Can I Get An Auto Loan During Bankruptcy
Its much harder to get a bad credit auto loan during bankruptcy proceedings, which begin with the 341 creditor meeting. High-risk credit is iffy, and most lenders prefer to wait until the proceedings are complete.
Fortunately, the period between filing bankruptcy papers and final discharge is relatively short. If possible, you would do well to wait until then to apply for a car loan.
That said, some lenders offer auto loans to consumers during bankruptcy proceedings. This policy not only helps you get into a new car faster but also allows you to start rebuilding your credit sooner.
When You Can’t Keep Your Car
If your auto loan isn’t eligible for a cramdown or you dont want to add the payments to your repayment plan, you do have the option to voluntarily surrender your vehicle. If you don’t think that you can keep up with both your car loan and your repayment plan, this may be a better option than allowing the lender to send out a tow company.
If you give your car back to the lender, you have to pay for any loan amount that remains after the vehicle is sold, called a deficiency balance. Paying this amount may be ultimately less expensive when you surrender the car yourself because you’re skipping out on all the costs associated with repossession. A traditional repossession involves having to pay for storage and recovery fees, but a voluntary surrender doesnt include these.
The Best Providers Of Bankruptcy Auto Loans
These three companies work with networks of lenders and car dealerships to secure one or more loan offers for you despite your less-than-perfect credit history. You pay nothing for this service, and it wont hurt your already bruised credit score.
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myAutoloan.com helps thousands of applicants every year obtain bad credit car loans. In addition, the company provides several online tools to help them determine their loan payments and overall cost.
The myAutoloan.com website displays the lowest available loan rates. It also provides educational material about the lending process. If you prequalify for a loan, you may receive up to four offers from partner lenders.
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Open Ch7 Vs Open Ch13
In case you’re not familar, there are two major differences between a Ch.7 and Ch.13 bankruptcy. The first is that while a Ch. 7 wipes your debt a way instantly, it leaves a shadow on your report for 10 years. An auto loan will only be considered after the chapter 7 bankruptcy is complete and you have your 341 papers.
However, with Ch. 13 you will be making set monthly payments to correct your debt. This can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years, but only stays on your record for about 7 years – including the 3 to 5 year repayment period. This means you have options to acquire new debt during chapter 13 that you don’t with chapter 7.
Because of the open repayment period with a Ch.13, sometimes needs arise that can’t be avoided and can’t wait. When it comes to acquiring a better vehicle, there are dealers out there that can help you!
How To Obtain A Car Loan Duringchapter 7 Or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13
If you are going through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, some might recommend obtaining a car loan from a Buy Here, Pay Here car dealer. This means that the car dealer itself underwrites and offers you the credit. You should also know that this means that your car loan is not limited to the underwriting requirements that would be the case if a third-party auto lender gave you the car loan.
One more fact that is important to mention is that Buy Here, Pay Here loans , is not offered by all car dealerships. You should know that lenders will take criteria like your employment and credit history into consideration when looking at your car loan application.
To get a car loan via in-house financing while in chapter 13 bankruptcy, you first must obtain a buyer’s order from a car dealership that offers in-house financing to people with open bankruptcies. This buyer’s order has to include the highest possible interest rate as well as the language “or similar” next to whichever vehicle you chose. This is necessary just in case the loan fails to match the buyer’s order.
You may have to attend a meeting to justify the car loan. If the court does approve your trustee’s motion to incur additional debt, then the court will issue the order. At that point, your monthly payment will be amended to factor in the car loan. You can then take that order to incur additional debt to the car dealership that offered you the car loan and finish up your purchase of the vehicle.
Chapter 7
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Shop Around For A Car In Your Budget
Making sure to shop for a car thats within the realm of what you can reasonably afford will ensure you stay on top of the payments. This in turn can help rebuild your credit and keep you on track.
Review your monthly expenses to determine how much of a car payment your budget will allow. As a rule of thumb, car related expenses should not exceed 20 percent of your total monthly budget a threshold that includes the cost of gas, maintenance and insurance.
You may also want to set a target price for your purchase using information available online through websites like Edmunds and Kelley, which list new and used car prices, as well as insurance cost estimates.
S To Getting A Car Loan In Chapter 13
After finding a dealer and lender willing to work with someone in bankruptcy, youll need to follow these four steps in order to get approved for a car loan with an open chapter 13:
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Need Help Finding A Lender
A Chapter 13 bankruptcy takes three or five years to complete, and, for some people, thats a long time to go without replacing a car. Getting approved for auto financing during an open Chapter 13 takes time as well, so make sure you follow each of the three steps before jumping into subprime financing.
If youre in the middle of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and are ready to buy a vehicle, but arent sure where to find the best lender to work with, let The Car Connection help. We want to connect you to a local dealer. Get started by filling out our simple and free auto loan request form today.
Factors To Consider When Getting A Car Loan After Bankruptcy
The first car loan after bankruptcy is likely to be subprime, meaning its for a borrower with a credit score of 600 or lower. Being in a hurry to get auto financing with bad credit can make you susceptible to getting back into debt you cant repay. Heres what youll likely face and how to counter them.
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Research Your Auto Dealer And Lender
An auto dealer or lender can stay in business only if they sell cars and originate loans, but not everyone involved has your best interests at heart. The auto industry, while dominated by finance professionals, includes many predatory dealers and lenders that prey on consumers who have recent bankruptcies and need a loan for a new vehicle.
If you get stuck in one of these loans, you could find yourself paying for your car even after you replace it with a new one. Thats why you must check reviews and other information about any dealer you work with before you apply for a loan with them.
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Can I Get A Car Loan After Bankruptcy
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
Getting a car loan after bankruptcy is possible. More than half a million people declared bankruptcy in each of the last five years, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and life doesnt stop after the papers have been filed. Driving may be necessary to get to work, buy groceries and pick up kids. Securing an auto loan after bankruptcy may be difficult, but you do have options.
Chapter 13 And Your Next Car

Purchasing a car while repaying a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy agreement is a very involved process, and can be complicated if you havent prepared for it.
When you agreed to your Chapter 13 repayment plan, you made a commitment to repay a portion of your debt to your creditors. And the amount you agreed to repay was determined by how much you could afford after considering your living expenses and reaffirmed debt.
Since the purchase of a new vehicle will require you to take on new debt, your ability to repay the agreed upon amount to your creditors may be affected. This is why you will need to take the proper steps with your bankruptcy court trustee in order to take on new debt.
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Learn How To Keep Your Car Reduce Your Car Loan And Avoid Repossession In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy offers benefits that can help you keep your vehicle. If you’re behind on your car loan payments, you can catch up through your Chapter 13 plan. Even better, if you owe more on your car loan than the car is worth, you might be able to reduce the amount owed.
But sometimes, keeping a vehicle in Chapter 13 bankruptcy isn’t feasible, and you might not want to. For instance, it might not be possible to keep it if:
- you have a lot of nonexempt car equity
- your car payment is exceptionally high, or
- you’re making payments on a second vehicle that you don’t need.
If you’re considering filing Chapter 7, you’ll want to learn about Chapter 7 bankruptcy and your car.
- Get answers to questions about bankruptcies.
What Are Your Options When That Happens During A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Proceeding
Some people can manage by using a family member or friends car. Some people use cash to purchase a car. However, the most likely option when confronted with the need to find alternate transportation is to buy replacement car.
In a Chapter 13, however, you are typically required to obtain court approval if you are planning on financing purchase of a new or used vehicle.
Why?
Your monthly Chapter 13 plan payment is premised upon the average income and the average necessary household expenses you had on the day that you filed.
The Chapter 13 payment plan that you drafted and filed with your bankruptcy attorney accounts for the debt that you owed prior to the filing of your bankruptcy casebut not after.
Any change in your budgetsuch as a new car paymentwill mean that your plan payment is now potentially unaffordable.
Any new and non-dischargeable, post-filing debt obligations will threaten the priority order of debt payment cemented in place by the Confirmation Order issued by your Bankruptcy Judge.
Your creditors cannot be paid less than was previously approved to be paid because you decide to buy a new Porsche.
The Bankruptcy Court and the Chapter 13 process, however, do recognize your need of a reliable vehicle.
Just not a Porsche. It will want to ensure that it is a normal, non-luxury vehiclewith what it believes to be a normal car payment.
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How To Buy A Car With A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
If youre currently in a chapter 13 bankruptcy, a buy here pay here car dealer may be your best option for an auto loan. In this scenario, the auto dealer underwrites and extends the credit and is not limited to the underwriting criteria of an independent, third party auto lender.
Buy here pay here or in house auto financing is not available from all car dealers. If you are currently in a chapter 13 and want to learn more about this type of car loan, for more information.
Bluesky Auto Finance is integrated with direct lenders that offer auto loans for people after bankruptcy as well as a network of auto dealers throughout the United States. Keep in mind however, that there are other criteria lenders consider when reviewing your application such as length of employment and monthly gross income.
If youre currently in a chapter 13 bankruptcy, in house dealer financing may be your best option and we recommend Drive Time, a national buy here pay here organization that specializes in bad credit and after bankruptcy auto loans.
How To Get A Loan After Bankruptcy
CBS News explains that while some lenders will be hesitant to give auto loans after bankruptcy, some institutions specialize in working with people who have subprime credit. While you can apply for a loan once the 341 meeting with your creditors has taken place, the chances of approval are low. It’s generally best to wait until the bankruptcy is discharged. To get an auto loan after bankruptcy, follow these steps:
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Why Matthews Motors Wilmington
We have over a decade of experience helping people in open chapter 7 bankruptcy and open chapter 13 bankruptcy buy a car.
In addition to our experience, we also have valuable partnerships with the biggest banks in the country that specialize in bankruptcy financing. This means that we can get you financed even if you are in open chapter 13 or chapter 7 bankruptcy. We also work with attorneys who specialize in bankruptcy in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. We keep up to date with changes in bankruptcy laws and regulations that could affect your ability to buy a car in bankruptcy, and we understand the process.
Plus, most importantly, we have the right car for you! Thanks to our expansive inventory of used cars, trucks, and SUVs in Wilmington, we can find the best car for your financial situation. Our cars are quality, affordable, and have low mileage, which means we can get you financed even in bankruptcy.
**Remember** Replacement must be done before your discharge!
Bankruptcy Auto Loans Goldsboro Nc
One of the most common questions we hear at Matthews Motors is: Can I buy a car in bankruptcy? The answer is yes!
Did you know that replacing your car while in a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy case is one of the best ways to boost your credit score almost immediately? Bankruptcy is truly a fresh start for many, and replacing your car while in bankruptcy can be a big part of that. We at Matthews Motors of Goldsboro are here to help you buy a car in any financial situation, including bankruptcy. Call us at 919-752-3042 or continue reading below for more details.
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Chapter 13 Vs Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
For many lenders, credit history and credit score are the greatest indicators of one’s financial responsibility. However, they’re not the only considerations. Lenders also consider the number of accounts included in your bankruptcy. The more accounts, the greater the bankruptcy’s impact on your credit.
Individuals can file for two kinds of bankruptcy: Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. According to , your ability to get approved for a car loan is often impacted by the type of bankruptcy you filed for and the amount of time since you filed for bankruptcy.
Filing for bankruptcy usually takes several months after your initial meeting with your lawyer. With a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your creditors reduce the amount of money you owe. You are then responsible for making a payment to the trustee who’s in charge of your case, and they, in turn, portion out payments to the various creditors.
According to Auto Credit Express, the biggest advantage of this type of bankruptcy is that you get to retain your assets and property. This type of bankruptcy usually takes five years to complete. While a Chapter 13 stays on your credit for up to seven years, you do have options if you are trying to take out an auto loan during that time.