How to refinance a car

Our lowdown gives you the ins and outs on refinancing your car

If you’re struggling to keep up with your car payments or simply looking to reduce your monthly expenses, refinancing your car could be a smart financial move. Refinancing allows you to replace your current car loan with a new loan that has more favourable terms, such as a lower interest rate or longer repayment period. This can help you save money over the life of your loan and make your monthly payments more manageable. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at car refinancing in the UK, including how it works, the benefits and drawbacks, and what to consider before refinancing your car.

What is car refinancing?

Refinancing a car means replacing your current car loan with a new loan that has terms that are more suitable for you. This could mean a lower interest rate, a longer repayment period, or a lower monthly payment.

Essentially, you are paying off your existing car loan with a new loan that has better terms, which can help you save money. However, it’s important to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of refinancing, as well as what to consider before going through the refinancing process.

What are the pros and cons of refinancing a car?

As with all financial decisions, refinancing a car brings with it certain risks and benefits.

Pros of Refinancing a Car

Lower interest rate: Refinancing can allow you to qualify for a lower interest rate than you currently have, which means you’ll pay less interest over the life of the loan and can reduce your monthly payments.

Reduced monthly payments: If you refinance your car loan with a longer repayment period, you can reduce your monthly payments, which can help you better manage your budget and free up cash flow for other expenses.

Flexible repayment terms: With refinancing, you may be able to choose a repayment term that works better for your financial situation, such as a shorter or longer term, or even an interest-only payment option.

Cons of Refinancing a Car

Extended repayment period: If you choose a longer repayment term, you may end up paying more interest over the life of the loan, even if your interest rate is lower. You will also have the car for longer, which may mean keeping it once it is out of its manufacturer warranty.

Additional fees: Refinancing can come with additional fees, such as application fees, appraisal fees, and prepayment penalties, which can offset some of the savings you get from refinancing.

Negative equity: If you owe more on your car than it’s worth, you may not be able to refinance your car loan or may have to pay a higher interest rate, which can make refinancing less attractive.

Is car refinance right for you?

Before you apply to refinance your car, there are some things you might want to consider.

Current interest rate: Check the interest rate on your existing car loan and compare it to the rates being offered for refinancing. If you can get a significantly lower rate, refinancing may be worth considering.

Credit score: Lenders will typically look at your credit score when considering your application for refinancing. If your credit score has improved since you took out your original car loan, you may be able to qualify for a better interest rate.

Repayment term: Decide what repayment term will work best for your financial situation. A longer term will result in lower monthly payments, but you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan.

Fees and costs: Refinancing can come with additional fees, such as application fees, appraisal fees, and prepayment penalties. Be sure to factor these into your decision.

Equity in the car: If you owe more on your car than it’s worth, you may not be able to refinance your car loan or may have to pay a higher interest rate. Make sure you have enough equity in your car before applying for refinancing.

Current loan balance: The amount you owe on your current car loan can impact your ability to refinance. If you owe more than the car is worth, you may have difficulty finding a lender who will refinance your loan.

Lender reputation: Do your research and choose a reputable lender to work with. Check their customer reviews and ratings, and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions of the loan before signing.

Refinancing a car in 10 steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you refinance your car loan:

Check your credit score: Before applying for refinancing, check your credit score and make sure it’s in good shape. Lenders will typically look at your credit score when considering your application for refinancing.

Calculate your savings: Use an online auto refinance calculator to estimate how much you can save by refinancing your car loan. This will give you an idea of whether refinancing is worth pursuing.

Shop around for lenders: Research lenders who offer auto loan refinancing and compare their interest rates, fees, and terms. Look for a reputable lender with good customer reviews and ratings.

Gather your information: Collect your car loan information, including the amount you owe, the interest rate, and the remaining term. You may also need to provide proof of income, employment, and residency.

Apply for refinancing: Once you’ve chosen a lender, apply for refinancing. You’ll need to provide your personal information and car loan details. The lender will also run a credit check.

Review the terms: Once you’re approved for refinancing, review the terms of the loan carefully. Make sure you understand the interest rate, repayment term, and any fees associated with the loan.

Sign the loan agreement: If you’re satisfied with the terms of the loan, sign the loan agreement and return it to the lender.

Pay off your existing loan: Once the refinancing loan is approved, the lender will typically pay off your existing car loan directly. Be sure to confirm that your original loan has been paid off.

Start making payments: Once the refinancing loan is in place, start making payments according to the new loan terms.

Monitor your credit score and car value: Keep an eye on your credit score and the value of your car. If your credit score improves or your car’s value increases, you may be able to refinance again in the future for even better terms.

Refinancing a car FAQs

What do I need to refinance my car?

Vehicle information: This includes the make, model, year, and mileage of your car.

Current loan information: You’ll need to provide details about your current car loan, such as the amount you owe, the interest rate, and the remaining term.

Personal information: You’ll need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and other personal information.

Employment and income information: You’ll need to provide proof of your employment and income, such as recent pay stubs or tax returns.

Credit score: Lenders will typically check your credit score when considering your application for refinancing. Make sure your credit score is in good shape before applying.

Insurance information: You’ll need to provide proof of car insurance that meets the lender’s requirements.

Refinancing fees: Refinancing can come with additional fees, such as application fees, appraisal fees, and prepayment penalties. Be prepared to pay these fees if required.

Can I refinance my car with a different lender?

Yes, you can refinance your car with a different lender. In fact, many people choose to refinance their car loan in order to get a better interest rate or more favorable loan terms. Refinancing with a different lender allows you to shop around and compare rates and terms from multiple lenders, which can help you save money over the life of the loan.

When you refinance your car loan with a different lender, the new lender pays off your existing loan and provides you with a new loan agreement. You’ll then make payments to the new lender according to the terms of the new loan.

Can I refinance my car with bad credit?

It is possible to refinance your car with bad credit, but it may be more difficult and you may not qualify for the best interest rates and loan terms. When you have bad credit, lenders may consider you a higher risk borrower and may charge a higher interest rate to offset that risk.

Can someone else refinance my car?

Technically, someone else can refinance your car loan for you, but it would require their consent and involvement. Refinancing a car loan typically involves applying for a new loan with a different lender to pay off the existing loan. This new loan would be in the name of the person who is applying for it, and they would be responsible for making payments on the loan.

If someone else, such as a family member or friend, is willing to refinance your car loan for you, they would need to apply for the new loan in their own name and use the proceeds to pay off your existing loan. You would then be responsible for making payments to the new lender, but the loan would be in the name of the person who refinanced it for you.

It’s important to note that refinancing a car loan in someone else’s name can have potential legal and financial implications. Both parties should carefully consider the risks and benefits before proceeding with this option

How soon can I refinance my car?

There is no set time frame for when you can refinance your car loan, but it’s generally recommended to wait at least a few months after taking out the original loan. Refinancing too soon may not give you enough time to establish a good payment history, and lenders may not be willing to refinance your loan if you have a limited credit history or a short payment history.

Can I refinance my balloon payment?

Yes, it may be possible to refinance the balloon payment for your car loan. A balloon payment is a large payment due at the end of a loan term, typically for loans with longer terms or lower monthly payments. Refinancing the balloon payment could help you avoid having to come up with a large lump sum payment at the end of your loan term.

To refinance the balloon payment, you may need to work with your current lender or find a new lender who is willing to offer a new loan with more favourable terms.