Collateral Loans on Vehicles: Smart Move or Risky Decision?

Using your car as collateral can unlock quick cash, but missing payments could cost you your vehicle.

A woman stands in front of her car
Updated September 3, 2025 Advertising disclosure
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Key takeaways

  • You can use your car as collateral for a secured loan, but risk repossession if you default.
  • Loans secured by your vehicle are easier to qualify for, even if you have a poor credit history.
  • The main types of personal loans secured by your car are auto equity loans, secured loan using your vehicle titles, and cash-out refinances.

If you own a car with a lot of equity, you may be able to use it as collateral for a loan. Secured loans are easier to qualify for and tend to cost less, as they are considered lower risk for the lender. The risk for you, the borrower, is greater, as you may lose your car if you can’t keep up with payments.

Not all lenders offer loans secured by vehicles. Those that do give you either auto equity loans or car secured loan using your vehicle titles. Both are secured loans that let you borrow money based on the value of your car.

We’ll review how loans secured by your vehicle work, so you can decide whether a loan on your car is right for you.

Can you use a car that you’re financing as collateral for a loan?

You may be able to use your car as collateral for a loan if you still owe on it. You have to find the right lender and hold significant equity. Equity means that the car’s value exceeds the outstanding balance of the loan. Your two main choices are auto equity loans or to receive cash.

Auto equity loans are similar to home equity loans. They allow you to borrow based on the amount of equity you have in the vehicle. Equity is the difference between what you owe and what your car is worth. For example, if your vehicle is worth $30,000 and you still owe $10,000, you have $20,000 in equity that you can tap into.

Major banks do not offer auto equity loans, but some local banks and credit unions provide this option.

A cash-out refinance is when you replace your current car loan with a larger one and keep the difference. The amount of cash you receive varies by lender and depends on your equity and credit score. Again, not all lenders provide cash-out refinances.

One option you are usually not eligible for while financing your car is a secured loan using your vehicle title. Title lenders require you to own your vehicle outright. This is because you have to hand over the title in exchange for the loan. If you have not paid off your car, then the primary lender holds a lien on the title. They have the right to repossess your vehicle if you fail to make payments.

Why do people consider collateral loans on cars?

People often consider auto equity loans or secured loan using your vehicle titles as a way to access . These loans are easier to qualify for, especially if you have poor credit or a limited credit history.

On forums like Reddit, people discuss using these secured loans to consolidate high-interest credit card debt. Other people have considered them as a means to cover moving costs when traditional loans were out of reach.

The primary question that arises is whether someone can use a financed car as collateral. The short answer is usually not, since the lender already holds the lien. The caveat is that if you have sufficient equity, you may be able to obtain an auto equity loan.

Pros and cons of using your car as collateral for a personal loan

Pros:
  • Higher approval odds, even with less than ideal credit

  • Potentially lower interest rates

  • Quick approval process

  • Get funds the same day

  • Continued use of your vehicle while repaying the loan

Cons:
  • Risk of losing your car if you default

  • Vehicle must meet lender requirements

  • Potential for negative equity

  • Limited loan amounts

Benefits of collateral loans on vehicles

A secured loan can be a practical solution when you need access to cash but have a poor credit score. These loans are easier to qualify for, as long as you have significant equity in your vehicle. Lenders are typically willing to approve larger amounts, often with lower interest rates than those of unsecured personal loans.

Using your car as collateral can help you secure approval for . You may even receive same-day or next-day funding.

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Considering a short-term loan?

The risks you should know about collateral loans

While using your car as collateral can make it easier to qualify, it also carries significant risks.

Repossession risk

The most obvious danger of collateral loans is losing your vehicle. If you fall behind on payments, the lender has the legal right to repossess your car to recover the loan balance.

The risk of repossession is even higher with . These loans often come with short repayment windows, balloon payments, and high fees. Auto equity loans usually have longer repayment terms and much lower APRs, making them easier to repay on time.

High interest rates and fees

Although secured loans generally offer better terms than unsecured ones, that isn’t true with all loans backed by your car. Auto equity loans typically have lower interest rates, but if you have poor credit, lenders may tack on extra fees. These fees can make the loan far more expensive than it first appears.

Title loans, on the other hand, often have higher fees to compensate for the risk the lenders take in not checking your credit. Many lenders charge fees equivalent to a 300% APR. The high financing charges make these loans costly and difficult to repay.

Impact on credit

Auto equity lenders report payments to three major credit bureaus. On-time payments can help , while missed or late payments can seriously damage it. Defaulting on the loan could set you back even further.

Title loan lenders typically do not report payments, except if you default on the loan. In this case, the lender may repossess your vehicle and sell it. If the sale does not cover what you owe, they may send the debt to a collections agency. Having a debt in collections will appear on your credit report, negatively impacting your score.

Insurance add-ons

Some lenders require you to have comprehensive and collision insurance coverage as a condition for approving a collateral loan. If you no longer have full coverage, you can either increase your coverage or purchase additional credit insurance. Credit insurance can get expensive and increase the total cost of borrowing.

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When collateral loans on vehicles make sense

Using your vehicle as collateral can be a practical option in specific situations. For instance, you need access to a larger amount of cash and have a poor or limited credit history. Because the loan is secured by your car, lenders are more willing to approve larger amounts at lower rates. This can be especially helpful for covering urgent expenses or obtaining to handle necessary repairs.

For these loans to be a good choice, you must have sufficient income to make payments.

Auto equity loans are best as a short-term solution. Use them to stabilize your finances, avoid higher-cost debt, or bridge a temporary hardship. That is, provided you have a clear repayment plan in place.

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Smart alternatives people explore

Secured personal loans aren’t the only way to borrow, even if you have poor credit. You can find safer and more affordable alternatives that don’t put your vehicle at risk.

Personal loans from credit unions

Credit unions are well-known for offering loans with flexible terms and competitive interest rates. Federal credit unions cap the APR on personal loan products at only 18%. They often work with members who have less-than-perfect credit.

You may end up paying a higher interest rate if the loan is unsecured or if you choose .

Balance transfer credit cards

If your main goal is paying off high-interest debt, a balance transfer credit card can be a powerful tool. These cards often come with 0% introductory APR offers, giving you time to pay down balances without added interest.

While approval requires decent credit, they’re often cheaper and less risky than auto-backed loans. Make sure you have a plan to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, as standard rates will apply thereafter.

Borrowing smaller amounts via peer-to-peer lending

Sometimes you don’t need thousands of dollars; just a smaller sum to cover immediate needs. Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms allow you to borrow directly from individual investors, often with fewer requirements.

You submit one application, and the platform matches you with investors willing to fund your request. P2P platforms can be beneficial for obtaining a modest short-term loan. Many sites offer transparent terms, making it easier to compare offers and avoid .

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use my car as collateral for a loan if I still owe on it?

You may be able to secure an auto equity loan, even if you still owe on it, as long as you have significant equity. You can also consider cash-out refinancing, where you take out a new, larger loan to replace the first and retain the difference. You cannot take out a secured loan using your vehicle title since the lender that financed your purchase has a lien on the title.

2. Can I use my car as collateral for a personal loan?

Yes, some lenders allow personal loans secured by your car. A secured loan can increase approval odds and lower interest rates, especially if you have poor credit. To qualify, you must either own the car outright or have a significant equity stake in it.

3. Should I use my car as collateral for a loan?

Using your car as collateral can be a sensible choice if you want better terms or have trouble qualifying for an unsecured loan. However, the risk is serious; missing payments could result in losing your car. Only use your car as collateral if you are sure you can repay the debt.

4. What happens when you use your car as collateral for a loan?

When you use your car as collateral, the lender places a lien on the vehicle. This means they gain the legal right to repossess it if you default. You continue to drive the car while making payments, but you must also maintain insurance and meet all loan terms. Once the loan is paid off, the lender removes the lien.

5. Where can I get a loan using my car as collateral?

You can find auto equity loans from community banks, credit unions, and online lenders. The largest U.S. banks do not offer this type of loan.

6. Can I use a car I’m still paying off as collateral?

You may be able to use a car you’re still paying off as collateral if you have enough equity in it. The portion of your vehicle that you own determines the amount you can borrow through an auto equity loan. You must have significant equity to qualify.

Bottom line

Using your car as collateral can feel like an easy solution when money is tight, but it should never be the first option. Try to save up for expenses or delay purchases until you can afford them. Even small savings over time can help you avoid debt and the risk of losing your vehicle.

If borrowing is unavoidable, be sure to shop around and compare multiple lenders before signing any agreements. Prequalifying for different offers allows you to see estimated rates and terms without hurting your credit. You receive a clearer picture of what’s realistic and can compare different types of loans and lenders.

Ultimately, collateral loans are best treated as a last resort. They can help in emergencies, but the risks – especially repossession – are too high to ignore. Consider less risky options before you put your car on the line.

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About the author

Author Rachel Alulis Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor's credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA.