How Do Auto Title Loans Work?
Car title loans offer a fast and accessible way for individuals to secure funds using their vehicles as collateral. These loans are beneficial for those who may not have the best credit scores or who need quick financial assistance.
Car title loans operate on a collateral-based system. This means that the borrower’s vehicle serves as security for the loan. The lender places a lien on the vehicle’s title, which gives them the legal right to repossess the vehicle if the borrower fails to repay the loan as agreed.
What Can I Expect from The Loan Process?
When applying for a title loan, filling out an application is the first step. Borrowers must provide information about their vehicle, including:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Mileage
- Condition
- Any modifications made to the vehicle
Additionally, personal information such as name, address, and proof of income, proof of residence, and proof of identification may be required.
Valuing Your Vehicle
Once the lender receives the necessary information, they assess the value of the vehicle. This is a crucial step as the loan amount is determined based on a percentage of the vehicle’s appraised value, known as the loan-to-value ratio (LTV). The higher the appraised value of the vehicle, the higher the loan amount.
Loan Approval
If the vehicle’s value meets the lender’s criteria and the borrower’s information is verified, the loan is approved. The borrower then signs a loan agreement that outlines the terms of the loan, including the repayment schedule, interest rate, and any additional fees.
Disbursement of Funds
Upon loan approval, the borrower receives the loan amount in cash, through a check, or via electronic transfer, depending on the lender’s practices. This process is often swift, and funds can be disbursed within a matter of hours.
Repayment Schedule
Car title loans are short-term loans with repayment terms typically ranging from 30 to 60 days. Some lenders may offer longer terms, allowing borrowers up to a year to repay the loan. The repayment schedule is agreed upon in the loan agreement and includes the principal amount borrowed and the interest.
Vehicle Possession
Despite using the vehicle as collateral, borrowers can usually continue driving their vehicles throughout the loan term. However, the lender retains the vehicle’s title as security. If the borrower fails to make the agreed-upon payments, the lender has the right to repossess the vehicle.
Repayment Options
Borrowers must make regular payments according to the agreed-upon schedule. Some lenders offer flexibility in repayment methods, including in-person payments, online payments, or automatic deductions from a bank account.
How Does a Lender Determine the Loan Amount?
Once you provide the required information, the lender will assess the value of your vehicle to determine the loan amount you qualify for.
This assessment typically involves:
Some lenders may require an in-person vehicle inspection to assess its condition accurately. In other cases, you will be required to take photos of the interior and exterior of your vehicle.
Lenders often use valuation tools and databases to determine the current market value of your vehicle.
Lenders calculate the loan amount based on a percentage of your vehicle’s appraised value. This is known as the loan-to-value ratio. The loan amount you can anticipate will generally be a portion of your vehicle’s appraised value. Lenders typically offer loans ranging from 25% to 50% of the vehicle’s value. However, it’s important to note that each lender may have its own policies and guidelines for determining loan amounts.
How Quickly Will I Receive My Funds?
How quickly you receive your money, after you’ve been approved, depends on the lender.
In some cases, you can receive cash in as little as 15-30 minutes. However, in most cases, it will take 24-48 hours. The lender will go over when you can anticipate receiving your money once you have been approved.
Can I Still Drive My Car if I Take Out a Loan?
In most cases, you can continue using your vehicle while you’re paying off the car title loan. This is because car title loans are secured loans, meaning that the lender holds the title of your vehicle as collateral for the loan. While the lender has a legal claim to your vehicle’s title, they typically don’t take physical possession of the vehicle itself. This means you can continue to drive your car for your daily needs, such as commuting to work, running errands, or any other personal use.
What Happens if I Fail to Pay Back a Loan?
The lender technically has the right to repossess your vehicle if you default on the loan. Defaulting usually occurs when you fail to make payments as agreed upon in the loan agreement. If you default on the loan, the lender can legally repossess your vehicle, sell it, and use the proceeds to cover the outstanding loan amount.
To avoid repossession, it’s crucial to make your loan payments on time and adhere to the terms of the loan agreement. If you find yourself facing financial difficulties and are unable to make payments, communicate with your lender as soon as possible. Some lenders may be willing to work out alternative payment arrangements to help you avoid default and repossession.
Contact Us Today
If you’re searching for a reputable lender and want to apply for a car title loan, contact Fast Money Car Title Loans today to get started.
We have an extensive network of reputable lenders in Gallup that offer fair rates for car title loans. We have carefully vetted each lender in our network, so you can be sure you’re connected with a lender that will work with you to help you secure the loan you need, as quickly as possible. To begin the car title loan process, fill out the form on this page.