Consumer Assistance Program Benefits
It may be difficult having to inform a consumer that his or her vehicle failed its Smog Check inspection, but it helps to be able to offer assistance at the same time. The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) helps thousands of California consumers whose vehicles have failed a biennial Smog Check by offering repair assistance and vehicle retirement options.
Consumers should be referred to CAP’s webpage to review eligibility requirements, fact sheets, and frequently asked questions. A new video highlighting a consumer’s actual experience with repair assistance is available on the webpage. CAP also offers a convenient online application for repair assistance and vehicle retirement in both English and Spanish. Eligibility requirements and the online application are located on BAR's website at www.bar.ca.gov.
CAP ensures that consumers have access to the repairs they need and also offers many business benefits to STAR Test-and-Repair stations. CAP offers various resources to assist stations with the repair process. Technical support is available by calling the CAP Help Desk at (866) 361-3933.
The CAP Operations Manual includes topics such as what to do when a CAP consumer arrives at the station, how to notify CAP of the repairs you intend to perform, and how to invoice CAP after the repairs have been performed. Stations are reminded that all emissions-related repairs must be entered into the Emissions Inspection System (EIS) or On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (OIS). The CAP Operations Manual and training resources are available on BAR’s website at www.bar.ca.gov.