Financing and Insurance

Financial Assistance

Self-Help Federal Credit Union (Self-Help)

Self-Help, an affiliate of Self-Help Federal Credit Union, is a national nonprofit loan fund and a policy advocacy organization with over 40 years of experience working with families and communities that historically faced systematic barriers to financial inclusion.  Self-Help Federal Credit Union has 22 locations in California, 6 in the Bay Area, offering competitive interest rates, free financial coaching resources for members, and a 0.25% discount on a battery-electric or plug-in hybrid EV purchase.

To apply, interested CCFA Participants can either apply through the online link provided in their Clean Cars for All grant approval email, or complete an application (also available in Spanish) and bring it to a local branch.  Interested Participants can also email Self-Help directly and they will send you an application/membership combo application.  Interested Participants should be aware that if approved, becoming a Self-Help member is required before a loan can be funded. New members will be required to open a Self-Help account with a minimum $5 deposit and pay a separate one-time $5 membership fee.

Self-Help applicants are not required to own a bank account to apply. A credit report will be obtained from a credit agency upon application submittal. Factors that affect approval are:

• Ability to pay, with emphasis on debt-to-income ratio
• Credit history. Participants with little or no credit history are still considered
• Consistent and reliable income, such as employment wages, pensions, or retirement benefits (e.g., Social Security/SSI). For student applicants, grants and scholarships are not considered acceptable forms of income
  
  

Participants will need to provide the following documents:

• Valid Government Issued, Non-Expired, Photo ID
• Clean Cars for All Award Letter
• Proof of address (if current address is not listed on ID)
• Two personal references per borrower (name and phone number required)
• The most recent paystub or last 2 years of tax returns (if self-employed).  If Participants are not employed and permanently disabled, proof of disability income is acceptable to demonstrate proof of income; temporary disability income is not allowed.   
• Vehicle sales contract, required after pre-approval in order to fund the purchase
  
  

Self-Help serves everyone, regardless of type of tax ID.  If you have questions or need assistance with your application, please contact Self-Help at (877) 369-2828, x-7031 or greenlending@self-help.org.

Self Help Resources

• EV Loan Flyer(1 Mb PDF, 2 pgs, posted 9/9/2025)(1 Mb PDF, 2 pgs, posted 9/9/2025)
• How to Buy a Car Guide(1 Mb PDF, 19 pgs, posted 9/9/2025)(1 Mb PDF, 19 pgs, posted 9/9/2025)
• Driving Down Costs: The Financial Benefits of Going Electric.

Insurance

Please refer to the California Low Cost Insurance program’s website or call the number below to see if you qualify and locate a certified agent in your local area.

Website: www.mylowcostauto.com

Phone: 1-866-602-8861