BOISE, ID – Vehicle repairs and housing instability are often seen as two separate challenges. But for a lot of people, the impact of one can significantly influence the other, especially when living paycheck to paycheck. Here’s how an unexpected vehicle expense can lead to housing instability and even eviction.

For the majority, having reliable transportation is crucial to keeping stable employment. Public transit might not be reliable due to an individual’s working hours or job location. If a vehicle suddenly breaks down and cannot be repaired quickly, that can cause someone to miss work, leading to a loss of income and increased financial strain.

Unexpected costs like car repairs can happen without warning and need to be paid immediately. For many people, it’s a choice between paying for the repair or paying rent.

At Jesse Tree, a homelessness prevention agency serving households in Ada and Canyon counties, unexpected vehicle expenses are one of the more common explanations for a household’s financial crisis, which leads to the risk of eviction. Based on a 2024 survey of 753 clients performed by Jesse Tree case managers, 21.38% said that they struggle with transportation barriers.

The average emergency expense is around $1,000. Emergency savings funds are often a luxury that most individuals do not have, especially if they are living paycheck to paycheck.

Without savings, any unexpected expense can lead to a vicious cycle of using credit, borrowing money, or relying on payday loans with high-interest rates. Relying on loans makes it harder to pay off debt and recover from financial setbacks, leading to more instability. With the additional expense of loans, people may also struggle to meet other financial obligations, such as rent or pay for basic needs like food, clothing and hygiene items.

Some folks do not have access to financial safety nets like family support or emergency funds. If a significant vehicle repair cost arises, they may not have any backup resources to help cover their expenses. Without an emergency fund or external support, people may face long-term financial instability, increasing the possibility that they might lose their home.

An unexpected vehicle expense isn’t just a burden; it’s often a catalyst that sets off a chain of events leading to greater financial instability. The combination of missing work, not prioritizing rent, accumulating debt, and lacking safety nets can make it incredibly difficult for someone to keep up with housing costs. For many people, their car is more than a convenience — it’s a lifeline to work. Without it, they can quickly find themselves at risk of losing their home.

Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com.