Fast Cash Solutions: How Car Title Loans Can Rescue Your Finances

Fast Cash Solutions: How Car Title Loans Can Rescue Your Finances

Published:

7 Min Read

Have you ever thought about getting a car title loan? We’ve all been there – the feared financial crunch that appears to surprise us. Whether it’s an unexpected doctor’s visit cost, a home appliance fix, or just a month when the bills stack higher than expected, we’ve all wanted a convenient solution to our financial challenges.

It is your lucky day since today, we’re jumping into the universe of car title loans. In this article, we will find out how a car title loan can assist with safeguarding your funds when you’re no doubt having a tough time.

What is a Car Title Loan?

A car title loan assists you with getting cash with your vehicle as collateral. It’s one of those choices when you want some fast money and avoid going through a lot of paperwork or credit checks.

The sum you can get depends on the value of your vehicle. Lenders evaluate its worth and provide you with a level of that as a car title loan. Financing costs can be high, so you should be cautious and ensure you can take care of it on time.

How Do Car Title Loans Work?

Car title loans have a straightforward process, but you need to be careful because they can get you into financial trouble if you are not cautious enough. Here’s how car title loans work:

  1. You find a lender that suits your needs and financial possibilities.
  2. Apply for a car title loan and provide them with your contact details and loan needs.
  3. The lender assesses the value of your car.
  4. Based on the value of your vehicle, they’ll offer you a loan amount that’s often around 25% to 50%.
  5. You check the interest rates and additional fees.
  6. If you accept the car title loan terms, you’ll have to hand over your car’s title to the lender. They’ll hold onto it until you pay off the loan.
  7. You repay the car title loan in 30 days or more, depending on your chosen repayment term. If you can’t do it on the due date, consider a rollover, which will cost you additional fees.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Car Title Loans

Car title loans, also known as auto title loans, must be handled carefully. Let’s break down the benefits and drawbacks so that you’ll be thoroughly informed:

Benefits

  • Quick Cash Funding: Need some fast cash? These title loans can be your lifesaver! You can get the green stuff in your pocket within hours.
  • No Credit Check: If you have bad credit, don’t worry! Car title lenders are more interested in your car’s value than your credit history. So, even if your credit report is poor, you might still be able to get a car title loan.
  • You Keep Your Car: You can drive your car while paying off the loan.

Drawbacks

  • High-Interest Rates: These title loans often come with sky-high interest rates. You’re paying a premium for the quick cash.
  • Risk of Losing Your Car: Remember how you get to keep driving your car when you borrow money from car title lenders? You could lose your car if you can’t repay the loan.
  • Limited Amount: The car title loan amount you can get is usually based on the value of your car. So, if you drive an old beater, you will get a manageable amount.

How Much Does a Car Title Loan Cost?

Car title loans allow you to use your car’s value in exchange for fast cash, but their interest rates may vary by lender. However, the average interest rate of a car title loan is 25% per month, which converts to about a 300% annual percentage rate.

What is an APR?

APR stands for annual percentage rate, a financial term used to name the all-out cost of getting a loan throughout one year, communicated as a level of the credit sum. APR is a vital measurement for loans, credit cards, and different types of loans since it gives a normalized method for contrasting the expenses of various financial products.

The APR consists not just of the financing cost charged on the credit but also any extra expenses and fees related to acquiring, for example, start expenses, shutting expenses, and points (on account of home loans). By integrating these additional expenses, the APR provides borrowers with a more precise image of the genuine cost of the loan.

What Should You Do Before You Get Loans on Cars Titles?

Before you consider getting loans on car titles, there are a couple of significant tips and tricks you ought to take to ensure you’re taking savvy action. Here is what will help you:

Know Your Car’s Value

Learn how much your vehicle is worth. Take a gander at online resources, get them assessed, or even use a vehicle valuation website. It will give you a best guess of the sum you can expect.

Review Your Finances

Take a good, hard look at your financial situation. Can you afford to take on another loan? Consider your monthly budget and ensure you can handle the added expense.

Shop Around

Don’t settle for the first title loan offer that comes your way. Lenders offer different interest rates and terms, so shop for the best deal.

Read the Fine Print

Before signing anything, read the loan agreement carefully. Pay attention to the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fees associated with the loan. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions.

Have a Repayment Plan

Make sure you have a solid plan for repaying the loan. Falling behind on title loan payments can lead to your car being repossessed, and nobody wants that.

How to Get a Car Title Loan Online?

Getting a car title loan online can be a convenient way to access quick cash in a pinch. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

  • Check Requirements: Every lender has its eligibility criteria you must meet. Check if you can meet at least 60% of them for approval.
  • Fill Out an Application: Apply and provide them with your personal information, car details, and income information.
  • Wait for Approval: After submitting your request form, wait for the lender’s answer.
  • Get Your Cash: If approved, you’ll receive your money in your bank account or cash at the loan office within one business day or sooner.

Car Title Loan Online

Possible Alternatives to Car Title Loans

Before considering car title loans, you should look back and see a few potential options. There’s no denying that title loans can be enticing when you require quick money, yet you should consider a few alternatives.

With a personal loan, you don’t need to put your vehicle as collateral. Instead, lenders may check your creditworthiness and income level. Personal loans commonly have more competitive rates than auto title loans. It implies you’ll pay less in interest over the loan repayment term. You get to pick the time you need to repay the personal loan. Whether you need a short run or a relaxed walk depends on you.

Bank or Credit Union Loans

Your bank or credit union regularly offers much lower interest rates than car title lenders. You’ll keep more cash in your pocket, where it should be. Usually, federal credit unions offer discounts for members who need money as soon as possible. You borrow money for unplanned expenses within just 24 hours.

Payday Alternative Loans

A payday alternative loan will help you avoid diving into a debt trap. Lenders don’t expect you to risk your vehicle and put the collateral. Payday alternative loans have lower interest rates than regular payday loans. Also, they have more extended repayment terms – up to 6 months.

Credit Card Cash Advances

A credit card cash advance is the easiest way to get extra cash without risking your car. Just make sure to check your card’s terms and conditions first. Financial experts suggest not exceeding your credit limit.

What Happens If I Can’t Repay the Car Title Loan on Time?

If you can’t pay back your car title loan on time, you could risk losing your car. They might also charge you extra fees, and your credit score could decrease quickly. The lender will repossess the car and sell it to recoup the losses. So, if you think you can’t make the monthly payment on time, or there are more than 3 months of non-repayment, speak to your lender and find a solution that will fit your financial situation.

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, auto title loans can be a quick way to get cash, but they come with significant risks due to their high costs and the potential loss of your car if you can’t repay. Exploring other options, like personal loans, short-term loans, or borrow money from friends or family, is usually a good idea before going down the car title loan road.

Do you have a vehicle but need some extra cash? Get a car title loan and cover your expenses today!Apply

Edward Evans

Written by Edward Evans

Written by Edward Evans

Edward Evans is a money management expert and a freelance author of personal finance columns. He aims to provide accessible financial advice to improve financial literacy for average Americans and inspire them to take control of their personal finances and build wealth.

You May Also Like