How to Secure an Auto Loan

When you’re in the market to purchase a new vehicle and need to secure an auto loan to do so, it’s always best not only to shop around for the car, but also to shop for the best interest rate and loan that works best for you.

Often times, consumers will secure a loan to purchase their dream car, but will then fall behind on payments and become delinquent. This tarnishes your credit score and may even result in vehicle repossession.

Here are some steps to take prior to securing a loan, and how to ensure that you find the best loan agreement that fits your budget.

Check Your Credit

Man questioning credit reportThere are a number of factors that will affect your auto loan agreement, but the most important is your credit history. Before you start shopping for interest rates, check your credit report and credit score. You can get a free credit report from each of the credit reporting bureaus, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, every 12 months.

Review each credit report for accuracy. Dispute any credit report errors by writing directly to the reporting agency. Negative listings that are more than seven and a half years old, like prior vehicle repossessions, should no longer appear on your report.

You should also review your credit score. This gives lenders an idea of your creditworthiness and will help determine what kind of interest rates you’ll be eligible for.

Assess Your Finances

Take the time to consider your current financial situation. Create a budget if you don’t already have one. This will help you determine how much you can afford to spend on monthly auto loan payments and will help you avoid signing an agreement that you can’t afford.

Choose a Lender

Once you know your budget, you can begin shopping around for lenders and interest rates. A higher credit score and healthy credit report will make you eligible for loans with lower interest rates. You should also consider whether you want to sign an agreement with a bank, finance company or credit union.

Credit unions may be able to offer lower interest rates than banks and finance companies, but they may only lend to members and may have more stringent credit requirements than a bank. Do your homework!

Review Documents Carefully Before Signing

Always secure your auto loan agreement in writing, and be sure to review all of the details of the agreement very carefully before signing. This agreement should provide details related to default and steps the lender can take if terms of the loan are broken.

Seek Legal Advice

Flitter Milz is a consumer protection law firm that represents borrowers that have defaulted on their auto loan.  Whether payments have been missed or not, the lender must follow the law.   Contact Us for a FREE legal evaluation.