Andrew Stratton asked: Auto title loans are subprime loans given to borrowers with bad credit who use their auto equity as collateral, allowing consumers to borrow money based on the value of their vehicle.
When you apply for an auto title loan, you’ll have to show proof that you hold the title of your vehicle. It is important that your vehicle has a clear title and that your car loan is paid off or nearly paid off. The debt is secured by the auto title or pink slip, and the vehicle can be repossessed if you default on the loan.
Some lenders may also require proof of income and/or conduct a credit check, bad credit does not disqualify you from getting approved. Auto title loans are typically considered subprime because they cater primarily to people with bad credit and/or low income, and they usually charge higher interest rates than conventional bank loans.
How much can you borrow with Auto Title Loans?
The amount you can borrow will depend on the value of your vehicle, which is based on its wholesale price. Before you approach a lender, you need to assess the value of your car. The Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is a popular resource to determine a used car’s value. This online research tool lets you search for your car’s make, model and year as well as add the appropriate options to calculate the vehicle’s value.
Estimating your vehicle’s worth will help you ensure that you can borrow the maximum amount possible on your car equity. When you use the KBB valuation as a baseline, you can accurately assess the estimated pricing for your used car.
The trade-in value (sometime equal to the wholesale value of the vehicle) will be the most instructive when you’re seeking a title loan. Lenders will factor in this calculation to determine how much of that value they are willing to lend in cash. Most lenders will offer from 25 to 50 percent of the value of the vehicle. This is because the lender has to ensure that they cover the cost of the loan, should they have to repossess and sell off the vehicle.
Different states have varying laws about how lenders can structure their auto title loans. In California, the law imposes interest rate caps on small loans up to $2,500. However, it is possible to borrow money in excess of $2,500, if the collateral vehicle has sufficient value. In these situations, lenders will typically charge higher interest rates.
When you cannot depend on your credit rating to get a low-interest loan, a higher-limit auto equity loan can get you cash in time of a financial emergency. An auto pawn loan is a good option when you need cash urgently and can offer your car as collateral.
Make sure you find a reputed lender who offers flexible payment terms and competitive interest rates. Most lenders will allow you to apply for the loan through a secure online title loan application or by phone and let you know within minutes if you’ve been approved. You could have the cash you need in hand within hours.
Gladys
