Auto loan repossessions what to know. Owning a vehicle is what most of us dream of. You can travel whenever and wherever you want if you have that set of wheels. But let’s be honest: It is pricey. Therefore, you need a large sum of money to invest in it. You do, of course, have choices. To get a loan or make a payment in cash. If you decide to acquire a car loan, that will probably be what you are paying the most each month. An automobile is a necessity of life if you rely on it to get to work or if possessing one is required for your line of employment.
As a result of inflation, there’s less money available for each bill. And it makes sense if you’re having trouble keeping up with your car payments. Being anxious about perhaps losing your car is a stressful scenario. And anyone going through this will have many inquiries. What does having your automobile repossessed mean? How does that affect your credit? Can I still be granted a car loan after that? These and other queries will be answered here. So, continue reading.
Auto Loan Repossessions What to know.
What is Car Repossession?
When your automobile is taken away due to unpaid fees, this is referred to as a car repossession. A car loan is a secured loan. This means the lender has a stake in the vehicle until the debt is fully repaid. One late payment is all it may take for your automobile to be in danger of being repossessed. You read it correctly. You can risk having your vehicle repossessed if you skip one payment. This will differ from lender to lender. Thus, ensure to read what’s in your contract.
You have no further rights to the vehicle after it is repossessed. To recoup some of the money it owes you. The lender will often auction off the car. If the proceeds from the sale do not entirely pay off your existing obligation, you might still be accountable for paying the difference.
Types of Car Repossessions
Voluntary and Involuntary are the two types of car repossession.
Involuntary Repossession.
When you are delinquent in your payments and won’t work with the lender to find a solution, the lender may have to resort to an involuntary repossession. To recover the vehicle, the lender can take any legal action. Both the lender and the repossession company will charge you fees.
Voluntary Repossession.
When you voluntarily return the vehicle to the lender. This is known as voluntary repossession. In this situation, you notify the lender of your inability to make payments and set up a time to return the vehicle. One benefit of voluntary repossession is that you may plan for when you will hand up the car and won’t be abruptly placed in a sticky situation. Also, you can avoid additional expenses associated with involuntary repossession.
Are car repossession laws in each province different?
Yes, The legal process you’ll go through will depend on your province. Some regions follow the “seize or sue” rule, while others, like Ontario, use the “seize and sue” rule. “Seize or Sue” refers to the lender’s choice between repossessing your car or suing you to collect the loan. Whether you reside in British Columbia or Alberta, you can anticipate this. Seizing your vehicle and then suing you for the unpaid debt is what is meant by the phrase “Seize and Sue.”
How Does Car Repossession Affect Your Credit
Each person’s credit score will be impacted differently by a repossession. Whatever the circumstances, a terrible outcome will result. Your credit report will initially show late car payments, then a collection account. You can voluntarily return your vehicle, and a voluntary repossession will show on your credit report. This at least shows that there has been some attempt to fix the problem. Keep in mind that balance when your car is sold. It can appear on your credit report as a collections account if you don’t pay it off. Your credit score can suffer because of this.
Your ability to obtain a mortgage, another vehicle loan, or other credit may be hampered if you have a repossession on your credit report. Even if you locate a lender willing to work with you, you’ll probably have to pay a higher interest rate because you pose a higher risk. Repossessions and collections accounts may stay on your credit report for seven years. With your lender’s cooperation, you might be able to settle the debt and get it off your credit record. If they agree, ensure you get this in writing and make your payments on time to protect your credit.
How to Avoid Car Repossession
To save your vehicle from being repossessed, follow the few steps below.
Speak with your lender.
Don’t wait until you’ve fallen behind on numerous payments. As soon as you realize you are in trouble, get in touch. Maybe you can figure out how to get caught up. Be honest about your ability to pay and if the issue is long- or short-term. The lender will not criticize you. They are curious and will value that you are not avoiding the issue.
Refinance your car loan.
Refinancing might help you lower your payment if you’re having trouble paying your current auto loan payments. Because of that, you can keep up with your on-time payments. With refinancing, you replace your existing auto loan with a new one. That has, hopefully, a reduced interest rate. Refinancing could help you prevent repossession by paying off your current loan’s balance and beginning anew with a new lender.
Debt consolidation loan.
You might be able to obtain a debt consolidation loan with a lower interest rate than the auto loan or with more manageable payments. Those with good or better credit scores are more likely to choose this choice because those scores entail cheaper interest rates and more favorable loan conditions.
Consult with a nonprofit credit counselor.
After evaluating your finances, a credit counselor will give you free advice on other options if your financial problems make a debt consolidation loan an unfavorable choice. A debt management plan, a debt settlement, or simply rearranging your spending can be options.
Sell your vehicle.
Selling your automobile and attempting to recoup enough cash to settle the loan is another way to prevent car repossession. You can submit your car for a voluntary repossession if you don’t want to do that. This would be preferable to involuntary repossession, even though there are still adverse effects, such as harm to your credit score.
Filing for Bankruptcy.
Some people think about declaring bankruptcy. If your financial position is dire, declaring bankruptcy will prevent the repossession of your car. All court proceedings are automatically halted after filing for bankruptcy. You can include the car in the repayment strategy you propose to the court when filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The creditor is prohibited from repossessing the vehicle if you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but they may go to court and obtain a ruling that allows repossession. If you speak with a nonprofit credit counselor, they will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of declaring bankruptcy in relation to your auto loan and other debts.
Can you still get a car loan after car repossession?
Getting a car loan after your car has been repossessed is possible. But the process will be more challenging, and the interest rates will probably be higher. A person with a repossession on their credit report frequently finds it difficult to get a car loan because lenders view them as high-risk. Fortunately, nowadays, more lenders are willing to take chances on consumers with less-than-perfect credit.
Do you need a car loan now? Edmonton Auto Loans can help you. We cater to people with different credit situations. Thus, we can be your best option if you have a history of car repossession on your credit report. Get pre-approved today. There is no cost or obligation. We’re networked with numerous financial institutions in the country that are experts in working with folks of all credit scores. Therefore, we can get you a financing option that suits your financial situation. For more information, call us here at 1-855-227-1669.