Car Title Loans in Lakeland, Florida: The Whats and Hows
Are you facing unexpected life troubles?
Bankruptcy? Sudden death in the family? Household purposes? Medical emergencies?
You’re already in a state of despair. Securing a loan SHOULD NOT BE ANY HARDER anymore.
Secured loans can help you with making payments, and Lakeland auto title loans are PERFECT for your immediate cash needs!
If you own a car, title loans might be the BEST loan option!
Check the information below for everything you need to know about title loans in Lakeland, Florida.
Car Title Loans in Lakeland, FL
A car title loan in Lakeland stays TRUE to what title loans are. Here are a few characteristics of a title loan.
- It is a type of short-term loan.
- It is also called an “auto title loan,” a “vehicle title loan,” a “pink slip loan,” or just a “title loan.”
- It is a secured type of loan.
Title loans take advantage of car ownership to get some extra cash.
If you are a car owner, you can borrow money from credible lenders by (temporarily) surrendering your vehicle’s title.
- The car title serves as an ASSURANCE that you’ll pay your dues.
You still get to drive your car; only you do not have the physical proof of ownership for it.
You can get the title back at the end when you have successfully paid up the whole loan value.
Understanding Car Title Loans (Lakeland)
Say your loan proceeds. But, you FAIL TO PAY the loan amount by the end of the agreed-upon time. What happens?
You LOSE your car!
Again, to make sure you understand. YOU LOSE YOUR CAR. Your lender gains full possession of your vehicle!
It’s a BIG RISK, we know.
But, if you’re sure you can repay it ON TIME, auto title loans are one of the BEST options you can turn to if you need cash ASAP.
Now that you get the gist, it’s also important to get a short rundown of the things you should take note of.
Amount: Vehicle’s Equity
Can title loans get you the amount of cash you need?
The answer: IT DEPENDS ON YOUR CAR’S VALUE.
The loan amount is roughly the value that the auto loan store computes based on the ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE of your car.
They consider the OVERALL CONDITION OF THE CAR and a few specifications.
- Year and make
- Model and mileage
- Signs of usage and damages
- Other modifications
Most lenders will be able to give you 25-50% of your vehicle’s value.
If you think your car may be worth MORE than their estimate, it won’t hurt to negotiate a bit! Bringing in an expert evaluator of your own can help you be treated fairly.
Amount: Loans Provider
Aside from the car’s equity value, the cash you can get also depends on your lender.
Some lenders in Lakeland offer loan amounts from $2,500 to $50,000. There are also loan agents that only offer cash loans in the $1000 to $20,000 range.
How would you know which to choose? Here are a few questions you can ask yourself.
- Are they credible? Legitimate?
- Do they offer fair value for my vehicle?
- Can I afford the interest rates they charge?
- Are my cash needs within the range they can loan out?
Although there are loan providers that can get you up to $50,000, AVOID BEING TEMPTED TO BORROW MORE THAN YOU NEED!
Assess how much cash you need, and STICK to it!
The number one mistake of borrowers is thinking that the amount they borrow does not matter because it is debt anyway.
But, that cannot be any more wrong.
If you borrow more, you’ll have to repay much more! Avoid putting yourself in a worse financial situation.
Period
Of course, you should consider how much time you may need to repay the money!
Car title loans are great options if you can pay short-term loans. If you borrow some cash today, do you see yourself being able to repay it in 30 days? How about in 60 days?
If the answer is NO, you have two other choices left:
- Find a title loans provider that offers longer terms.
- Opt for different types of loans (personal loans, payday loans, title pawns, student loans, etc.)
Don’t lose hope if you aren’t capable of repaying your loans in a month! Most Lakeland title loans have flexible periods.
The maximum loan term usually stretches to one year.
Just remember, know HOW MUCH you need and WHEN you can realistically pay it back.
Loan Agreement
The title loan agreements between borrowers and lenders are straight to the point.
The borrower surrenders the vehicle’s title as COLLATERAL. The lender gives the cash and expects a timely repayment.
That’s usually about it.
But, it is good to note that some lenders can be more particular. Some Lakeland car title loans require you to put a tracking device on your car.
- This is some extra assurance that you won’t just run away with your car.
Lakeland Title Loans Requirements
The FUSS-FREE LOAN PROCESSING of auto title loans in Lakeland, Florida, is all about the requirements and EASE of application.
You DON’T need to prepare a lot of documents when you apply.
The loan application was made simple and fast to encourage consumers to apply.
Once you pool the documents together, you can submit them in person or send them through email.
Here are the requirements that the lender will ask of you:
- Original and clear vehicle title
- Copy of a valid identification card (ID)
- Proof of residence in Lakeland, Florida
- Proof of car insurance
- Proof of income
- Proof of a bank account
- Photos of the vehicle itself
Advantages of a Car Title Loan
Car title loans (Lakeland) may not be for all.
But, it sure boasts a lot of benefits!
Before applying for auto title loans, check if you can benefit from the advantages of this type of loan.
Common Uses for a Title Loan
Being swamped by sudden fees is terrible. The good thing is that a title loan can get you the quick cash you need.
Here are some unexpected fees that most people get a title loan for.
- Emergency medical bills
- Accident-induced car repairs
- Utility and rent
- Food and groceries
- Tax bills
- Credit card bills
And don’t worry! You still get to drive your car while you pay for your bills!
Benefits of a Title Loan in Lakeland
Three words: URGENCY, PERSONIZABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY.
A title loan is popular because of the SPEEDY loan process. With a good loan agent, you can get your cash within one business day, or even hours, after your application.
Plus, the loan terms are very flexible. You can personalize it according to your need.
If you only need a small amount of cash, you can easily ask for the minimum loan amount or minimum loan term.
Lastly, a car title loan does not discriminate.
Bad credit score? Not a problem!
Your lender will still do a quick credit check, but a bad credit score will NOT break your application.
Providers of title loans are everywhere in Lakeland, and you can easily apply online or over the phone!
Disadvantages of an Auto Title Loan
Car title loans (Lakeland) seem like a great option.
BUT WHAT IS THE CATCH?
As with everything, there are disadvantages to a title loan. Take some time to breeze through these downsides before committing to an application.
High Rates
The downside of quick cash is the COST that comes with it.
Traditional bank loans and the accompanying credit check can be tedious. It can be a pain to avail.
But, at least, the interests are much more affordable.
If you want a low rate similar to a bank loan, a title loan is not for you. The rates of a car title loan can be VERY HIGH.
It’s about the same rate you’d expect from payday loans. They have in common that borrowers with bad credit can still apply.
Bad credit means an increased risk for the lending company.
Here are some other reasons for the high rates:
- The interest fees are non-annualized.
- Quick cash equates to a higher risk.
Limitations
Title loans are very flexible and accessible. But there are still some limitations that can make or break your choice.
Common vehicle types are accepted as collateral for a title loan. It might not be a major factor if you own a sedan or an SUV.
However, if you own a truck, a bus, or a motorcycle, it is best to check with your lender first.
Another limitation of this loan type is that you can’t avail of a title loan for two different vehicles. You can only apply for one vehicle at a time.
- If you need a second title loan on a second vehicle, you may have to apply at a different title loan agency.
- Of course, this means doing the whole process AGAIN and essentially paying twice the amount.
Lastly, partial car ownership will disqualify you from applying for an auto title loan.
If you are not eligible for a car title loan, there are other types that you can check out.
- Payday loans
- Service student loans
- Personal loans
- Title pawns
Steps in Securing Lakeland Title Loans
The earlier you get started, the earlier you can get your money.
But don’t forget to make sure you still carefully accomplish each step.
1. Secure the Required Documents
We already talked about the requirements in the earlier section. However, those are just the BASIC requirements.
Once you’ve chosen a lender, take the initiative to ask if they have any extra requirements.
After all, THEY are the ones who will make all the credit decisions.
2. Apply Online
Once you’ve prepared the requirements, you can now secure an application form from a lender of your choosing!
You can get this at a physical office or download it from their websites.
Complete the application form as correctly as you can. This will be the basis for CONDITIONAL APPROVAL.
- Double-check your personal information.
- Make sure to accurately fill in your vehicle details.
- Filling up the form means you are still providing acceptable property (your car) as collateral.
3. Get Pre-Approved
As long as you have filled in the application form properly and have secured all requirements, pre-approval is a breeze!
How will you know you have been pre-approved?
Your agent or lending officer will contact you through your preferred line once this step is done.
4. Pending Review & Final Approval
The most tedious part of the steps is when terms and agreements are laid out.
This is the step where you’ll talk about the specifics. Here are some TIPS that may help you before signing any terms.
- Make sure you get a fair value for your car.
- Double-check the interest rate.
- Carefully look if there are any hidden fees.
- Check if there are prepayment penalties (especially if you intended primarily to pay early).
If everything seems okay with you, sign the needed documents and secure a copy for yourself.
5. Get the Cash
Getting the cash is undoubtedly our favorite part!
Nothing separates you from paying your financials. Don’t forget to bring an ID when claiming your money.
You can opt to have your money wired to you as well.
6. Repay Your Loan
Repayment is the part that most people forget when it is arguably the most important part!
If you fail to repay your debt, you will be forced to FORFEIT your car. Failing to repay your debt puts you in a worse financial state!
Always make sure you are CAPABLE of repaying all your debts.
Repayment of title loans is also very accessible. You can opt for any of the following options.
- Direct deposit
- Wire transfer
- Through check
Florida Title Loan Laws
Any car title loans expert will not forget to tell you about title loan laws.
The Florida title loan laws put a CAP on the interest rates a lender can charge you depending on how much you borrow.
- Less than $2000 – maximum 30% per year
- $2000 to $3000 – maximum 24% per year
- Greater than $3000 – maximum 18% per year
What if your lender charges you higher than the interest rates above?
Any lender who purposely overcharges will have to pay you back the excess amounts. This helps you ensure that no one takes advantage of your financial situation.
But, it does not end there!
Aside from returning the money, the lender will also be required by the law to:
- Return the vehicle used as collateral (if it was forfeited or possessed).
- Forfeit the whole principal amount of the loan.
Conclusion
Life is hard and complicated. Not everyone has the luxury to afford unexpected expenses.
But, being underwater does not necessarily mean you have to drown.
Car title loans in Lakeland, Florida, can help!
We hope that this article helped you figure out how to apply for Lakeland title loans, and we wish you luck with your financial situation!