Online car title loans are more available now than previously. Additionally, many consumers prefer to get a title loan without leaving their home for numerous reasons including convenience.
While online title loans can be very convenient, it is important to properly prepare just like any other title loan. In fact, given the potential for funding delays, it is more important to properly prepare for an online title loan.
The key difference with online title loans is the process is completed electronically, online through the internet instead of in person.
Preparation provides several benefits including finding the best loan for your situation and ensuring the process is completed without unnecessary delays. This is especially important for time sensitive funding issues.
It is important to call out preparation as a major step for any car title loan. This also true for online title loans.
The last thing you want to do is get stuck with a loan with unfavorable terms because you rushed into it without preparing. Another consequence of not being prepared is an unnecessary delay in loan funding.
While we recommend a number of preparation steps, at a minimum avoid the top three mistakes borrowers tend to make when getting a car title loan. These are usually related to the nature of car title loans; something it is important to understand as you prepare.
Understanding the Nature of Car Title Loans
As you begin to prepare for a title loan arm yourself with information related to both how the loan works, how the process works, and how lenders operate. Keep the following in mind:
Time Sensitive
Car title loans are often used to cover emergency or urgent expenses. These type of urgent situations can cause a need for money in a very short period of time.
When this need arises it can be difficult to deal with if you don’t have enough savings or available and accessible credit. This can add stress and rush a decision.
Other Options – Last Resort
With an urgent expense borrowers explore options and often choose a title loan as a last resort when no other option is readily accessible. Add this to the critical time factor and it can create a very stressful situation.
As a result, many consumer rush to the closest title loan place or click on the first lender they find online. They are often in a hurry with an urgent expense to take care of. Take a minute, step back, and think about your options. When time is critical consider an instant online title loan.
Title Lenders – Understand Them
Understand how many lenders operate. Many title lenders know that some borrowers have a time pressing need and, unfortunately, some lenders are ready and willing to exploit this fact. This is unfortunate, but it is not uncommon for those in difficult positions to get stuck in a high cost loan because they rushed.
This is what makes preparation essential – even if done quickly. Don’t become one of the borrowers that rushed into a loan and ended up with a very high interest loan that is not in your best interest.
Preparation is Essential
By taking a step back and preparing, you are putting yourself in a much better position to be able to get the best car title loan.
Some title lenders charge significantly more than others. Taking the time to find the best title loan place instead of the closest can save a significant amount of money. It may even save you from a loan that is extremely difficult to repay.
Preparation is essential prior to committing to an online title loan for several reasons. The main reasons include finding the best title loan and avoiding the least favorable loans.
Often, borrowers regret entering into title loan agreements with unfavorable terms. They do so out of necessity to meet a time sensitive need.
Is a Title Loan Worth It?
The first thing you should do, before applying for a title loan online, is decide if it is worth it. This depends on your specific situation and is different for each person.
We usually recommend performing a simple cost benefit analysis of the loan.
Cost Benefit Analysis
A cost benefit analysis includes comparing the cost of the title loan to the benefit received to determine if it makes sense. Perform a cost benefit analysis prior to getting a title loan to be sure one makes sense for your situation.
This can be difficult if the benefit is hard to quantify in dollars. It can also become complicated if you can’t get the cost of the loan before applying.
Online Title Loan Cost
Obviously a key input to the cost benefit analysis is the title loan cost. This can be difficult to acquire from lenders prior to actually applying for the loan.
Contact some lenders and ask for quotes. You can also use our car title loan calculator.
Preparing for the Online Title Loan
Once you decide a title loan is worth it for your situation now it is time to prepare for the loan. This step will save you time when applying, and help ensure your title loan is not delayed. This is where you decide if you need a title loan that doesn’t require the car.
Collect all Required Documentation
All title loans require certain documents and the same is true for online title loans. Common documents include:
- Vehicle Title
- Registration
- Proof of Address
- Proof of Income
- Insurance information
- Vehicle Pictures
Collect these documents and keep them in one place. For online title loans either scan them and create a folder on your computer or take pictures that can be easily uploaded when needed.
Some lenders require addition information. For example, if you want your online title loan funded by direct deposit then the lender will need your routing number and checking account number.
Take Vehicle Pictures
All lenders must appraise the vehicle prior to approving any title loan. This is why there is no such thing as an “Instant Online Title Loan”. The appraisal, however, does not need to be done in person.
More cars are being purchased online without a physical inspection, so lenders can use the same processes.
To accurately assess a vehicle the lender will need clear pictures of the vehicle. We recommend taking these in preparation for an online title loan.
Be sure to include the front, rear, both sides, interior, VIN, and under the hood. If it is a sedan, also include a picture of the trunk. It is better to have a few too many pictures than no enough.
Find the Best Title Loan Company
Now that you have decided a title loan is worth it and have everything you need to apply it is time to find the best car title loan company. Definitely don’t rush this part.
Not all title loan companies are the same. Find one that offers reasonable rates, no fees, and terms that you can afford. Additionally, make sure they offer the type of title loan you are looking for.
Completely online title loans with no inspection and no store visit are not available from all lenders for example. Then apply with them to start the title loan process.
Read the Loan Agreement
When you apply for and are approved for a title loan the next step will be signing the title loan agreement. For online title loans this may be an electronic signature but it is still a very important part of the process.
READ THE TITLE LOAN AGREEMENT. Then, when you’re done reading it, READ IT AGAIN.
Make sure you understand every clause, term, condition, fee, etc. If you don’t understand something in the agreement then ask the lender. Do not sign an agreement you don’t understand. If you ask the lender and don’t get a satisfactory answer then move on to another lender; there are plenty.
If there is one thing we hope you remember from reading this it is never sign a loan agreement you do not understand. This is how many title loan customers end up in a bind they can’t get out of. It is also what some (not all) title loan companies count on.
Conclusion
Online title loans are often a necessity for short term funding needs. Rushing into a loan can result in an agreement with unfavorable conditions. Make sure to take the time necessary to prepare for the loan. This will help ensure you get the best possible online title loan available.