Q&A

What happens to car loan if a person dies?

What happens to car loan if a person dies?

If any person taking the auto loan dies, then the responsibility of repaying this loan falls on the family. If the family is not ready to repay this loan, then the bank takes possession of the car and auctions it to recover its loan.

Can a deceased person’s car loan be repossessed?

The loan becomes a debt owed by the estate of the deceased person just like other debts, such as credit or mortgage obligations. Preventing repossession of the car depends on who inherits the property and what you and other members of your family want to do with it.

Who is responsible for the repossession of a car?

In the event the primary borrower cannot pay, the cosigner is legally responsible for paying off the debt. Should the bank repossess the car as a result of missed payments, the cosigner’s credit report will reflect the missed payments and, ultimately, the repossession.

Can a cosigner of a car be repossessed?

An exception to this rule applies if you cosigned for the loan. In the event the primary borrower cannot pay, the cosigner is legally responsible for paying off the debt. Should the bank repossess the car as a result of missed payments, the cosigner’s credit report will reflect the missed payments and, ultimately, the repossession.

Can a deceased person accelerate a car loan?

They cannot not accelerate the loan. But, upon payoff, the title will only be in the deceased name. * This will flag comments for moderators to take action. It depends on the bank. With a vehicle and potential liability and loss, most banks do not allow this.

Can a car be repossessed if the buyer dies?

The estate might provide you with enough money to pay off the debt in full, or you could sell other assets in the estate to make payments. If you decide the car is worth less than the outstanding amount due, you could ask the loan company to repossess the car. The loan company could have the car repossessed if it is not notified of the situation.

What happens to a deceased spouse’s car loan?

In a community property state, any property or assets purchased by one spouse during a marriage—as well as any loans taken out—become jointly owned by and the responsibility of the other spouse. 8  That means if a deceased person had a $10,000 outstanding auto loan balance, the spouse is liable for $5,000 of that loan.

An exception to this rule applies if you cosigned for the loan. In the event the primary borrower cannot pay, the cosigner is legally responsible for paying off the debt. Should the bank repossess the car as a result of missed payments, the cosigner’s credit report will reflect the missed payments and, ultimately, the repossession.

How is a car loan handled in probate?

All debts, including the car loan, would be handled either during probate or according to instructions for the trust. If you don’t have instructions through a will or trust and you inherit the car, the payments become your responsibility. The decision on payments might depend on your financial means or whether or not you want the car.