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If you have the cash to pay for a car, you can simply purchase a vehicle for cash without going through the court. However, you may need to amend your bankruptcy schedule, so talk to your attorney first. If you need to get a car loan while you are still on your repayment plan and before you’re discharged from bankruptcy, you can probably do so. Here are four steps to take, explains Lins. 1 Make a new budget showing that you can afford the car payment
2 Find a lender that will work with Chapter 13 bankruptcies
There are few lenders and car dealers who will work with those in an active bankruptcy, but there certainly are some who will, explains Lins. “Your bankruptcy attorney may be able to provide a list of lenders and dealers that will work with you, and you should check with your local credit union or bank.” And because your credit score will take a hit from bankruptcy, expect higher interest rates, fees and less favorable terms. You’ll also need to find a dealer who works with to get the car financed. Despite your options being slim, do your due diligence and compare rates and terms from a few different lenders. You must have the offer, including the purchase price, monthly payment and interest rate, in writing to provide to the court, explains Lins. “Keep the purchase price as low as possible and wait to exit bankruptcy and rehabilitate your credit before purchasing a more expensive vehicle,” she says. 3 File a motion with the court to purchase the car
To take on the car debt while you’re still repaying your debt, you’ll need to file a motion with the court to get it approved. This entails bringing your order and having a solid explanation of why you need to purchase a car and why you’ll need to get financing to do so. Perhaps your last car broke down and the repairs are so significant that financially it makes more sense to buy a new car. Or you live in an area where public transit isn’t easily accessible. This step is something your bankruptcy lawyer can help with. 4 Complete the purchase
How to get a car loan after Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Improve your credit score
There are several ways to , including getting and responsibly using a secured credit card. Obtaining a secured credit card requires putting down a small deposit that acts as collateral. Your deposit becomes the credit line for your credit card. “Charging and repaying small amounts over time will help rebuild a positive credit history,” says Lins. You can also look at services that will report rent and other bills, such as cell phone, utilities and streaming services to help you build or rebuild an on-time payment history, says Lins. “These services usually charge a modest fee, but some are free,” she says. “Using your utility bills and rental payments to create credit history can be a good strategy to jump-start the rebuilding process.” Monitor your credit
Shop around for a car in your budget
Making sure to shop for a car that’s within the realm of what you can reasonably afford will ensure you stay on top of the payments. This in turn can help rebuild your credit and keep you on track. Review your monthly expenses to determine how much of a car payment your budget will allow. As a rule of thumb, car related expenses should not exceed 20 percent of your total monthly budget — a threshold that includes the cost of gas, maintenance and insurance. You may also want to set a target price for your purchase using information available online through websites like Edmunds and Kelley, which list new and used car prices, as well as insurance cost estimates. Make a down payment
Alternatives to taking out a new car loan
If you are unhappy with the rates and terms offered for a car loan, or are having trouble getting approved altogether, consider other options. Shopping for a lower-priced vehicle. Even if the interest is high, your overall payment and how much you owe monthly will be more affordable. Wait and finance later when your credit has improved. Once you rebuild your credit, you’ll most likely qualify for a wider swath of car loans with lower interest rates, fees and more favorable terms. Pay in cash entirely. Saving up and paying cash outright for a car means you won’t have to apply for a car loan at all, which will save you in interest fees. But if you need a car sooner than later, you might need to take out a . The bottom line
Getting a car loan during Chapter 13 bankruptcy is possible. Find a lender that is willing to work with Chapter 13 bankruptcies and create a reasonable budget that allows you to continue debt repayments while also paying for a car loan. It’s also important to shop around to find a car that fits within your budget. After you are discharged from bankruptcy, financing options also exist. But the first step is to rebuild your credit by setting up a track record of consistently making debt payments on time. “It’s an old saying, but time really does heal all wounds, even wounds to your credit score,” says Lins. Learn more
SHARE: Jackie Lam is a contributing writer for Bankrate. Jackie writes about auto loans. Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to take control of their finances by providing clear, well-researched information that breaks down otherwise complex topics into manageable bites. Related Articles