Car Title Loans in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan [Guide]
Are you losing your patience with the hassles and processes of traditional bank loans?
Have you been rejected by the banks while trying to get a loan?
We know that feeling. That is why we have an article to guide you when applying for car title loans in St. Clair Shores, Michigan!
Let’s look at the smooth loan application process and why you should avail of a title loan in St. Clair Shores.
What Is a Car Title Loan?
A car title loan is a secured loan and is considered one of the short-term cash loans. It’s a quick, easy way to get cash, but it comes with plenty of risks if you aren’t careful.
Lenders will give you a loan amount equal to their assessed vehicle equity in this loan. In turn, you, as the borrower, will make your qualifying vehicle collateral.
This means you are giving the lenders the right to access your car title and the car itself if you infringe on the repayment schedule and other loan term agreements.
Moreover, a car title loan offers high-interest rates. It can even have an annual percentage rate (APR) of 300%.
Borrowers with low credit scores and those whose personal loans have been rejected by banks are the target market for title loans. It is seen as a financial last resort.
How Do Car Title Loans in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Work?
For title loans in St. Clair Shores, MI, all you have to do is to fill in an application form, submit required documents, and wait for an evaluation of the car by lenders.
After that easy process, you can already get your loan amount within 24 hours, as long as you applied on a business day.
This feature is common for most lending companies, as they offer same-day title loans application and approval.
However, the law in Michigan states that lenders who will force access to a car title even if borrowers did not violate any part of their agreement are considered illegal car title loans.
Also illegal in Michigan are title loans with an annual percentage rate that is300% and beyond.
What Are the Requirements for Car Title Loans in St. Clair Shores, MI?
When applying for auto title loans in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, you must have all the legal documents.
Here is a list of requirements that you must secure to get a title loan:
Government-Issued Identification Cards
These cards must show your picture and age, as lenders will only accept a title loan application from real individuals of legal age.
The legal age accepted is 18 years old and above.
Your Driver’s License
Some lenders will require your driver’s license to solidify the evidence that you are the car’s owner.
It is also a necessity that you pass a government-issued identification card to verify your identity and residence.
Vehicle’s Title
A clear vehicle title is needed as this will be the lenders’ collateral for your title loan. It must be registered in Michigan, and it needs to state that you are the sole owner.
If it is not named after you, even if you claim it is yours, you cannot use it as collateral. There can be minimal exemptions in cases where you have ample evidence.
Car’s Insurance
This is needed for lenders to ensure that what they are investing in is a secured property with valid registration.
Lenders cannot invest in properties that are not insured. It’s because they will sell your property to make up for the money you owe them when you cannot pay.
Proof of Residency
If you want to avail of a title loan in St. Clair Shores, you need to be a Michigan resident. Your proof of residency can be utility bills, rent, and others.
Income Proof
Most lenders will require you to have a stable income in title loans. You can present your payslip, tax, bank statements, or other proof.
However, if you have no proof, as you have just been laid off, severance pay can suffice.
Vehicle’s Photo
To secure your loan amount in title loans, you must take a photo of your vehicle from all angles. This is mostly for documentation purposes, as lenders will still evaluate your car in person.
You must also include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the picture.
Personal or Professional References
Some lenders of St. Clair Shores title loans will require you to have references. These personal or professional references will help your bid for title loans as they will vouch for your credibility.
In cases where you cannot present proof of income or have a bad credit score, a reference can help lenders evaluate your ability to repay on time.
Your Car
When applying for title loans, a physical evaluation of your car is needed to get a good view of its equity.
Bank Account Information
A loan officer may require your bank account details. This will be needed for when they need to transfer your loan fund.
How to Apply for Auto Title Loans in St. Clair Shores, Michigan?
In St. Clair Shores, Michigan, you do not have to worry about long lines, traditional application processes, or even leaving your house.
Here, you get to apply onlinea from the comfort of your home.
Listed below are three easy steps for getting your emergency funding quickly and without hassle.
Step 1: Call the Lender by Phone or Inquire on their Website
Lenders, particularly those in St. Clair Shores, have adapted to the digital world. You can call them through their phone numbers or inquire on their website.
After negotiations between you, as borrowers, and the lenders, you can be given a pre-approval from the latter.
All you have to do is fill in a short form and submit it at your preferred channel (text message, email, phone call, website).
Aside from the short form, the loan process will also include you being asked to express written consent by signing an online paper stating that you authorize the website, a business owned by lenders, of your personal information and other details.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
After the application form, you can submit all the documents your loan agent requires.
Not all lenders prefer online submission. Some will ask for the physical submission of documents.
Seeing as your car still needs to be assessed in person by lenders, we suggest submitting it in person on the same day you will bring your acceptable property in for inspection.
Step 3: Get Your Money From Your St. Clair Shores Title Loans
Lo and behold, after the final approval and signing of the title loan contract, you can get your loan amount within the same day of application as long as it falls within business hours and on business days.
Since title loans in St Clair Shores have flexible terms, you can get your money on whatever platform you prefer.
You can get it through a direct deposit on your bank account, wire transfer, or pick it up in money transfers.
What Do Lenders Use as a Basis for Evaluating a Vehicle’s Equity?
How much cash you will receive will depend upon your ability to repay the amount you owe and your vehicle’s equity.
In this case, your ability to repay can be evaluated by lenders through the necessary documents you submit.
On the other hand, your vehicle’s equity will be determined on these bases:
Vehicle Year
Lenders will look at how old or new your vehicle is. This can hold a more significant role in determining the money you can borrow.
Of course, the older your car gets, the more it depreciates over time. However, there are exemptions. You can get more loan money if it is a classic car or a vehicle of great value to society.
Make of the Car
The brand or make of your car also plays a vital role in how much cash you can get. Most cars have the manufacturer’s name and logo on the back.
A car from known brands can increase your chances of getting more money.
Model of the Car
The specific model of your car can determine if it is high-end, middle, or low-end. This characteristic can also determine how high or low your loan amounts can be.
Mileage
Looking at the distance your car traveled will also be a basis for lenders to decide how much money they will let you borrow.
The higher distance you have covered, the lower your vehicle’s equity can be and vice versa.
Interior and Exterior Details
What your car looks like on the inside and outside reflects how it has been taken care of.
That is why cars that have been under regular maintenance, washed and waxed consistently, and have little to no dents can be of more excellent value.
What Are the Advantages of Applying for Car Title Loans in St. Clair Shores, MI?
Aside from being an accessible funding option, applying for car title loans in St. Clair Shores, MI, comes with many advantages.
Here are some of the known benefits of applying:
Easy Application Process
You can apply for a title loan in Saint Clair Shores, MI, as quickly as five minutes. Yes, all you need is a good 5 minutes to fill up their application form online.
Get Cash Instantly
After instant approval of the loan, you will be asked to read and sign a contract and other privacy terms.
Following the signing, you can already get your cash within a minimum of 20 minutes to 24 hours on official business days.
Keep Your Car
More than having instant cash, you can keep your car even if it is already collateral. It is illegal for lenders in Michigan to retain your car title and car for no valid reasons.
However, if you don’t follow the loan agreement and terms, lenders have the right to repossess your car.
What Are the Disadvantages in Applying for Car Title Loans of St. Clair Shores, MI?
Part and parcel of the advantages are the disadvantages. Here are some drawbacks when applying for a title loan in Saint Clair Shores, MI.
High-Interest Rate
Auto title loans are known for their high-interest rates wherever state you may come from. However, you can get government-regulated interest rates in Saint Clair Shores, MI.
As stated in an article from the Michigan Department of Attorney General, an annual percentage rate of 300% violates the law.
This means the accepted maximum interest rate in Saint Clair Shores, MI, is below 20%. Even if lenders are in charge of their own interest rates, they still need to follow what is stated in the law.
Nevertheless, an interest rate is not the only fee added on top of the principal loan amounts. Some lenders also collect these fees on top:
- Processing fee
- Document fee
- Origination fee
Risk of Repossession
Since you will be having your vehicle as collateral, the stakes are high for repossession.
However, this can be addressed if you become a responsible borrower who follows the repayment schedule and amount.
Yet, if you do not, lenders can get your title and car. Depending on your contract, they can even sell your vehicle to compensate for the loan amounts they have given you.
Why Are Auto Title Loans in Saint Clair Shores, MI, Better Than Other Loan Options?
If you are thinking of getting loans other than a title loan, maybe you need to read these points on why auto title loans are better than other loan options.
- No Need to Wait in Line -You can skip the long lines when applying because of the online application process. You can talk to a loan representative on the phone or online when applying and get pre-approved. After that, you can go to the lender directly.
- No Need to Worry About Bad Credit History -You can lean on title loans for your immediate cash needs, even if you have a bad credit score or minimum credit history. Your vehicle’s equity, along with your documents, will determine your loan application.
- The Law Regulates Interest Rates – Michigan’s loan interests are regulated by Michigan law. Lenders who violate the maximum loan interest can be penalized.
- Lower Interest Than Payday Loans – Compared to the 300% APR of title loans, payday loans are way more expensive at 400% interest.
What Should I Watch Out for When Getting a St. Clair Shores Title Loans?
When getting a title or any other loan, you must beware of specific conditions to ensure your security and vehicle’s safety.
Listed here are some of the things you need to watch out for:
- The Contract –Before signing the contract, you should read it first. Yet, reading is not enough, as you should also understand line per line. Doing this lets you know the loan terms, your lender’s conditions, and what penalties correspond to different situations (e.g., pre-payment penalties). Reading the contract before signing it can also help you comprehend the privacy and confidentiality policies.
- Prepayment Penalties – Auto title loan lenders can charge you a certain amount if you pay earlier than your scheduled repayment date. Even if this may not be the case for many lenders, small business loans typically have pre-payment penalties.
- Hidden Fees – Although it is against the law, a loan agent might unconsciously forget to mention the fees written in the contract. This is why reading and understanding the contract is essential before signing it.
- Repayment Length – A title loan has a maximum repayment length of 30 days since it is a short-term loan. However, some lenders offering an auto title loan allow borrowers to roll over their current loan to another loan cycle. The downside is that you will have difficulty getting out of the cycle of debt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have questions, well, we have the answers.
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers when it comes to applying for an online title loan in Saint Clair Shores, MI.
Are Online Title Loans in St. Clair Shores Michigan Legal?
A title loan in Saint Clair Shores, MI, is legal if lenders will not get a hold of your title or car without any valid reasons.
It is also legal when it abides by the law, which states that a 300% interest rate is not allowed in Michigan.
However, if lenders neglect these conditions, the title loan they offer in Saint Clair Shores, MI, is illegal.
What’s the Lowest I Can Get With an Online Title Loan in St. Clair Shores, MI?
The minimum loan amount you can get is $100 or 25% of the perceived vehicle equity. However, it can go higher or lower depending on your lenders.
Can I Still Apply With a Bad Credit Score in St. Clair Shores, MI?
Individuals with varying credit histories can apply for a title loan in Saint Clair Shores, MI. However, lenders vary based on their strictness or leniency when it comes to credit scores.
Rest assured, all lenders will do credit checks to determine how much they can offer you.
Despite bad credit scores being accepted by many lending companies, it is still important to maintain a healthy score for more benefits.
Can I Apply for a Title Loan Without Credit Checks in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan?
Yes. Some lenders are more lenient when it comes to credit checks. However, lenders may vary when it comes to procedures and requirements.
Nevertheless, some lenders base their credit decisions (such as payment period and loan offered) on your credit history.
What Are Other Loan Options I Can Apply For?
If you think a car title loan has more cons than pros, then you can always choose other loan options, such as the following:
- Personal loan
- Payday loans
- Service student loans
However, these loans also have unique requirements that may not be as easy as an auto title loan. The options mentioned above may or may not have an online application.
Can I Still Apply for St. Claire Shores Title Loans Even if I Am Not From St. Claire Shores?
Yes. You can still apply as long as you are from Michigan. That said, other title loan locations near St. Clair Shores may be more accessible to you.
Here are some of the places in Michigan that offer title loans:
- Eastpointe, Hamtramck, Hazel Park
- Macomb, Madison Heights, Mount Clemens
- Roseville, Sterling Heights, Warren
Conclusion
An auto title loan may not be the best option for borrowers with good credit standings, but it can be the best choice for those with bad credit scores.
Title loans can help borrowers receive funds when they need them most. Loan lenders lend money directly and are intended primarily to help those needing urgent loan proceeds.
Before applying, you must ensure you can get the best title loans in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. This means running through this guide and letting it help you on your loan journey.