program.
Application and Processing FAQs
What is the most frequent reason for a car repair program application to be considered incomplete or deficient?
The most common reason applications are marked incomplete is the absence of documentation verifying household income. Income verification is a mandatory step to ascertain eligibility for the car repair program. Without this documentation, we cannot proceed with evaluating your application for repair assistance.
If my car repair program application requires additional information or documentation, how will I be informed?
If additional details or documents are needed to complete your application, we will issue a notice of deficiency. This notice will clearly specify the required information and/or documentation that you need to provide. Submitting the requested items will ensure your application is complete and can move forward in the car repair program process.
What are the primary reasons for denial of a car repair program application?
Several factors can lead to the denial of a car repair program application. Common reasons include:
- Vehicle Passing Smog Check: Your vehicle must have failed its biennial Smog Check inspection to qualify. We verify this by reviewing official Smog Check records.
- Expired Vehicle Registration: Vehicles with registration stickers expired for more than 365 days are ineligible. We confirm registration status through DMV records.
- Vehicle Ownership Change: If your vehicle is undergoing a change of ownership, it does not qualify for the program. DMV records are checked to confirm ownership stability.
- Income Exceeding Limits: Households with income exceeding 225% of the federal poverty guidelines are not eligible. We assess income based on your application and submitted income verification documents.
- Mismatch in Vehicle Ownership: The applicant must be the registered vehicle owner with the title issued in their name. DMV records are used to verify that the name on the application matches the vehicle title (pink slip) precisely.
If my car repair program application is denied, and I address the reason for denial, do I need to re-apply?
No, re-application is not necessary if your initial application is denied and you subsequently resolve the issue that led to the denial. You can upload the documentation that proves the denial reason has been resolved. Alternatively, you can mail the documentation to BAR, Attention: CAP, 10949 N. Mather Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 for reassessment of your eligibility for the car repair program.
After uploading documentation, how long will it take for BAR to review and re-evaluate my eligibility for the car repair program?
Once you upload your documentation, our team at BAR will review it within approximately four weeks of receipt. After the review is complete, we will send you an updated determination notice regarding your eligibility for the car repair program.
Vehicle Repair FAQs
What exactly are emissions-related repairs in the context of a car repair program?
Emissions-related repairs are specific repairs designed to fix issues that cause a vehicle to fail a Smog Check inspection. These repairs are crucial for reducing vehicle emissions and are the focus of the car repair program.
What types of emissions-related repairs are covered by the car repair program?
The car repair program covers a range of emissions-related repairs that are essential for passing a Smog Check inspection. The Vehicle Inspection Report will detail the reasons for failure. Emissions-related repairs covered by the program typically include, but are not limited to, fixes to:
- Computer systems
- Engine and mechanical systems directly affecting emissions performance
- Evaporative emissions control systems
- Exhaust emissions control systems
- Exhaust gas recirculation systems
- Fuel systems
- Ignition systems
- Positive crankcase ventilation systems
What types of vehicle repairs are explicitly not covered by the car repair program?
Certain repairs and maintenance services are outside the scope of the car repair program. These exclusions include, but are not limited to:
- Body repairs (e.g., dents, paint work)
- Brake repairs and replacements
- Completion of OBD II drive cycles
- Fuel costs
- Glass repairs (e.g., windshields, windows)
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) repairs
- Muffler replacements
- Oil and fluid top-offs
- Oil treatments or additives
- Radiator repairs and replacements
- Repairs done after vehicle certification under the program
- Repairs performed without prior authorization from the consumer
- Safety-related equipment repairs (e.g., air bags, seat belts)
- Suspension repairs
- Tailpipe replacements
- Tire replacements
- Transmission flushes
- Water pump repairs
- 2004 and older Nissan product knock sensor issues
What costs will I be required to pay out-of-pocket under 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 calculated as a percentage of the total cost for diagnosis and emissions-related repairs. The co-payment amount depends on:
- The model year of your vehicle, and
- The total cost of diagnosis and necessary emissions-related repairs.
Co-payment structure for model year 1976-1995 vehicles:
| Total cost of diagnosis and emissions-related repairs | Your co-payment | Example |
|---|---|---|
| $1,375 or less | 20% of the total cost | For a $500 total cost, your co-payment is $100. |
| More than $1,375 | Total cost minus $1,100 | For a $1,500 total cost, your co-payment is $400. |
Co-payment structure for model year 1996 or newer vehicles:
| Total cost of diagnosis and emissions-related repairs | Your co-payment | Example |
|---|---|---|
| $1,812.50 or less | 20% of the total cost | For a $1,000 total cost, your co-payment is $200. |
| More than $1,812.50 | Total cost minus $1,450 | For a $2,000 total cost, your co-payment is $550. |
Please note that you are also responsible for covering additional costs that may arise, such as:
- Costs for any repairs not authorized by the car repair program.
- Costs for repairs not directly related to the Smog Check inspection failure.
- The Smog Check certificate fee, which is currently $8.25.
The repair assistance from the car repair program doesn’t fully cover my vehicle repair costs. What are my options?
If the car repair program contribution does not cover the entire repair expense, you have several options:
- Proceed with the repairs and personally cover the remaining balance.
- Consider retiring or replacing your current vehicle.
- Contact the Smog Check Referee Program at (800) 622-7733 to inquire about a potential one-time repair cost waiver, if you are eligible.
Why did the STAR test-and-repair station require another Smog Check inspection before starting repairs under the car repair program?
STAR test-and-repair stations are required to verify and document the current condition of your vehicle before commencing any repairs covered by the car repair program. A new Smog Check inspection provides an updated assessment of the vehicle’s emissions failures. This information is essential for the station to accurately recommend and perform the necessary repairs under the car repair program guidelines.
Can a STAR test-and-repair station refuse to perform work on my vehicle under the car repair program?
Yes, STAR test-and-repair stations have the discretion to decline working on a vehicle. Reasons for refusal may include:
- The vehicle being inaccessible, unsafe to handle, or untestable due to its condition.
- The station lacking the specific expertise to diagnose and repair the particular issues of your vehicle.
- Instances where the vehicle owner is uncooperative or unwilling to adhere to the guidelines of the car repair program.
What should I do if the STAR test-and-repair station is being uncooperative or seems unwilling to follow car repair program guidelines?
If you encounter issues with a STAR test-and-repair station being uncooperative or not adhering to the car repair program guidelines, please contact us directly at (866) 272-9642 for assistance and guidance.
Do you have more questions about the car repair program?
For further information or if you have additional questions, please call us at (866) 272-9642. Our phone lines are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. We are here to help you navigate the car repair program and get your vehicle emissions issues resolved.
