Car Title Loans in Melbourne, FL: Should You Get One?
Are you going through a rough patch in your life, and do you need a helping hand? If you are, then we understand where you are coming from.
Bills pile up, accidents happen, or we have to pay tuition fees. All of these can lead to overwhelming stress.
Fortunately, we have car title loans. This article will tell you everything you need to know, and if it is the right option for you!
True or False: Understanding Your Car Title Loans
There are so many misconceptions surrounding car title loans. We are here to shed some light on these misconceptions and tell you the truth.
So, here are some truths and misconceptions about title loans without further ado!
#1 A Car Title Loan Is a Short-Term Loan.
True!
A car title loan is a type of short-term financing. It requires you to give the rights to collateral in exchange for some financial aid.
In this type of loan, the borrower pledges their car as collateral to obtain cash. [R]
Title loans are also called auto title loans, pink slip loans, or vehicle title loans.
#2 I Won’t Be Able to Have a Car Title Loan if I Have Bad Credit
This one is false. Let us explain to you why.
Title loans are one of the loans where your bad credit will not cause your rejection. The truth is you can still apply for a title loan even if you have a bad credit score.
However, those with higher credit scores may get better deals and interest rates.
The lenders will determine your ability to repay the loan, so that’s the main goal if you want to be accepted for a title loan.
#3 Car Title Loans Are the Same as Payday Loans.
This one is false as well. They are different types of loans.
What’s similar about the two is auto title loans, and payday loans are both under short-term financing.
In payday loans, the lenders will offer some cash in exchange for a post-dated check, which a borrower should pay on their payday. Hence, the name payday loans.
In title loans, a borrower exchanges their car title for the loan money.
#4 Lenders Will Check My Credit History if I Apply
This can be true! Similar to the question earlier, your credit score is one of the bases of lenders about your ability to repay loans.
By checking that, they will have an idea of how well you could handle previous loans. This is why some lenders will perform a credit check.
However, if you think that you will be disqualified based on a low credit score alone, then that’s where you’ve got it wrong.
In performing a credit check, the main criteria of lenders is to assess the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.
If you can assure your lenders you can repay the loan by providing some documents, then there is a good chance that you will be accepted into a title loan.
We will discuss these loan documents in detail in the next subsections.
#5 I Would Need to Have a Bank Account to Qualify for a Title Loan
This can also be true, but not how you might think!
Some lenders require that a borrower have a bank account because that is where they will send or transfer the loan amount.
Don’t worry. You won’t have to surrender your bank account for the duration of the title loan.
How Can I Apply for a Car Title Loan in Melbourne?
This section will guide you on applying for title loans in Melbourne, Florida. This five-step process has convenience and simplicity written all over it.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Do Your Research
As they always say, preparation is the key to success. You might be thinking that this is a waste of time, but this can make or break your auto title loan application.
Before anything else, we recommend that you do simple research and compare Melbourne’s auto title loan companies. These are some of the things you should check:
- What are their interest rates?
- Do they have prepayment penalties?
- Are they registered to operate legally in the state of Florida?
- What are their title loan conditions?
Knowing these things will help you choose better.
It will also ensure that your title loan application will serve its purpose of providing for your immediate cash needs.
Step 2: Apply Online
One of the things that we love about the loan process is its convenience. You don’t even have to go outside line up for long hours while carrying a mountain of paperwork.
Title loans in Melbourne made the process SUPER easy it can even be done at the comfort of your home.
To become pre-approved, submit your application online. Don’t worry. This will only take around five minutes.
We want a seamless application for you, so we also advise you to prepare some basic information beforehand.
This will include your personal information and some information about your vehicle.
The sooner you submit your application for a title loan in Melbourne, the sooner the loan processing can start!
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
After you apply online, a title loan lender will also need to evaluate and assess your online application through loan documents.
Usually, a lender will ask for the following information: personal, vehicular, financial, and some additional information, just to be sure.
Personal Information
For your personal information, please prepare the following documents:
- Birth certificate
- Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- Proof of residence (can be a government-issued ID with your address on it or some utility bills showing your address)
Vehicular Information
This is one of the most important documents you will need to provide, but you have to ensure that your car is lien-free before anything.
This means that no outstanding debts or judgments are tied to your car. Another factor that will determine the loan amount would be the condition of your car.
The lenders will require:
- Your car title
- Main document of title loans.
- Photos of your car
- Odometer
- VIN
Take pictures of your car’s interior and exterior parts, including some damages that should be taken into account.
Lastly, most title loans will ask for the vehicle insurance documents of your car.
This is because lenders want to be assured that no matter what happens to your car in the duration of your title loan, it will be restored to its condition when you have signed the loan.
Financial Information
Your acceptance into title loans in Melbourne will heavily depend on your ability to repay the loan.
That’s why proof of income is SUPER important. Aside from a credit check, this will add credibility to you and your ability to pay back what you owe.
Your proof of income can come in the form of paycheck slips. If you are unemployed and receive some support, you can also use your bank statements.
Remember, the goal here is to show the title loan lenders that you have the means to return the money that you owe.
If you are a business owner, you may also show your business’s financial statements, displaying that your company has a profit.
As long as you have proof that you can repay the loan amount, there is a high chance that you will be granted a title loan.
Additional Information
Lastly, some title loan lenders will also seek two or three references from you to verify everything else.
They will be asked about your credibility as a borrower and your paying habits.
Don’t worry. The questions are intended primarily to ensure that you are qualified for a title loan.
Step 4: Review Your Loan Agreement
Once you get offered a title loan, don’t rush into signing just yet. Take the time to read everything written on the loan agreement.
One of the things that we love about title loans in Melbourne, Florida is they allow some room for discussion.
You can sit with your lenders and negotiate about your loan proceeds, prepayment penalties, interest rests, and the like.
The loan agents will be available to answer your question on any business day. We advise you to maximize this flexibility to ensure that you get a good deal.
Step 5: Get Your Cash!
The final step of your title loan process is to finally get your money!
The loan proceeds will either be a direct deposit to your bank or a money transfer through Western Union and other similar establishments.
All that’s left is to make sure that you are not late in paying back the loan amount.
Our last reminder for you is to set up a reminder system to ensure you don’t forget your payment dates and avoid any late payment fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have more questions or clarifications? Don’t worry. We are here to answer all of them!
In this subsection, we give you an answer to the general questions regarding title loans.
How Much Cash Will I Get From Title Loans?
Your loan amount will depend upon five factors of your car: year, make, model, mileage, and accessories.
Keep in mind that some lenders of auto equity loans in Melbourne, FL do not accept cars manufactured before 2000.
As for the mileage, your car might not also be accepted if it has too high mileage.
Some good news, though! Certain accessories will increase your car’s value. These can be having a sunroof, leather seats, and the like.
To be sure, Melbourne title loan agents can perform a loan amount estimate for your car so you can also have an idea of how much you are eligible to get.
How Can I Get Accepted Even With Bad Credit?
In Melbourne, Florida, title loans are less strict regarding credit scores.
Compared to banks and other financial institutions, you can qualify for auto collateral loans even when you have bad credit.
What’s important is how well you prove and convince your lenders that you CAN repay the loan.
As much as possible, present your documents showing your income streams or some financial support, if any.
Lenders of a title loan will still assess and evaluate your application even if you have a bad credit score, as long as you can prove that you have the ability to pay the loan.
Can I Pay Ahead of Time?
This will depend on the policies of your title loan lenders. Some lenders in Melbourne, Florida have pre-payment penalties, while some don’t.
What we’re sure of, however, is NEVER pay late. Some lenders will include a late-payment fee in the loan agreement if this happens.
Although your lenders might agree to an extension, they might also ask for more.
We don’t want you on the losing end, so we advise you to budget your money well and pay your title loan dues on time.
Can I Still Drive My Car While Paying?
Absolutely!
Another thing that we are SO grateful for in title loans in Melbourne, FL is they won’t hold your car through the duration of the loan.
This means that you can continue driving your car, even beyond Melbourne, FL, even while paying.
Are Title Loans Legal in Melbourne, FL?
Of course! Title loans are provided under Chapter 537 of the 2021 Florida Statutes. Chapter 537 protects BOTH borrowers and lenders.
According to the definition, title loans involve making loan money to a consumer secured by a vehicle title as a form of bailment.
It protects the borrowers by prohibiting the operation of unlicensed title loan companies and the provision for a title loan agreement.
It is also stated that interest rates must be stated in the loan agreement, as this should be known and agreed to by both parties.
The law also sees to the lenders’ interest by allowing repossession of the pledged property, but only under the case of nonpayment and warnings.
Chapter 537 ensures a clear set of guidelines meant to regulate the business of title loan lenders.
Don’t worry. There is a law overseeing them, so you will be protected if any conflict happens.
Is a Title Loan the Right Option for You?
With all of the things that we have said above, you might still think that applying for a title loan is the best option to take right now.
This section will tell you both the advantages and disadvantages of applying for a title loan. We hope it can help you arrive at a decision!
Advantages
Simple and Straightforward
Applying for a title loan WILL NOT require you to go through a tedious process, only to find out that you’d be rejected.
Your application will be processed as soon as the lenders receive all the necessary documents and information, and you will know right away if you are eligible for a loan.
No more anxious waiting!
You Can Apply 24/7
You don’t even have to go out of your house to apply for a car title loan.
You have to answer the application form, submit the required documents, sign the loan agreement, and voila! You are now a grantee!
Continue Driving Your Car
As mentioned earlier, your car is still yours while paying off the loan.
No Strict Requirements
Unlike other financial institutions, you won’t be automatically disqualified based on a credit score.
Title lenders will meticulously assess and evaluate your requirements before deciding on your eligibility as a borrower.
This is super beneficial for those who are only starting and don’t have a credit history yet.
If you are losing hope because of the strict financial requirements of banks, then this will be a good resource for you!
You Get Your Cash ASAP
As soon as your loan is approved and the proper documents have been signed, your money will be transferred to you or given as cash.
If you are in dire need of some quick money or an urgent matter at hand, title loans are one of the loans out there that have a fast processing time.
Disadvantages
Possibility of Losing Your Car
Similar to any other loan, there is a possibility of losing your collateral, in this case, your car.
But, don’t be alarmed! Laws govern title loans in Melbourne, FL to ensure that the lenders will have to go through due process before repossessing your car.
To avoid conflict and stressful situations such as these, we advise you to PAY ON TIME and contact your lender about the remaining amount you have to pay.
In this way, both you and your lender are on the same page towards paying off the loan amount.
Competitive Rates
Many loan lenders and companies in Melbourne, FL will have competitive rates. This is why we recommend that you’d do your research first before submitting an application.
By comparing and contrasting the loan companies, you’d be able to filter and choose the companies offering the best deals.
Let’s Review the Steps: Applying in Melbourne, FL
If you want to submit an application, the following steps will surely aid you to success:
- Do your research.
- Apply online.
- Submit necessary documents.
- Review your loan agreement.
- Get your cash!
Some Final Words
We hope this article has been a good source of information about title loans.
If you or someone you know is going through a rough patch financially, consider submitting an application for one. We promise to give you the best service that you deserve.
Who knows, right? You’d be able to experience the advantages mentioned above.
What are you waiting for? Apply for title loans in Melbourne now!