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Maybe you’ve heard of refinancing, but what is an auto loan refinance, and how does car refinancing work? In this article, you’ll discover what refinancing is, how car refinancing works, and how it may be beneficial for you. We’re here to answer all your burning questions about the how, what, and why of refinancing a car.TL;DR:Car refinancing replaces your current auto loan with a new one, typically with better terms. People choose to refinance because doing so can lower your interest rate, reduce your monthly payments, or adjust your loan period. Key drawbacks to watch out for include prepayment penalties and temporary credit impacts.How Does Car Refinancing Work?Let’s start with the basics.Key DefinitionsLet’s at the definitions of “car loan” and “refinancing.”Car loan:A car loan is a secured loan that can help you finance a new or used car. A car loan works in a similar way to other types of loans. A financial institution will pay for your car and you will repay them in monthly installments with an additional fee (interest). Your car acts as collateral and, if for any reason you cannot repay the lender, your car will be taken away. It's because these loans have this collateral that they're considered "secured."Refinancing:Refinancing is paying off an existing loan with a new loan, ideally a loan that has better terms. Refinancing a car to better terms can help you save money, either in the long run by reducing the payment period or interest rate, or in the short term by reducing monthly payments.How Do You Refinance a Car?If it seems like car refinancing might be a good idea for you, you can start the process of refinancing today. It's a hassle-free process (especially when you use Auto Approve!) and can save you money in the short and long term. Here are the steps you should take to refinance your vehicle:Research your optionsCheck your paperworkApply to a few of your top choices for lendersCompare rates and optionsMake a decision and move forward with the refinanceLet’s take a closer look at these.1. Do Your ResearchMake sure you are as prepared as possible. Request a credit report, which you can do once per year for free, and make sure your credit score is good. Check that everything is accurate on your report. You can petition the credit bureau if there are any inconsistencies or errors. Look at your current loan contract and make sure you are aware of any penalties for which you may be responsible. Call your lender directly if you have any questions or want to review any of the fine print.2. Apply to a Few Different LendersThe application process is similar to your original car loan application. You will need the following to get started:A Photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.Your vehicle’s information, which may include the bill of sale, VIN number, make, model, and year of your car.Proof of income and financial history, which may include pay stubs, banking information, and your credit report.  Proof of residence, such as a mortgage statement, lease agreement, or utility bill. Note that PO boxes are not acceptable as proof of residence.Proof of insurance. 3. Compare Rates After all of your applications are submitted, you should start hearing back with different car loan APRs and terms. Compare all of your offers and choose the one that gives you the best rate and makes the most sense for your personal situation. When you use Auto Approve for this process, one of our agents will talk you through the best options and help make sure you understand your new contract completely. (Oh, and when you refinance with Auto Approve, there are no mark-ups, so you're actually getting the best rate available every time!)4. Sign and Start Saving MoneyOnce you have picked the best car refinancing option, sign on the dotted line and start seeing the benefits of refinancing immediately. How To Time Your Car RefinanceNow that we know what a car refinance is, let’s talk about how to decide if it’s a good time to refinance.Three key factors to consider:Interest ratesYour credit scoreYour budgetLet’s dive deeper into these three considerations.Check Interest RatesInterest rates are adjusted based on how the economy is performing. If the economy is not performing well, or is anticipated to not perform well, banks will lower their interest rates to encourage spending. If interest rates are lower than when you first took out your auto loan, it may be a good time to consider refinancing. Rates have fluctuated greatly over the past several years, so there is a good chance you can get a lower APR now than you could previously.Check Your Credit ScoreYour credit score is one of the most important factors in securing an auto loan with good terms. Credit scores are generally categorized as follows:800 to 850: Excellent credit740 to 799: Very good credit670 to 739: Good credit580 to 669: Fair credit300 to 579: Poor creditIf your score has increased from good to very good (670 to 740), or from very good to excellent (740 to 800), it could be a great time to consider refinancing. The most favorable rates and terms are given to those with very good and excellent credit. Even if your score has increased within your bracket, but you haven’t crossed into a better category, it still might be worth getting a few quotes to see if you can get a better rate. Consider Your Income and ExpensesIf your income has droppedIf your expenses have gone upRefinancing might be a good option to give your wallet some breathing room. If you lengthen your payment period, you can pay off the loan over a longer amount of time, reducing your monthly payments significantly. How Does Auto Refinancing Work to Benefit You?There are many! Here’s a few of the top ones.Save money overallPay off the loan soonerPay less monthly1. Save Money with a Lower Interest Rate You may be able to secure a lower interest rate, especially if you got your loan through a dealership or when rates were higher.This is true when rates fluctuate, when your personal financial situation improves, and – commonly – when you didn’t get the best rate available to you in the first place. Many people who financed their vehicles through dealers received marked up rates, meaning they’ve been eligible for a better deal from the get-go. This is the primary motivator for people to refinance. By lowering your interest rate, you are lowering your monthly payments and will end up saving money over the course of the loan.2. Save Money with a Shorter Payment Period When you refinance, you may be able to change the terms of your payment period and shorten the period. This can save you money overall, as the sooner you pay back the loan, the less interest you will ultimately pay.3. Reduce Your Monthly Payments with a Longer Payment Period If money is a bit tight for one reason or another, car refinancing can allow you to lengthen your payment period and pay less monthly. This will allow you to pay off the loan over a longer amount of time, reducing your monthly payments significantly. You will end up paying a bit more over the length of the loan because you will be paying interest for a longer period of time, but it can give you breathing room if you need it.Benefits sounding pretty good?If you’re already convinced, find out how much you can save right now with Auto Approve. With just a little information about your car and current loan, we can help you get a sense of how much you could save, no commitment required. Get your free quote now!Possible Drawbacks of Auto RefinancingThere are some situations where refinancing might be the wrong choice. If you have an unfavorable existing loanIf you’ve just had your credit checked or are about to have your credit checkedWhen your existing loan is too new or too oldHere’s a quick rundown.1. When Your Existing Loan Has Prepayment PenaltiesSome loans build in prepayment penalties to offset the lost interest that comes with paying a loan off early. These penalties can be quite high, so it is important to read the terms of your loan and decide if the savings from refinancing will outweigh the fees from prepayment. If you are unsure, call your lender directly to find out how much it will cost.2. When You Need a High Credit Score for Another ApplicationWhenever you apply for a loan or credit card there is a credit check, and hard credit checks (as opposed to soft checks) and new lines of credit can negatively affect your credit score for about a year.This is because how new your credit is affects your score – but, as long as you maintain a good history of paying on time, this new credit will actually help your score in the long run. And, fortunately, there's a fourteen day window allowed by the big three credit bureaus that allows for all credit inquiries in that span to count as one credit hit.All that said, if you're applying for a mortgage or starting a new lease, it might be wise to wait until after that is settled to refinance your vehicle.3. When The Timing of Your Loan Isn’t RightWhile you can technically refinance at any time during the life of your loan, there are certain times where it will not make sense or be beneficial to refinance. You’ve had your existing loan for less than six months. It takes some time for your credit score to bounce back after taking out a loan, so waiting at least six months will be helpful if you hope to get a better interest rate than before. If this is your first loan, it is recommended to wait at least a year to prove that you have a history of on time payments.You have less than two years left on your loan. Car loans accrue interest over time. Because of amortization, your earlier payments pay off more interest than your later payments. As you near the end of your loan, you are paying less and less on interest and more and more on principle. The longer you wait to refinance, the less beneficial it will be to do so.That’s Everything You Need to Know About How Car Refinancing WorksRefinancing your car loan is a simple process that can save you money.And Auto Approve can make the process easier and faster! Simply fill out some basic information and we can help you start comparing rates today. We never mark up your rates, because we're passionate about passing savings on to you. GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

The short answer: Any time you wantYou can refinance your car loan anytime, as long as you meet lender requirements. There’s no mandatory waiting period. That means the best time is when you’re able to improve your loan terms and pay less. For most borrowers, that means anytime from about 10 months after they first got the original loan until about a year before the end of the loan.When To Refinance Your Car Loan: The EssentialsWhat exactly is refinancing?Refinancing is replacing your existing auto loan with a new loan to get a better rate or better terms, typically by changing lenders.Here’s how it works:Search: You find a better deal for your car loanSwitch: Your new lender pays off your original loanStart: You start paying your new lender based on the new termsWhy would you want to refinance your car?Refinancing your car can help you get a better interest rate, pay less monthly, or both.Too many people assume that their auto loan is something they are locked into from the day they finance a vehicle until the end of the loan. But not so! Many people are overpaying on their auto loans, paying higher rates than they’re eligible for, or otherwise stuck with terms that may no longer make sense for their lives. That’s where car refinancing can come to the rescue.A car refinance can help you:Get a lower interest ratePay less monthlyPay off the loan soonerAdd or remove a co-borrowerWhen can you refinance your car loan?Right away! Contrary to popular belief, you are not obligated to wait any amount of time before refinancing your car loan.You only need to:Meet any eligibility requirements for your new loan.Be mindful of any terms on your old loan that might affect the refinance in order to refinance.Read the small print to make sure you’re getting a better deal than the one you already have! And one more state specific consideration: You may need your new registration before refinancing, which may slow down the process by 4 to 6 weeks.When is the right time to refinance a car loan? The truth is, it’s never a bad time to consider a car loan refinance, because refinancing can save most people money. It all depends on your unique situation. The factors to consider to decide whether now is a good time to refinance your particular loan include: How long you’ve had your current loanWhere you got your loanYour current rateThe rates available based on the current economic environmentPersonal changes, like your credit score and budgetHere’s the best news.When you refinance with Auto Approve, a dedicated agent will help you understand what’s available to you, all of the loan terms and eligibility requirements, and identify the best deal for you and your unique situation. And, once you’ve found the best deal for you, we handle the paperwork – even the DMV!Get your free quote now.Factors To Help Decide Whether Now Is A Good Time To Refinance Your Car LoanHere’s what you need to consider.TimeHow long you’ve had your current loan will affect how much you can save. For example: If you’ve just gotten a new loan, your credit score might appear lower because of the recent credit check.More detail:Too early or too late in the life of the loan, and you may not be able to find a deal that works for you. That’s because, depending on the loan, there may be fees associated with paying your original off early. Plus, the new lender will want enough left on your loan to make a lower rate make sense for them. Make sure to read your loan paperwork carefully.That said, if you’re unhappy with your loan, it’s always worth checking.SourceWhere you got your current car loan matters, because different lenders offer different deals. For example: You might have gotten a 7% rate at a dealership, but been eligible for 5%. More detail:Dealership financing, in particular, usually includes markups over and above the rate you’re eligible for. If you got your vehicle financing through a dealership, you’ll want to look into refinancing as soon as possible.Rate EnvironmentInterest rates aren’t just about you, they fluctuate with the economy. For example: The federal interest rate in July, 2022, was 2.5%. In July of 2023 and 2024, it was 5.5%. In July 2025, it was 4.5%. These might sound like small changes, but on a big loan, they can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars.More detail:If you got your current loan when interest rates were historically low a few years ago, your current rate may be hard to beat. However, rates have also been higher than they are now in the past few years – it all depends on timing.That said, if your financial picture has changed, or if you want to refinance for other reasons – like to add or remove a co-borrower, or to lower your monthly payment because of budget constraints – it’s certainly still worth it to get a quote.Personal FinancesYour personal finances, like your credit score, income, and debts, affect the rates you’re eligible for.For example: If your credit score was 650 when you bought your can 2 years ago, but is now 725, you’ve likely entered a new credit bracket and will be eligible for better rates.More detail:Essentially, if you are in a better place financially now than you were when you got your loan, even if nothing else on this list has changed, you are likely eligible for a more favorable loan.Should You Refinance Your Car Loan? Frequently Asked QuestionsCan refinancing benefit me?First, check your eligibility! You may be eligible for a lower interest rate if:Rates have gone down since you financed your vehicleYour credit score has gone up, orYou didn’t get a good deal in the first placeMost auto loans are amortizing loans, which means you pay a fixed monthly payment with interest that is already built into that payment. Here are the possible benefits:Lower interestLower interest would mean a lower monthly payment, if the terms of the length of the loan stay the same. Pay less monthlySome people instead choose to refinance to change the length of their loan, so they pay less monthly but over a longer period of time.Finish paying off the loanSome might choose to pay more monthly in order to have their loan paid off sooner.Change the loanRefinancing also allows you to add or drop a co-borrower from the loan.Stretch your budgetLastly, refinancing can give you up to three month’s break in payments while the loans change over.When you use Auto Approve to refinance, an Auto Approve representative will help you understand your options and make sure you get the right deal for your unique situation – then do the paperwork for you.Get your free, no-commitment quote today to see how much you could save.How can I improve my credit score?Make timely payments.Keep your credit utilization low.Avoid unnecessary credit inquiries.Maintain a healthy mix of credit types. About 10-12 months is enough time to see a change in your credit score, which you can use as leverage to negotiate a better loan rate. Learn more about credit scores and refinancing here.When should I try to refinance my car loan?Now! Now is always the best time, if you think it might be beneficial to you. Reasons to start your refinance right now:The refinance process is simpleThere is no risk for you to find out your available optionsWith the right refinance, you can start saving money immediatelyIn general, the two main reasons why people refinance their vehicles are to lower their monthly payment or lower their interest rate. So if you’re still thinking about timing, consider:Whether paying less monthly or overall could help you outWhether your circumstances have changedWhether vehicle values or interest rates have changedWhat do I need for refinancing my car?For most lenders, you will need to collect:Information about the current loan and lender, including your account numberYour current total loan balanceVehicle information including the make, model, year, and VIN of your carRead more about the requirements to refinance a car here.What are refinancing mistakes to avoid?Here are some of the most common pitfalls to avoid when refinancing an auto loan:Prepayment penalties do exist, which means you may have to pay extra if you pay off a loan before a term is up. Look up the details of your loan and inquire what this fee is going to be.Waiting too long to refinance. The longer you wait in the life of the loan, the less sense it makes to refinance. Missing payments. Don’t miss any payments! Even if you think that the refinancing process has paused your payments, triple-check before you halt payment for the previous loan. Refinancing A Car In 2025: The Short Versiontl;dr: Is this year good for refinancing? Here’s what you need to know:Rates and auto values have fluctuated dramatically over the last decade.Many dealerships mark up prices so you end up paying a higher rate than you were eligible for even at the time of purchase.If your life situation has changed, you may be able to save money by refinancing.Because of these factors, there’s a good chance you can lower your monthly car payment right now.So, Is Now a Good Time to Refinance A Vehicle?In terms of timing, it’s always wise to check to make sure you’re not paying more than you need to be. Whether or not now turns out to be a good time to refinance for you personally, now is definitely a good time to get a free quote. Companies like Auto Approve can help you get a sense of whether you’re overpaying and what you might be eligible for in just a few minutes, with no commitment and no hard credit check.GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Thinking about purchasing a crossover, but not totally sure what the difference is between a crossover and an SUV? Here’s what you need to know about what makes a crossover a crossover.While crossovers can include a relatively wide range of vehicles, there are some characteristics that tend to be common across crossovers, like a unibody construction (vs. the body-on-frame construction typical of SUVs). Read On To Learn Everything You Need To Know About CrossoversIn this article, we’ll cover:The definition of a crossover vehicleExamples of crossover vehiclesCommon characteristics of crossoversFAQs about crossoversWhat Is A Crossover Vehicle?A crossover vehicle is a vehicle that shares characteristics with both passenger cars and SUVs. It is called a crossover because it is a combination, or crossover, of the two usually distinct kinds of vehicles. You might also hear crossovers referred to as “crossover SUVs” or as “CUVs.”Examples of Popular CUVsSome of the most popular crossover SUVs include the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5. Toyota RAV4, and various models of Subaru, like the Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek. Generally, people like these vehicles for their practicality, versatility, reliability, safety, and gas mileage.Lower Your Monthly Vehicle Payment with Auto ApproveAlready got a vehicle you love? If you want to lower your monthly auto loan payment, we can help. Refinancing is an easy way to pay less monthly, over the life of your loan, or both.Get a free quote to see how much you could save.What Makes A Crossover A Crossover?Here are some of the most common characteristics you see among crossover SUVs.SUV Styling & High Ground ClearanceCUVs are typically styled to look more like SUVs than standard compact cars. At first glance, they look just like SUVs, and are sometimes even classed as “small” or “compact” SUVs. They’ll typically have higher ground clearance than a car, but not quite as much as a real SUV would have. Higher ground clearance can mean a better vantage point to see other drivers and a more capability on uneven terrain.Car-Like Handling & Unibody ConstructionSUVs are big, heavy cars. They can be difficult to park and don’t handle like a car. They’re also typically built with what’s called body-on-frame construction. Body-on-frame construction means that the vehicle has a separate chassis or frame that the body is mounted on, while with unibody construction the frame and body are a single unit. The reason body-on-frame construction is used for SUVs is because it gives better towing or hauling capacity and handles uneven terrain and off-roading better. Body-on-frame vehicles also tend to be a bit more durable and can take more wear and tear from activities like off-roading and hauling. Crossovers use unibody construction. Unibody construction makes crossovers lighter, meaning they handle more like a car, and this build can be safer for passengers in an accident – though the vehicle itself may require more work to recover. The sacrifice in weight means that crossovers don’t have as much capacity for towing and hauling, and the frame build difference means that, while you could probably take a CUV on a dirt road in a pinch, taking it off-roading would be a bad choice. It looks like an SUV and has room like an SUV, but it’s not built for the same kind of work.Fuel EfficiencySince they’re lighter, crossover SUVs are also usually much more fuel efficient than standard SUVs. Of course, these days you can get hybrid and electric CUVs and SUVs – but even so, the heavier the vehicle, the more energy it’ll take to run smoothly.VersatilityUltimately, the thing that makes crossovers so appealing to so many people is their unique combination of traits. You get more cargo space or trunk room, like an SUV, but the handling and fuel efficiency of a car. You get the safety of a car, with higher clearance, and can opt for a CUV with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive to better handle rougher road conditions.Overall, for many people, a crossover SUV offers the best of both worlds. But whether it makes sense for your needs? That’s up to you.Crossover FAQStill have some lingering questions? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about crossover vehicles.What is the difference between a crossover and an SUV?Here’s the short answer. A crossover has some of the features of a car and some of the features of an SUV. Crossovers are sometimes considered a kind of SUV because they have some of the styling, room, and ground clearance found in SUVs, but their unibody construction and resulting lighter weight and easier handling make them unique.Should I get a crossover or an SUV?Deciding whether to get a CUV or an SUV is a personal choice! Those not intending to do a lot of off-roading or hauling tend to prefer crossovers for their balance of space, safety features, easy handling and fuel efficiency. However, if you live somewhere with challenging weather conditions, if you live in the country and regularly navigate rough terrain, or if you want to use the vehicle to carry or tow heavy loads, an SUV may be a better choice.Which is safest: a car, SUV, or crossover?Most popular compact cars, SUVs, and crossover SUVs are essentially safe. Crossovers have a lot to commend them when it comes to safety, because of their specific blend of features. However, the relative safety of different kinds of vehicles really depends on the conditions you’re most likely to face.In an accident, generally speaking, vehicles with unibody construction are considered statistically safer and less likely to roll than body-on-frame vehicles. However, in an accident between a car and a heavier vehicle, those in the lighter vehicle are in more danger.And, depending on where you live, vehicle collisions may be less of a risk than bad weather or terrain. Black ice, heavy storms and heat waves can all be dangerous, and different factors – like the kinds of tires on your vehicle, whether or not you have 4WD or AWD, your emergency preparedness, and the vehicle’s make and model – can all affect your relative safety.All this means that, ultimately, what’s safest will depend on your lifestyle and location. If you’re thinking about buying a new vehicle, the best things you can do are take time to understand the safety features available to you and research safety statistics on the specific make and model.Your Crossover Questions, AnsweredHopefully, this guide has answered all your questions about crossover vehicles and you’re now well-equipped to decide whether a crossover is right for your next vehicle purchase, lease, or road trip rental car.Save Money on Your Monthly Auto Loan Payment With Auto ApproveLooking to lower your monthly vehicle payments? Auto Approve can help you find the best deal available to you in just a few minutes. Refinance your vehicle through Auto Approve and you’ll get a great deal with no markups – and we’ll do the paperwork for you. Auto Approve even handles the DMV!Getting a quote is quick, free, and doesn’t require a commitment or hard credit check.Get your free quote now.