Life can be unpredictable and challenging at times, and missing a car payment might seem tempting as a temporary solution.
FinanceMaster’s financial experts often talk to people on this bumpy road. During the call, counselors emphasize the importance of staying on track with car payments. Making regular, on-time car payments not only helps borrowers maintain a good credit score, but it also ensures the reliability and availability of your vehicle, allowing you to fulfill your daily responsibilities without unnecessary stress.
If you find yourself facing financial difficulties, it can be helpful to reach out for assistance and explore viable options to avoid missing payments. While there isn’t one solution that works for everyone, there are options that can work best for you.
Households managing credit card debt are especially challenged since with the latest interest rate hike, borrowing costs have risen to their highest level in more than 22 years.
As a result, people are “feeling the budget squeeze” each month when making that car payment.
Making late car payments can lower your credit score.
Unfortunately, the consequence of making late payments on your car loan can reduce your overall financial health. You will also end up paying more for your car due to late payment fees. And if the payments continue to be late, it might even result in repossession, which will become a negative chapter of your credit history.
With a little planning, it might be possible to get back on the road to financial health to keep current with car loan payments. Assembled here is a roundup of information to keep in mind if you’re consistently late with car payments.
Tips to staying on track with your car payments.
Determine a maximum amount for your back-to-school shopping based on what you need, what you currently have in the bank, and your other expenses. It’s natural to overspend (anyone else experience nostalgia surges at the sight of pencil boxes?) but aim to stay within your budgetary limits so you aren’t surprised when it’s checkout time.
Know when the payment will be considered late
- Check with your lender to confirm exactly when your payment will be considered late.
- Typically, a payment will be reported as late to the credit bureau when it hits 30 days past due.
- Ask your lender if there is a late car payment grace period. Some lenders provide a 10-day grace period for example.
Understand the late payment fee structure
- Look over the loan documentation to understand the amount of fees you will be assessed when payments are late.
- Creditors assess a late payment fee immediately following the missed payment, so be sure you have a clear picture of the fee total.
Track your credit score
- Creditors typically report a missed payment to the national credit bureaus after the 30-day mark.
- When you’re finding it tough to keep up with payments, be sure to track the activity on your credit report and monitor your score.
- Annualcreditreport.com provides updates from all three credit bureaus. Be sure your history is accurate and up to date. If something’s inaccurate, there are ways to reach out to credit bureaus for resolution.