Refinancing your auto loan might lower your monthly payment, but it can also mean paying more money over the life of your loan. If you’re thinking about refinancing your vehicle loan, you’ll need to know if it’s the right time, and if not, when will be the right time. Here are things to consider before you decide to renaissance your loan.
Requirements
Auto loan refinance lenders each have specific requirements when it comes to refinancing your loan. You should know and understand the exact details and terms for refinancing your loan. For example, if you have $10,000 remaining on your loan, you might be able to refinance to save money overall. However, you should know whether or not refinancing will save you money now, later, or both.
Penalties
If your current loan terms have a prepayment penalty that stops you from paying off your loan early, then it might be time to refinance your loan. Many lenders don’t have these penalties, but it depends on your loan provider and the terms you signed off on. If the amount of money you save by refinancing your auto loan is greater than the amount of the penalty, then refinancing can still be a good idea that can help you save money.
Interest Rates
If you qualify for a lower interest rate by refinancing your loan, then refinancing a car might be a great idea. However, if it’s the same rate or higher than your current loan interest rate, then it’s not the right time to refinance because it won’t end up saving you any money. If you need professional help, you can consider looking into a tax software to help with your financials.
Credit Score
Check your credit score and see if it has changed since the time you got your car loan. If your score has decreased, then you should not refinance your auto loan until you can get it back up because it means you’ll likely pay an even higher interest rate on your new loan. However, if your credit score has improved, then you will likely qualify for a lower interest rate, making refinancing a good idea.
Income
Refinancing your loan allows you to pay less monthly than you do right now, which can make sense if your income has decreased. The lower car note payment will help ease any financial stress during a time of decreased income, such as a job loss. If your income has increased, then you can still reap the benefits of a lower monthly payment, but it will mean you spend more on the life of the loan, which might not be worth it if you’re easily able to pay your car payments every month.
Time Remaining
Refinancing ultimately means extending your loan term, which can lower your payments and allow you more money to spend on other necessities each month. However, you’ll pay more money in interest over the life of the loan, which means your car will cost you more. However, refinancing for a lower interest rate can help you save money in the long run.
Ultimately, take a look at how much time is remaining on your loan. If your loan terms are almost over and you’ve already paid for most of your loan, refinancing might not be the best option, even if the interest rate is lower.
When to Consider Refinancing
You should consider refinancing when:
- You want a lower interest rate: If interest rates have dropped or your credit score has drastically improved, then you might be eligible for a lower interest rate.
- You financed through a dealership: Dealerships typically offer higher rates than a bank or other lender. If you took out a loan through a dealership without negotiating the interest rate, then refinancing might save you thousands of dollars.
- You want lower payments: If, for some reason, you need to pay less every month, then consider refinancing for a lower monthly bill.
When Not to Refinance
While there are many reasons to refinance, there are times when you should not refinance:
When your credit score has dropped: If your credit score is lower now than it was when you took out the original loan, refinancing may mean you’ll end up paying more monthly and over the life of the loan.
- If you only have a few more payments: If you only have a few more payments left on your vehicle, then there’s no reason to extend the loan.
- If there will be penalties: If there are going to be financial penalties associated with refinancing your loan, then you might end up spending more than you’re saving by refinancing. Make sure you understand the terms of your current loan before you refinance.
- If you’re having trouble paying off your current loan: While refinancing can help you save on your monthly car note, it’s not a good idea to refinance if you already can’t pay your loan. If you’re already behind on payments, then it’ll be hard to find another lender willing to work with you. Remember, you’ll still have other expenses associated with your vehicle, such as car insurance, so you’ll have to ensure you can pay off all of your bills before considering refinancing.
- You just bought the car: If you bought your car within the last few months, you could still qualify for refinancing. However, you should wait around a year before trying to refinance so your credit score can require from the hard inquiry required by the original loan. This way, you can also build up your payment history and find a lender that offers better terms.
Refinancing Your Auto Loan
Lenders have different requirements, so it’s important to learn about all of the different terms associated with refinancing your vehicle. You should also be aware that some lenders might not offer refinancing solutions based on your vehicle’s make or model. If your lender does allow you to refinance, it doesn’t mean that you should stick with your current lender. You may be able to find another lender with better terms.
Determining whether it’s the right time to refinance your auto loan depends on several factors, including your financial situation and reasons for refinancing, along with external factors, such as the terms of your current loan. Make sure that you’re armed with enough knowledge and information before you make the final decision.
