My Car Loan Application Was Rejected. What's Next?

So you've applied for a car loan—and it was rejected. It's a frustrating experience when this happens, especially if the only thing that's standing between you and your dream car is a simple 'yes' from your bank or lender.
Before you decide to give up and while away in self-pity after your car loan rejection, you should keep in mind that there are actions you can take if ever your bank or lender has denied you a car loan. They are:

## 1. Know why the lender rejected your car loan application

The first thing you need to do is to check why the lender rejected your car loan application. The truth is, there are many reasons why you can get rejected by your bank or lender. However, the most common ones include bad credit history, insufficient income, multiple loan applications, and incorrect information. If you fall under any of these, then make sure to correct them first.

## 2. Fix the problem

Once you know what the problem is, it's time to fix it as soon as possible. Some short-term solutions we can suggest include:

### Correct incomplete or wrong information

Banks and lenders take your information seriously. In fact, they take it so seriously that even one wrong detail can make them stop and reject your application. Many borrowers often make mistakes when it comes to providing their telephone numbers and addresses, so if that's the case, then the easiest and most straightforward action is to correct these mistakes and re-apply again.

### Renegotiate with your car seller

Ask if there is any chance for your car seller to lower the purchase price of the vehicle since it can lower your auto loan amount.

### Give a larger down payment

You can try paying a bigger down payment for your car so you don't have to borrow a lot of money for your monthly payments. Lenders are often more tolerant of this, and they look at it as less risky compared to a lending you a huge amount.

### Get collateral

You can pledge something valuable to you in exchange of securing a car loan. Since you are buying a car, you can use it as collateral by itself. You also have the option of using other objects for collateral, such as your house.
Before you decide to take the plunge, keep in mind that it's a risky move. There is a good chance that you might lose your car (or home) if you fail make your monthly payments. Make sure to take enough time to consider if the car you're buying is really worth the collateral you're sacrificing.

### Ask someone to become your cosigner

Sometimes, it's better to ask someone with good credit history to co-sign with you when applying for a car loan. This is especially true if you don't have any credit history or your income is insufficient. However, before you decide to do this, make sure that your cosigner understands the risk that comes along with it. If you are not able to pay back your loans, then your cosigner will have to pay them for you. Otherwise, their credit will be negatively affected.

### Go to another banker or lender

Remember that there are a lot of lenders in the market today, so you don't have to settle on just one. While many lenders are quite strict with their requirements, there are some who are more flexible and more open to negotiations, such as online-only lenders or credit unions as an alternative to the traditional banks and lenders. We are not saying that it’s guaranteed; however, you have better chances of having your car loan approved when you try these options.

## 3. Become financially healthier

You can make it easier to borrow in the future by keeping your finances in tip-top shape. Here are some ways to do it:

### Clean up your credit

This may not be possible if you have a huge debt, but if yours is not that big, then try to pay everything off so your credit history looks more enticing to lenders and bankers. By the way, this is not a short-term solution, since it will take time before they give you a loan once again.

### Negotiate with your creditors

If you're way behind on your payments, then it's time to sit down with your creditors and ask them to help you work out a restructured payment system. Also, ask if you can have your negative information taken out from your credit report depending upon their conditions.

### Pay off all your debts

It will be difficult for you to borrow as long as you have existing loans in your credit report. The best thing you need to do is pay them off so you can start again with a clean slate.

### Try to add more to your income

Having more money can boost your chances of getting a car loan because 1) it shows bankers or lenders that you are capable of paying your loan, and 2) you can borrow a lesser amount because you have enough money to add to your down payment or monthly payments.

It’s not the end of the world when your car loan application is rejected by a bank or lender. All it takes is a simple financial assessment of where you are, and the willingness to make large changes and some much-needed sacrifices along the way.