What is an Auto Equity Loan?

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An auto equity loan is a loan made using the equity in the vehicle as collateral. It is similar in this way to a home equity loan, only the interest rate is and length is usually much different. Auto equity loans are available in many states, both where title loans are and are not permitted.

New Car Equity Loans

Purchasing a new car often involves financing the car. This is not required, although given the price of new cars not many people can afford that large of a purchase without financing.

 

When a new car is financed, it is done so as a secured loan. This means the lender puts a lien on the vehicle and has a security interest in the vehicle until the loan is paid off. in other words the equity in the vehicle is used as collateral for the loan.

Used Car Equity Loans at Purchase

When you purchase a used car from a dealer you typically have a choice to pay in full or to finance the purchase. Because of the cost of many buyers choose to finance this purchase.

When you finance the purchase the loan is what is considered a secured loan. This means the loan is secured by the equity in the vehicle. The lender puts a lien on the vehicle and issues a loan with certain terms that you both agree to.

This is one form of an auto equity loan; meaning you are borrowing money using the equity in the vehicle as collateral. The vehicle was purchased to start the loan term.

Used Car Equity Loans After Purchase

In some cases vehicles are purchased with cash, or are paid off while they still have a significant amount of equity i the. You can also get an auto equity loan on a used vehicle that has enough equity to lend against. The terms will be different than if you were purchasing the vehicle, but the idea is the same. It is a loan secured by the equity in the vehicle.

What is the Difference Between a Title Loan and an Auto Equity Loan?

A car title loan is a specific type of loan that is regulated at the state level. Many title loans had very short terms (30 days) with very high rates. They were similar to Payday loans in this way.

Over time some states have extended the length of time borrowers have to repay title loans. In some states they can last over a year. The fact is a title loan is simply a form of auto equity loan. A form with specific terms and conditions required by the state.

Types of Title Loans

There are two main types of title loans. Both are secured by the vehicle. The first type has one single payment. The second type has monthly installments.

Single Payment Title Loans

Single payment title loans are usually due in full within 30 days from the loan initiation. This means the entire loan amount, plus interest and fees, is due fairly quickly from the date is was borrowed. These loans can be difficult to repay, especially if the amount borrowed is significant. Always make sure you can afford to repay the loan in full by the due date.

In many cases you can do what is called roll over a single payment title loan. This is not recommended as costs can get excessive is a short period of time. Learn why title loan roll overs are not a great idea.

Monthly Installment Title Loans

 

The second type of title loan is one with monthly installments. These loans are usually amortized over a period of months. You can use the title loan calculator to get an idea of what these payments look like.

The borrower makes monthly payments for the loan term until the loan is paid off. In this way they are similar to other car loans. You can also make early and extra payments to help pay the loan off faster. To get an idea of what monthly installment title loans cost you can use the car title loan calculator to get an estimate.

Summary

An auto equity loan is really just a term for a loan secured by the equity in the vehicle used for the loan. This can include:

  1. Used Car Loans
  2. New Car Loans
  3. Car Title Loans

The loan is a secured loan and lender places a lien on the vehicle until the loan is completely paid off. This means the lender can repossess the vehicle should the borrower default on the loan. As with any loan, never borrow more than you can afford to repay.