When you file for bankruptcy, you free yourself from the chains of debt bondage. It’s one of the best ways to press the reset button on your finances and receive a clean slate.
But now it’s impacting your ability to secure loans. And you may be feeling the pressure because you need to get a car loan and can’t get approved.
The majority of traditional lenders may have rejected your application. But there are lenders that specialize in helping you get a car loan after bankruptcy.
Read on to learn how soon you can apply and how to increase your approval odds.
How long after bankruptcy can I get a car loan?
The time frame between filing and the clearance to secure a car loan after bankruptcy will depend on the type of filing.
Chapter 7 (Liquidation)
If your debts were discharged or liquidated under chapter 7 bankruptcy, there isn’t a specific waiting period. But, you may have to give your credit scores at least a year to start recovering from a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. It’s also important to note that a chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for up to ten years.
Chapter 13 (Reorganization)
If you filed for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, which is a reorganization of your debts, getting a car loan is a bit trickier. Payment is remitted to creditors via a payment plan that spans three months to five years.
So, you may not be able to secure a car loan until you’ve satisfied your repayment obligations. But under certain circumstances, you may get permission before the repayment period ends. To learn more, contact your attorney. Chapter 13 bankruptcies stay on your credit for up to seven years.
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How to Get a Car Loan After Bankruptcy
Here’s how to increase your chances of getting a car loan even if you have a bankruptcy on your credit report.
1. Review Your Credit Reports and Credit Scores
Once you’ve received clearance to take on new debt (if under Chapter 13) or your Chapter 7 proceedings are over, the next step is to review your credit report. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends checking your credit reports at least once a year.
You should also check them before a major purchase like a car. Your credit history and credit score are major factors in the application review process.
How to Get Your Credit Reports for Free
Did you know 1 in 3 consumers have an error on at least one of their credit reports, according to a study published by Consumer Reports?
For this reason, you want to review your credit report to ensure the accuracy of the contents. Your credit scores are calculated based on the information in your credit reports, and these errors can really hurt them.
You can get a free copy of your credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. (More detailed guidance is provided here if you need it).
Check Your Credit Scores
After your bankruptcy discharge, chances are your credit scores are on the low side. But this doesn’t mean your car loan application won’t be approved. If you know where you stand before applying, you won’t be surprised when the prospective lender pulls your credit history.
You’ll have to pay a nominal fee to access your FICO score on MyFICO.com. But you can also view your credit score by signing up for one of the credit monitoring services. You may also be able to view your credit score on your bank’s online dashboard or credit card statement.
2. Dispute Credit Report Errors
Once you’ve retrieved a copy of your credit report, review the contents in their entirety. Pay special attention to information reported on past car loans. If you spot errors that are causing you bad credit, file disputes to have them rectified. (Here’s a handy guide on how to get the process started).
According to the FTC, any information that can’t be proven as timely or accurate must legally be removed from your credit report.
You can also call the creditor, explain your situation, and a request a goodwill adjustment. Or save yourself the time and headaches by leaving the work to reputable credit repair professionals.
3. Research Lenders
It’s never a good idea to go with the first lender you find without shopping around. Why? For starters, they may not be a legit lender.
And if they are, how do you know they have the most competitive auto loan offer for your financial situation? Instead, shop around to see what’s out there. You’ll find that some lenders offer bad credit auto loans to consumers.
Tips for Shopping Around
- Keep the car loan shopping period to a minimum to reduce the impact on your credit scores. FICO scores overlook auto loan inquiries made 45 days before scoring. “So, if you find a loan [within this time frame], the inquiries won’t affect your credit scores while you’re rate shopping,” notes myFICO.
- Some online lenders offer prequalification tools to see what you may qualify for. There is no impact on your credit scores.
- Visit the dealership after you’ve been prequalified elsewhere and see if they can beat the current offers you have. This may also give you more negotiating power if their numbers are low and they really need your business.
- Consider reaching out to your financial institution for auto financing. In some cases, a small community bank or credit union will approve bad credit car loans based on the account holder’s history with them.
- Avoid “buy here, pay here” dealerships if possible. They appeal to consumers with credit challenges, like bankruptcy because they don’t conduct credit checks. But, this usually means high interest rates since the lender is assuming more risk. Typically, interest rates are well into the double digits, and lenders “make as much, or more, profit on the financing as they do on the car itself,” according to Autotrader.
4. Save Up for a Down Payment
Most lenders will require you to make a down payment to approve a car loan after bankruptcy. This is because you’re still perceived as risky by the lender because of the bankruptcy filing.
Funds from the down payment help minimize the risk the lender will assume. Plus, it will lower your monthly payment and earn equity in the vehicle faster.
5. Apply for a Car Loan
Upon deciding on a car loan, access the application online or in-person and complete it in its entirety. By scanning your application for accuracy, you can prevent rejection due to a simple error or omission.
Remember, you want to show the lender you’re on your way to cleaning up your finances, and not the person your credit history portrays. You just hit a rough patch and need them to give you a second chance to prove yourself.
Most lenders can issue a prequalification rather quickly if you provide the right documentation. This includes:
- Copies of your last two pay stubs
- Your employer’s contact information
- Bank statements (to prove you have the funds on hand for a down payment)
- Copies of your last two tax returns and financial statements (if self-employed)
- Proof of residence
- Information about the vehicle you’re looking to purchase
- Credit references
But if you hit a snag, reach out to the lender to explain your situation and hope for the best. They may be willing to give your application a second look and issue the stamp of approval.
Focus on Making Timely Payments
Payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score. So, you can’t afford to fall behind on monthly payments if you want to avoid doing further damage to your credit history.
If you’re having trouble making your loan payments, reach out to your lender as soon as possible. You could also inquire about a financial hardship payment plan that will protect your credit scores.
Consider Refinancing Your Car Loan
Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t mean you have to settle for a high interest rate for the duration of the auto loan. By managing the loan and staying current on other debt obligations, your credit score will start to climb. At this point, it may be wise to look into refinancing the auto loan for a lower interest rate.
Building a Positive Credit History
Consider taking some time to rebuild your credit before applying for a car loan after bankruptcy. You may not be able to get an unsecured credit card because of your poor credit scores. However, you can start with a secured credit card that requires a cash security deposit.
Another option is taking out a credit builder loan from a company like Self. Building good credit will help you qualify for a car loan with much better interest rates.
Bottom Line
It’s possible to get a new car loan after bankruptcy. However, you may have to jump through a few hoops to get a car loan with favorable terms.
If you aren’t successful when applying the first time around, don’t throw in the towel. Return to the drawing board to see what other auto loan lenders may have to offer you. And keep taking steps to improve your credit rating.
