What is a guarantor on a car loan?
Guarantor car loans are often a good option for those who may not be offered other types of car finance. They are most commonly used in the case of younger drivers, who can struggle to obtain finance due to having very little or no credit history.
What is a guarantor on a car loan? In a nutshell, the guarantor exists to guarantee the loan company that the payments will be made. In theory, the guarantor is likely to do nothing but sign the agreement as long as this happens. If the borrower stops being able to pay, however, the guarantor is liable to make the payments in their place.
How do you get a guarantor loan?
The applicant
To obtain a guarantor loan - or another kind of car finance - the applicant must be at least 18 years of age. They will need to demonstrate that they have a regular income, so the company can be confident that they make the repayments. The applicant must also have a UK bank account, and they are more likely to be accepted if they are listed on the electoral roll.
The guarantor
The guarantor will usually be a family member or close friend of the applicant, because they are placing their trust in them. If the applicant does not make payments, the guarantor becomes liable for this. Unpaid debt will also affect the credit scores of both the applicant and the guarantor.
To be accepted as a guarantor, the individual will also need a UK bank account, as well as a good credit history. Owning a home is a condition of some lenders. Even where this is not necessary, you are more likely to be able to borrow a larger sum, and/or obtain a good rate of interest if the guarantor is a homeowner.
The pros
Affordability
Quite simply, a guarantor can make all the difference regarding whether a young person can buy a car or not. Because this lowers the risk of borrowing, lenders are often prepared to offer lower interest rates than they would if they the risk was greater. In turn, this can help the applicant to afford a car. This can particularly benefit those who need a reliable car, for example to get to and from work.
Credit rating
If an applicant takes out a guarantor loan and manages to make their payments in full and on time, this is very likely to make it easier for them to obtain car and other types of finance in the future. This is because paying off the loan helps them to build up a good credit rating.
The cons
Credit score
The credit score can also be a con of guarantor loans, because if the borrower defaults on payment, this can damage the credit scores of both the applicant and the guarantor. This means both parties could encounter difficulties with future borrowing.
The home
If neither party pays the guarantor loan, the lender can take them to court to get what they are owed. Many lenders insist that a guarantor is a homeowner, because ultimately they can claim in court against any assets - which include the home. With such high stakes, it’s wise for both parties to consider their options very carefully before taking out a guarantor loan.
Further information
Guarantor loans are certainly worth considering if you are struggling to get accepted for finance agreements by yourself. However, as with any type of financial agreement, it’s important that you understand exactly what they involve before you apply. If you would like further information on this topic, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
