An online title Loan is simply a title loan that allows you to complete the entire process without visiting a lender. Some online title loans do require an in person inspection. For purposes of this post, we’ll assume the entire loan is completed electronically with no in person visits.
We will cover how to make sure you find a decent title loan should you choose one. This will also include how to avoid the least advisable loans with excessive repayment terms.
There are several keys to getting a loan that many consumers often overlook. We go over each of these to help you get the best online title loan.
These actions can make the difference between a loan that solves your problems and a loan that causes more problems. A title loan that is either difficult or impossible to repay can result in repossession.
No borrower wants to lose their vehicle. This risk can be minimized by following each of the key suggestions discussed below.
Vehicle Equity as a Funding Source
Typically, a financial emergency is very stressful. When you don’t have readily available savings or other means to cover the expense, there is another source. This source is the equity in the vehicle. If you have a vehicle with equity you can use the equity to get an online title loan and you can do so very fast.
Often, the search for the fastest solution, like the closest title lender or the first search result, is the path chosen to solve the problem temporarily. As we discuss below, this often results in a very high cost loan.
If you get lucky you may happen to choose a decent and reputable title loan company. You may even find one with low rates. To be on the safe side, take a bit of time and do a little research before signing the loan agreement.
It can be difficult to tell whether or not the title loan company you are applying with offers loans at lower rates with favorable terms and conditions. The fact is title lenders have a negative stigma for a reason.
Common Challenges with Finding Title Loans Online
Getting a car title loan can be both confusing and challenging. There are more lenders and additional title loan companies that advertise in the space.
Some companies are also advertising title loans without actually providing loans. This only adds to the confusion and can lead consumers to applying with companies without having any information on lender’s costs.
Add to this the stress that accompanies needing a title loan and you can see the difficulty finding the top online title loan poses.
Often, car title loans are used to cover urgent and emergency expenses. These are life’s unexpected surprises that cause a cash flow shortages.
These are usually very time sensitive events and rushing to the first or closest lender is common. The thought is that all lenders are equal so the first one you find will be the same as any other lender. This is not true.
The effects of recent events related to the coronavirus are leaving millions of Americans with difficulties meeting ends meet. The last thing these consumers need is a title loan with rates higher than necessary.
Quick Definition of an Online Title Loan
An online title loan is a secured loan that allows you to borrow many using the equity in your vehicle. Basically you put up your vehicle as collateral for the loan.
If you fail to repay the loan the lender can repossess the vehicle. This makes finding a title loan with affordable payments extremely important.
We specialize in online title loans at the best interest rates. The benefit of an online title loan is the streamlined and optimized title loan process. We have made improvements to the process that makes it very easy to apply for an online title loan. There is no credit check or commitment.
Keys to getting the Best Car Title Loan Online
The focus of this post is helping consumers find a fair title loan at the best rates. This also requires avoiding some of the least reputable lenders. Simply following the five keys detailed below will help ensure you find a favorable car title loan.
We prefer everyone get a fair and affordable title loan; whether you choose Fast Title Lenders or a different company. The five keys we cover include:
- Don’t rush
- Find the lowest rate
- Borrow only what you need
- Keep the loan term short
- Know what your car is worth
1. Don’t rush into the Loan
Unfortunately, when you are in a hurry to solve a financial problem, this is when you are least likely to take the time and effort required to vet the lender. You are also less likely to read the loan agreement in full to understand all terms.
Additionally, the stress of the financial situation can lead to a rushed decision without fully comprehending the loan.
This is what many, not all, title lenders are counting on. This is how they can charge the high rates and fees.
The biggest tip we can give to anyone shopping for an online title loan is get several quotes from lenders. Then, read the loan agreement in full before signing. Read it again, slowly, and make sure you fully understand every term and condition.
If you don’t agree with something, ask a question. If the lender won’t change it, move on to another. There are plenty of online title loan companies. Don’t get stuck with a very high interest loan you can’t repay.
2. Find the Lowest Rate Lender
Car title loans are expensive, regardless of how you look at them. There are, however, some lenders offering lower rates than many of the larger lenders that charge the maximum allowable rates.
Finding one of these lenders can save you a significant amount of money over the loan term. There are several lenders charging lower rates like us, but you will need to look further than the first search result.
Finding a decent lender can take a bit of research. If you’re reading this that is a great start. Feel free to visit our site and apply or just learn more about online title loans and how they work.
3. Borrow only what you Need
This is another very important aspect of getting an online title loan. Most lender’s site’s include statements like “most cash!” and they encourage borrowing the maximum amount you qualify for.
This is not a good idea. The more you borrow, the more interest you’ll end up paying. Figure out what you need to solve your financial emergency and borrow that amount.
Every dollar you borrow is another dollar you will need to repay with interest. Do not let the lender convince you to borrow more than you need simply because you qualify for that amount.
What if the Lender’s Minimum Amount is High?
This is more common is states where smaller dollar loans have an interest cap. Some online title loan companies have high minimum loan amounts. If a lender is insisting you borrow a certain amount that is more than you need, ask them to make an exception.
If you can’t find a company in your state that will lend you what you need and is insisting you borrow more than you need, then make a payment immediately following the loan. Make sure they have no prepayment penalty before doing so.
For example if you need to borrow $1,000, but the title loan company insists you borrow $2500, then make a $1,500 payment as soon as the loan is made. This will minimize the amount of interest you are charged over the loan term.
4. Keep the Loan Term Short
Another key to getting the best online title loan is keeping the loan term as short as possible. You need to make sure the amount borrowed meets your financial need, and that the loan term results in a monthly payment you can afford.
Use the car title loan calculator to figure out different payments for different loan amounts and terms. Find the shortest term that results in a payment you can easily afford.
Why Keep The Loan Short?
The reason to keep the online title loan term short is to minimize the cost of interest. The best title loans have the lowest costs and reasonable interest rates.
To keep the costs low, you need to make sure not to make the loan too long. Interest charges increase dramatically as the loan term increases for title loans.
The table below shows an example loan with four different terms: 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years. As you can see the 2 and 3 year loans are significantly more in total cost. The sad part is the monthly payment is not decreased very much.
This means that the total loan cost for longer loans is several times the original loan amount. In some cases this can be more than the vehicle is worth. This is the reason keeping the loan as short as possible is a key to getting a favorable loan.
This doesn’t mean you have to repay the loan within 30 days. It is still possible to get a 12 month and even a 24 month loan with affordable payments.
Find a lender with low interest rates and get a few quotes. Our title loan calculator let’s you compute loan loan costs and repayment schedules for any amount and various terms.
5. Know what your Car is Worth
This is another factor that is often overlooked when preparing for a title loan. It is generally a good idea to understand how much your vehicle is worth. Car title loan amounts are based on your vehicle’s value. Knowing this prior to getting the loan is important.
Title Loans are limited to a percentage of your vehicle’s value. This is usually 50%. With an online loan, the lender never gets a chance to see the vehicle and has to assign a value based on information you provide.
If you have already performed a thorough appraisal yourself you will be able to provide this information faster and answer any questions that may come up.
What does the Online Title Loan Lender use to Value my Car?
Since there is no physical inspection or appraisal, the lender will use the information you provide as well as a vehicle history report. The information you provide will include:
- Vehicle Year, Make, and Model
- Vehicle Mileage
- Condition (Exterior, Interior, and Mechanical)
- Pictures (Exterior, Interior, and VIN)
Additionally, the lender will pull a vehicle history report. This will provide information including the number of owners, any salvage or rental history, and accidents, and other information that may affect what the vehicle is worth today.
You can get one step ahead by getting a vehicle history report to make sure the information is accurate and to understand any adjustments to value resulting from the report.
Next Steps
If you followed the five keys to getting a better title loan you will have a much better chance of getting a loan with more favorable terms and conditions. Find a few lenders and ask for a quote. Compare quotes and go with the best lender for your situation.
How much do Online Title Loans Cost?
Costs for online title loans can and do vary widely. These variations are a result of different interest rates and loan lengths. As an example, here are some costs for a $2,000 title loan for different terms in months.
6 Month, 12 Month, 24 Month, and 36 Month Loans
As we discussed, keeping your loan as short as possible is the best way to keep your costs down.
Monthly Payments and Total Loan Costs:
To illustrate what happens to costs as you extend a loan we will show several terms for the same loan amount. For simplicity, the interest rate for each of the loans is the same 10% per month (120% APR).
Many online title loans have higher rates than this, and some have lower. The monthly payments and total loan costs for the $2,000 title loan for each of the terms are shown in the following table:
| Loan Length | Monthly Payment | Total Loan Cost for a $2,000.00 Loan |
| 6 Months | $459.21 | $2,755.26 |
| 12 Months | $293.53 | $3,522.36 |
| 24 Months | $222.60 | $5,342.40 |
| 36 Months | $206.69 | $7,440.84 |
| 48 Months | $202.08 | $9,699.84 |
As you can see from the table, lengthening your loan past 12 months does not significantly decrease your monthly payment. In fact, the difference between the 36 month and 48 month loan is less than $5 a month.
It does significantly increase the total loan cost. While the monthly payment only decreased by $5 for the 48 month loan, the total cost increased by over $2,400. That is excessive and more that the original loan amount.
Summary to get the Best Online Title Loan
Needing a title loan is no fun. It is a difficult decision to make during a difficult time. Take a step back, don’t rush, compare lenders, and keep the loan amount and term reasonable. Finding a loan with an affordable payment should be a priority. Remember, you are pledging your vehicle as collateral.
Online title loans are getting easier to complete. Make sure to find a lender with reasonable rates. Always read the loan agreement in full. If you don’t understand a clause in the agreement then clarify it with your lender.
Make sure you understand each and every payment you are required to make. Also learn how to make your payments and make sure the method is convenient.
Finally, if it doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t. Trust your gut and walk away from a loan before committing if something seems off. Learn more about title loans here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0514-car-title-loans. The FTC provides some information that can also help avoid some of the least advisable lenders.
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