Editor's choice: Max Cash Title Loans
- No bank account required
- No prepayment penalty
- Bad credit OK
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How to get a car title loan when you share a car
You might not be able to get a loan on a shared car.
It’s not uncommon to share a car like you share living space. Many people split car time with their partner, family and friends. However, when it’s hard to make ends meet and you turn to auto title loans, you might be wondering — can you take out an auto title loan when sharing a car?
Can I take out an auto title loan if I share my car?
It depends. Only the person with a name on the title can take out a title loan. If your name is on the title, then yes, you can take out an auto title loan. If you’re using a car that has a title in someone else’s name, you won’t be able to borrow anything against it, even if you’re the main driver.
How borrowing with a shared title works
Auto title loans are short-term loans for people who may not have the best credit. Your lender will hold your car title as collateral for your loan, and you’ll still keep full use of your vehicle while you repay. At the end of the loan term — if you’ve repaid the loan in full — you’ll get your title back. Since another person shares your car title, they’ll be responsible for loan payments and could lose the car title in the event of a default as well.
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What are my options if my name isn’t on the car title?
It’s not the end of the world if you can’t get an auto title loan. These options can help you get the money you need when your budget is stretched thin.
Change the name on the title
If you do share your car with a close friend, family member or your partner, they may be willing to transfer the vehicle into your name for the purposes of the loan. Explain to them why you want the title transferred into your name (for finance purposes). Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA), and then visit to the DMV with the necessary documentation.
Consider an alternative loan
If you have bad credit, you may still be eligible for another type of short-term loan.
- Payday loan. Payday loans are usually for less than $1,000 and available in many of the same states as auto title loans.
- Installment loan. Installment loans generally cover larger amounts and are paid back monthly, rather than in one lump sum.
If you have a fair or good credit score, generally considered to be 650 and above, you may qualify for a peer-to-peer loan. Rate estimates are usually available from marketplace lenders without it affecting your credit score.
Bottom line
Even if you share a vehicle, you may still be able to get a car title loan. If you do qualify for one, make sure the person you share the vehicle with is aware that the car title is being used as security for a loan. Remember to consider all of your options before you apply to get the right loan for your needs, and don’t forget to compare your options to find the best deal.
Frequently asked questions
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Ask an Expert
If you have a title loan but your name is not on the title, can they still repo the car if the car is in someone else’s name?
Hi Tracey,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
In most states, once the car loan is in default, the lender is free to repossess the car at any time. But the lender must notify the person on the title first and give them a chance to get out of default. This is called a right to cure. Kindly get in touch with the bank/lender on this matter to prevent any hassle.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I have a title loan on a truck. It is not my daily driving vehicle. I have someone that wants to purchase the truck, but they want to have the loan transferred to their name and make the payments on the loan and have the title switched to their name. Is that possible?
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for your inquiry
You may have to check with your lender about this. If your lender does not allow a car loan transfer, then you can still get out of the loan. You will need to sell your vehicle in order to do so, and you should bring the person who you’re selling the vehicle to with you to the dealership or financial institution in order to do a car refinance.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
Can a new title loan be issued if I already have one but was given my title back ?
Hi Mkkk,
Thanks for your question.
Kindly note that most lenders require you to have no lien on your title to be approved for a new title loan. If you have an existing loan on your title, you may also consider refinancing it with another lender.
Cheers,
Anndy