Car finance is a long-term commitment. Depending on the details of your deal, the shortest terms are typically around one year, but you might sign an agreement that lasts four, five, or even six years. And a lot can change in that time; a loan that was perfect for you when you first got it, might not be right for you a few years later.
That’s where refinancing comes in.
Car refinancing is the process of ending your existing finance early and replacing it with a new deal, usually with a different lender and different terms.
But what does that mean in practice? Let’s break it all down.
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It all starts with finding a new deal. This could be with your existing loan provider or a new one. The application process works a lot like applying for a standard car finance loan, but you’ll need to provide extra details about your car and your current finance agreement. The lender might also ask to check over your vehicle, especially if it’s an older model.
Once you’ve found an agreement that works for you and signed on the dotted line, your new lender will pay to settle your existing finance on your behalf.
You’ll then start making fixed monthly repayments on the new deal.
Yes, if your circumstances have changed and your existing car loan doesn’t feel like the right fit anymore, you can apply to refinance at any time.
However, it’s worth keeping in mind that some lenders require that you’ve had your current loan for a set period (usually at least 12 months) before you try to refinance.
Your car loan is likely one of your biggest monthly expenses after your mortgage or rent payment. That’s why it’s so important that it fits your budget and needs. It’s not just about having a car that gets you from A to B, it’s having one that’s affordable and appropriate for your everyday life.
Over the course of your loan term, a lot can change, for better and worse. You might lose your job, get a promotion, have another child, end a relationship, or improve your credit score. Before you know it, a finance agreement that was right for you two or three years’ ago might not be a good fit anymore.
A refinance car loan gives you the chance to change the term of your deal. This could mean:
Everyone loves having a few extra pounds in their pocket, and while it’s not guaranteed that you’ll find a better deal, refinancing could save you money.
If you’ve put in the work to improve your credit score over time, you might find that you now qualify for a lower interest rate. A loan with a lower APR will not only reduce the overall cost of the finance but could also lower your monthly repayment amount.
In contrast, if you’ve had a promotion or a pay rise since you took out your loan, you might be able to put more towards your loan each month. Refinancing to a deal with higher monthly repayments but a shorter loan term could help you clear the finance faster and save money on interest.
On the other hand, if your budget is stretched and you’re struggling to keep up with your monthly repayments, you might be able to reduce your repayment amount by refinancing to a longer loan term. The more months the loan is spread across, the lower your monthly payment will be. Keep in mind that, while you’ll save in the short, you might end up paying more back in interest overall.
While different lenders can ask for different things as part of a refinance application, in most cases, you’ll need to have ready:
Credit scores aren’t an exact science and can be affected by a whole range of different factors, but refinancing will usually lower your score in the short-term. This is because your new finance will be listed as a new account on your credit report, adding a hard search query and reducing the average of your credit.
Don’t panic; this dip should only be temporary. Once you start making your new loan repayments, your score will start to recover. In fact, if your new deal comes with more affordable repayments – and reduces the chances that you’ll miss a payment – refinancing could even improve your credit score over time.
As with all things finance, there are both positives and negatives to refinancing a car loan. You’ll need to weigh up these pros and cons against your personal priorities and financial circumstances to decide if it’s the best option for you.
Potential downsides to refinancing include:
Depending on wider economic conditions, your credit score, and your affordability, it may be hard to find a deal with a more competitive interest rate.
Many car finance agreements will apply a charge for ending your car finance early. Check the small print to know exactly how much settling your loan and refinancing the car could cost you.
If you switch to a loan with a longer term to reduce your monthly repayment amount, you could end up paying more in interest overall.