Can I get car finance on disability benefits?
If you currently have the guaranteed monthly income of a permanent job, it can be very straightforward and simple to acquire car finance, but not everyone’s circumstances fall into this category.
If you are unable to work due to incapacity, you might be asking yourself ‘can I get car finance on disability benefits?’ Although it may not be quite as easy, it is possible to secure car finance if your income relies in part or fully on disability benefits.
Specialist lenders and dealers for those on disability benefits
While not all banks, lenders and car dealerships will consider offering finance agreements to those on disability benefits, there are some who specialise in providing such possibilities. While a personal loan or fixed sum loan from a bank may call into question your ability to repay money on a low income such as one solely supported by disability allowance, there are lenders who specifically offer car finance to those in such situations.
These lenders don’t discriminate against those with disabilities when it comes to offering finance. Individual circumstances may vary – for example, your period of disability or illness may be temporary, but many of these lenders specifically make finance available to people on long and short-term benefits.
Your unique credit history
Be aware that applying for car finance not only takes into account your monthly income, but also examines your track record when it comes to credit. Two separate individuals on disability benefits might be applying for car finance on exactly the same monthly payments but if one has a poor credit history, this could negatively impact their ability to acquire a car finance agreement while the other may be accepted.
The risk factor
If you don’t make a regular monthly wage from a permanent position and your credit rating is poor or uncheckable, you can still be accepted for a car finance agreement from a lender. As a higher risk individual to lend to, just bear in mind that you will often be charged at a higher rate of interest to compensate. In car finance, the best deals are typically secured by those with superior credit scores.
Finding the right finance for you
Depending on your individual circumstances, it’s important to know what the best form of finance is for your current situation before applying. Those on disability benefits seeking car finance should always consider this closely before applying. Making an application for car finance that is rejected can negatively affect your credit score, decreasing your chances of securing an agreement in the future.
Personal loans and fixed sum loans provided by a bank will take into account your credit history, your monthly income and your regular outgoings to ascertain if you will be able to realistically keep up with your monthly instalments.
Hire purchase (HP) car finance can be a more viable option for those on disability benefits seeking a lender. In an HP agreement, the vehicle itself is deemed collateral, which is ideal for those seeking finance who do not have cash deposits or assets. Providing extra security for the finance lender, HP agreements allow companies to reclaim the vehicle from you in the unfortunate event that you are unable to maintain your regular monthly payments. Lenders are often more likely to offer this kind of finance to those on disability benefits as there is little or no risk to them.
