Car Title Loans in Kennewick, WA: Everything You Need to Know
Are you hoping to borrow money? Want to make use of your trusty vehicle to secure a loan? Are you from Kennewick, Washington (MS), and curious about area-specific requirements?
If you responded YES! to all of the above, then worry not, because this article has all the answers you’ll need and more.
Let’s get right into it!
What Is a Car Title Loan?
A car title loan is a loan wherein the vehicle title serves as collateral.
This type of title loan is a great way to secure cash and is perfect for those hoping to borrow money quickly.
These loans are short-term, with the period often spanning 15 to 30 days (NOTE: In some cases, the borrowing period can last longer.).
One of the most appealing aspects is that SOME lenders don’t require a credit check (NOTE: Keep in mind that your lender might still conduct one.).
Further Background Knowledge on Car Title Loans
If this is your first time hearing technical words like loan, car title, and collateral, you may refer to the following descriptions (BTW, there’s no shame in not knowing! That’s what this guide is for.)
Loan
A loan is when a borrower lends a certain amount of money while promising future repayment.
Oftentimes, an interest rate is added to the original amount, which means that the borrower has to pay MORE than what was initially borrowed.
Car Title
A car title serves as proof of ownership and indicates identifying car details like its model and vehicle identification number (VIN).
This title is necessary when dealing with all things relating to the possession, be it selling the vehicle or simply registering yourself as the owner.
Collateral
Collateral is another way of referring to an asset used as “security” during a loan.
It is NOT 100% guaranteed that the borrower can pay back the amount loaned, so lenders use collateral to regain some of the money lost.
Thus, these assets minimize the risk of lenders losing everything during a loan.
Other Important Information
Car title loans are also referred to as title pawns, pink slip loans, auto equity loans, and auto collateral loans.
Also, motorcycle title loans are a thing too in Mississippi, if that’s the vehicle of your choice. You can double-check with your lender if you can turn over other vehicles besides your car.
How Does a Title Loan Work?
As mentioned earlier, a car title loan is done to secure loans by surrendering your car title until you can pay back the amount borrowed to your lender.
Rest assured, though, since you can still use your car to drive around Kennewick while repaying the loan.
Even if that’s the case, you should note that the lender (to whom you surrendered the car title) will be the legal lien holder for the meantime, UNTIL full repayment.
This means that the lender has a legal claim on the vehicle for reassurance that you cannot sell or trade the car until you fully repay the loan.
Additionally, having an EXISTING LIEN on your vehicle may prevent creditors or loan lenders from approving another title loan over the current one.
What Can I Do If I Still Have a Lien on My Vehicle?
There are many ways to remedy this depending on the lenders involved, but some solutions may include:
Paying off the Original Lien
This would be the MOST STRAIGHTFORWARD method, as it essentially resolves your existing title loan.
The lien may be lifted as soon as you complete the payment, allowing you to pursue another loan with your car title.
Refinancing Your Title Loan
This option means refinancing the loan under a different lender.
In short, the new creditor pays off the loan from the previous creditor, essentially transferring the debt from one lender to another.
Opting for a Registration Loan
This type of loan does not depend on the availability of the car title, making it ideal in this kind of situation.
The MOST IMPORTANT thing here, though, is that your name is on the official registration form.
Using the Car Title of a Second Vehicle
Having a lien on one car will not bar you from applying for a car title loan with a second vehicle. If you have the resources and really need the money, then go for it!
How Much Cash Can I Get Out of Car Title Loans?
There is NO SET VALUE for all car title loans, as it depends on the vehicle itself and the loan terms you and your lender agreed on.
Usually, the loan amounts you can get out of these title loans range from 25 to 50 percent of the vehicle’s value, which can depend on these factors:
- Date of manufacturing
- Mileage
- Model
- Current condition
These loans can be as low as $100 or as high as $10,000 (and, in some cases, even more). Auto title loans in Kennewick, Washington (MS) usually have a maximum loan amount of $2,500.
Why Should I Get One?
A car title loan is IDEAL as you can STILL use your vehicle during repayment, and the approval process is relatively QUICK.
Moreover, you don’t necessarily need to have a stellar credit history as NOT ALL lenders conduct a credit check, though some lenders may still prefer a GOOD CREDIT SCORE.
This optional credit check may be administered because a lender would feel reassured that you can pay back the amount borrowed, given a BETTER credit history.
Furthermore, you don’t need too many documents for the loan application, and the cash transfer can take place swiftly.
This is great for bills with fast-approaching deadlines or even for last-minute fees that require quick settlement!
How Can I Avail for a Title Loan Here in Kennewick, Washington?
Let’s elaborate more on the fast title loan application process.
The BASIC REQUIREMENTS are as follows, but some lenders may require more from you:
- The title of the vehicle
- Photo ID or other valid identification of the titleholder
- Photos of the vehicle or the vehicle itself (your lender will use these for inspection)
For some loans in Kennewick, proof of residency and phone numbers may also be required.
As long as you’re able to repay your loan, the title will once again be yours, and it’ll be like nothing ever happened!
In short, you’ll still be able to use your car even as a title lender.
Other Additional Procedures for Title Loans in Kennewick MS?
There are many ways to apply for an auto title loan, as this can take place both physically or online.
This would DEPEND ENTIRELY on the loan company of your choice and the branch locations near you.
Furthermore, the pre-approval process for title loans may be more tedious than the basic requirements mentioned in the previous section.
For example, your lender may request an installed GPS in the car before officially lending the cash. A few lenders might even require functioning car key duplicates.
More requirements that your lender may ask from you are as follows:
- Vehicle insurance documents
- Pay stubs (or documents that show your ability to repay the loan)
- Up to date vehicle registration
It would be best to take note of these things in advance before applying for a title loan pre-approval.
Having the correct documents prepared will ensure your lender that the process goes smoothly and without any problems.
NOTE: Lenders may also opt to look at your credit history or credit score before pursuing your application.
Are There Any Specific Requirements When Applying in Kennewick, Washington?
Getting a title loan in Kennewick, Washington, is similar to obtaining any other loan in the area. For your convenience, these are MS specific regulations you should be aware of the following:
- According to MS State Law, the maximum interest rate for title loans is 25%, or a 300% APR. It is also bound by MS law that loan contracts cannot have their terms extended.
- The Mississippi Title Pledge Act requires that applicants have information on the vehicle’s year of manufacturing, model, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), license plate, and date of purchase.
- Borrower’s social security number, physical description, and ID number; while for the loan itself,
- You must provide the loan amount, date of maturity, interest rate, and annual percentage rate, otherwise known as APR.
Auto Title Loans vs. Other Loans
So what sets title loans apart from other loan types?
This section will dive deeper into the interest rates involved and the main points of comparison between auto title loans and other loan varieties.
All in all, title loans are MORE ACCESSIBLE, and that you don’t have to worry about your credit score as much!
For more specific comparisons against other loan types, kindly refer to the following:
Payday Loans
In general, payday loans have a HIGHER interest rate than title loans.
Even then, title loans typically offer a larger loan amount since ownership of your vehicle is on the line. In payday loans, the collateral is a check dated for your next payday, hence the name.
Personal Loans
Personal loan terms may last anywhere between 24 and 60 months, making them MUCH LONGER than short-term title loans and payday loans.
Additionally, compared to title loans, the interest rate here is heavily dependent on your credit score and is generally LOWER.
If you have bad credit or a low credit score, you may want to stay away from this loan type.
Auto Loans
Auto loans differ significantly from auto title loans. Auto loans are loans wherein money is borrowed from lenders to purchase a vehicle.
Auto title loans are loans wherein a vehicle’s title is used as payment collateral.
Registration Loans
We may have mentioned registration loans earlier, but you should still make a clear distinction with auto title loans to help you decide which loan type to pursue.
In registration loans, it DOESN’T MATTER whether you own your car or not.
The cash loan amount will thus be dependent on both your income and the value of your car.
However, keep in mind that the collateral is the vehicle registration.
This registration is the documentation detailing your car’s registered state, related fees, and taxes. In summary, these indicate direct ownership.
Are Auto Equity Loans 100% Safe?
Many critics are wary of getting an auto title loan, primarily for its predatory nature. However, this SHOULD NOT necessarily stop you from pursuing one if you’re really in need of the money.
The most important thing is that you are aware of the risks to make a careful decision given your own needs and situation.
Is There Anything I Should Know Before Applying for One?
To avoid further financial troubles, and for the sake of your bank account, do take note of these considerations when contemplating an auto title loan:
Make sure to process the information carefully before you accidentally give up your car for some quick cash.
Remember, prevention is better than cure, and it will be much harder to fix the problem than simply avoiding the red flags.
1.) Abusive Lenders
Auto equity loans are commonly seen as PREDATORY because they’re considered a “last resort” when borrowers lack access to more secure options, like bank loans or even a payday loan.
The idea behind this is that the borrower wouldn’t willingly offer up their car title (and the possibility of their vehicle becoming repossessed) if they truly had NO other alternatives.
Because of this, lenders (SOME, but NOT ALL) tend to take advantage of desperate people in need of quick cash.
2.) Non-Annualized Interest Rates
Another controversial topic tied to car title loans is the usage of non-annualized interest rates.
This is a practice wherein lenders do not disclose whether the rate being advertised is actually annualized, causing borrowers to underestimate the gravity of how much they need to pay back.
With this in mind, it is best to ALWAYS review the loan terms and clarify things with lenders whenever necessary.
3.) Multiple Fees
Fees tend to pile up in auto title loans, which can drain your bank account if you aren’t careful. Some examples of costs to look out for are:
- Processing fees
- Document fees
- Late fees
- Origination fees
- Lien fees
4.) Unending Debt
Another concern is that desperate loan borrowers tend to prolong their loan and fall under a cycle of debt brought about by their inability to settle the payment.
People say that the high annual percentage rate (APR), additional costs, and overall loan terms are carefully crafted to trap low-income borrowers in paying much more than they bargained.
So, Is It Worth Pursuing an Auto Title Loan in MS, Kennewick?
If you’ve thoroughly read this article, you should understand the risks involved and the different factors at play.
You should also understand your situation more than anyone else, so after reading this guide and carefully weighing your options, the answer should be clear to you.
The REAL THREAT is when you go for the loan as a quick cash-grab without any solid repayment plan. This can easily trap you into UNENDING DEBT and can even result in the repossession of your car.
A common misconception about the auto title loan is that there is NO RISK INVOLVED since only the title is surrendered as collateral.
However, if you fail to meet the title loan requirements, your lender can take hold of your car. That means you won’t be able to use it.
We cannot stress this enough, but you really have to RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!
Look into companies offering loans in Kennewick, Washington.
If you can find any, go through relevant testimonials of Kennewick residents who have availed of car title loans with that specific company.
Kennewick Title Loans: No More Worries When You Know More!
FINAL VERDICT: If you are in urgent need of money, and can pay within the loan term, then go right ahead by all means!
Title loan amounts aren’t too crazy, yet they can help significantly with bills and other fees. You don’t have to be afraid of going broke or bankrupt!
Use this knowledge to your advantage, and make sure to go through the lender terms thoroughly.
Furthermore, the Kennewick area presents many lender options where you can avail of auto title loans, so make sure to grab the best opportunity you find.
So what are you waiting for?
Check your car’s mileage and overall condition right now, and make sure that your loan lender offers you the money you deserve!