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We expect certain things from a sales pitch with a car dealer. They will try to sell you on dealer financing, they will try to sell you some fancy add-ons, and they will definitely try to sell you an extended warranty. But just because it’s become a trope of the industry doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily a bad–or a good–thing. The truth is that extended car warranties can be worth it for some people, while for other people they might not be necessary. Let’s talk about extended car warranties and how you can decide if getting one is worth it.What’s the difference between a factory warranty and an extended warranty?All new cars come with factory warranties. Factory warranties are a guarantee by the manufacturer that your new car will last a certain period of time without requiring costly repairs. If anything should go wrong in that time period, the manufacturer will foot the bill. There are two types of warranties that a manufacturer may offer: powertrain and bumper to bumper.Powertrain warranties cover your engine and transmission–essentially the most important parts of your car. Bumper to bumper warranties cover all of the other systems in your car, from your navigation system to the suspension system. The fine print will tell you exactly what is covered and what is excluded, as these details will vary from warranty to warranty and from manufacturer to manufacturer. They do not cover everything that can go wrong with your car, and typically exclude wear and tear and maintenance issues. It is common for manufacturers to offer a bumper to bumper warranty for the initial few years, and then a powertrain warranty for an additional few years. You may get a new car that has a bumper to bumper warranty for the first 3 years/36,000 miles, and then a powertrain warranty for the next two years/24,000 miles.There also may be exceptions in your coverage for certain components. Under federal law, manufacturers are required to cover emissions repairs for 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first. This will cover your catalytic converter as well as other costly repairs.Extended warranties work in two ways. They can provide additional protection to your existing manufacturer warranty, or they can provide coverage when your manufacturer warranty expires. If you have a powertrain warranty (and not a bumper to bumper) you can get an extended warranty that can cover the rest of your car. This can help cover:SuspensionNavigationElectronicsAnd moreGetting an extended warranty can also be a great idea when your initial warranty expires. After all, the older a car is, the more likely it is that something will go wrong.How do extended warranties work?There are two different types of extended warranties: OEMs and third party warranties. OEMs, or original equipment manufacturer warranties, extend the initial warranties. This is the type of extended warranty that a dealer will try to sell you when you purchase your car initially. Dealer warranties typically stipulate that you need to go to a dealership to have any work done on your car. This can be a hassle for many. Additionally, they may not allow the same level of coverage as your initial warranty had. A good alternative for manufacturer’s warranties are third party warranties.  These warranties can also be purchased to provide protection after your initial purchase. Third party warranties can be a great option as they allow customers to shop around and compare coverages and prices. They allow you to customize your coverage and will allow you to have more flexibility as to where you take your car for repairs. Many third party warranties will require you to pay for repairs out of pocket and reimburse you later however, which is important to keep in mind.Is it worth paying for an extended warranty?Extended warranties oftentime get a bad rep, but the truth is they can be worth it for many people. If any of the following apply to you, an extended warranty may be a good idea:You like peace of mind. After your manufacturer's warranty expires, you might be missing the peace of mind you once had. Cars break down all the time, unfortunately, and it never happens at a convenient time for us. But if you have an extended warranty, you do not need to worry as much about the financial side of this inconvenience. Think of an extended warranty as insurance: you don’t always need it, but when you do need it, it’s nice to have.You like getting extra perks.Third party extended warranties often come with added advantages. This will vary from company to company but can include:Rental car reimbursementFree towingLockout servicesRoadside assistanceThese additional perks can alleviate the burden of a breakdown even more.You can get the latest technology.Have you ever gotten a new car only for the technology to become out of date all too quickly? It is frustrating to have technology in your car that is out of date and in need of software updates. These updates without a warranty can be very cost prohibitive, and may even sway you against getting the latest tech. But an extended warranty can cover this and give you the freedom to get what you want.You want customized coverage.Manufacturer’s warranties have a tendency of being very one size fits all. They are much more difficult to customize and cover what you want. After all, no one knows your car better than you do, so customizing your own coverage just makes good sense. A third party extended warranty will give you a lot more leeway to cover what you want (and therefore only pay for coverage that you want).You don’t work on your car yourself.If you like to work on your car and fix it yourself, then an extended warranty is probably not worth it. But if you don’t like to (or know how to) work on your car yourself, then an extended warranty can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle. Modern cars are much more complicated to work on than older cars. Cars that are twenty or thirty years old are much simpler and do not have the electronics and computers that make modern cars so much more complicated. So if you are not up for the hassle of working on your car yourself, consider getting an extended warranty to save yourself the headache–and get a qualified mechanic to help you out.You don’t have a lot saved up for emergencies.Many Americans do not have a lot of money in savings should something go wrong. All it takes is one huge bill to hurt our finances and leave us in a difficult position. But if you have an extended warranty, you only need to worry about the upfront warranty cost and the deductible. Better yet, if you refinance your car, you can add your extended warranty into your monthly payments.How to get the best extended warranty.If an extended warranty sounds like a good idea to you, here are our top tips for getting the best extended warranty possible.Shop around.There are a lot of companies that offer extended warranties, so it’s a good idea to shop around and compare products, cost, and customer service. When considering a warranty, customer service is incredibly important. If people frequently complain that they cannot get their claims processed or are given a lot of pushback, run the other way. You can typically find pretty transparent pricing for different companies, but make sure that when you are comparing prices that you are comparing comparable amounts of coverage.Pick the plan that makes sense for you.Each extended warranty company will have different tiers of coverage. The lowest end of protection will typically cover the powertrain while the highest level will cover the electronics, navigation, and entertainment systems. Think about how you drive, what you care about, and what you can live without should something break.Do the math.Look at how much you are paying for your warranty and how much the deductibles are. For example, let's say you purchase a warranty that is $1200 and charges a $300 deductible. You make five claims in the coverage period, and it ends up totalling $2700. If you instead opt for a higher upfront warranty cost of $1800 with a $100 deductible, those same five claims will net you a total of $2300. While you cannot exactly predict what you will need, see what makes the most sense for your car and your situation. That’s the truth about extended car warranties and how you can decide if getting one is right for you.An extended warranty isn’t right for everyone, but it can be a great way to get some peace of mind. And if you refinance your car loan with Auto Approve it’s easy to add those payments into your monthly car payments. Contact Auto Approve today to find out how much money you can save with refinancing!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Car dealers love to offer financial incentives to motivate potential buyers. Rebates, discounts, and 0% financing are all used at various times to get buyers in the doors. So what exactly are these incentives, and are they worth seeking out?Let’s talk about rebates and other sales incentives used by car dealers.How do rebates work?Car rebates are a very specific type of sales incentive. A rebate is a return of cash to a customer for agreeing to buy or lease a car. Rebates are different from discounts because the money is not immediately taken off of the sale price. Instead, money is returned to you at a future point in time. Rebates can be offered by either the manufacturer or by the dealership. If the rebate is offered by the manufacturer, you may go to any dealer to get that rebate. But if the rebate is dealer specific, you do not have that flexibility.Rebates are commonly used when one particular model is lagging in sales, as it will increase demand for the model. This is one way for dealers to push sales in a certain direction.Rebates can vary greatly, from as little as $500 to as much as $5,000. They are usually on a strict timeline, typically lasting about two weeks. They are much more commonly used by popular brands such as Honda and Toyoata, and are used much less frequently by luxury brands.It is common for buyers to use the rebate money as a down payment. It’s important to note that a rebate is not a discount, because you will still be taxed on the list price of the car. Some states do allow rebates to be deducted from the list price, so check your state laws.There are some great advantages to cash rebates: You can use the rebate as a down payment.It doesn’t affect the car loan APR you will be offered.It can help you afford a new car that might otherwise be out of your budget.But there are some disadvantages to rebates as well:They only apply to certain models, so you have a limited selection.They only apply to new cars, so certified pre-owned cars are not an option.You cannot combine them with other incentive deals, such as 0% financing.If a rebate is being offered on a car that you are interested in already, then that’s great! But if it’s swaying you away from what you truly want then be sure to think your decision through thoroughly. If the car that has the rebate offer costs $10,000 more than the car you originally wanted, and the rebate is for $5,000, you may not be making out as good as you may think.What other sales incentives are used by dealerships?Delayed Loan PaymentsAnother common incentive for dealers to offer is delayed loan payments. This allows customers to not make payments for the first few months that they have the car. It’s important to check the fine print on this though–you may still accrue interest during this time.0% FinancingIf you have exceptional credit (typically above 780) you may qualify for 0% financing. This means that when you make payments, you are only required to pay towards the principal of your car. This will allow you to pay your loan off faster and save more money overall. Again, this is only an option for people with stellar credit, and it may only apply to certain models.Lifetime WarrantiesAnother incentive that dealers may use is a lifetime warranty. By throwing in a lifetime complimentary powertrain warranty, your car may be covered for any big issues for as long as you have the car.Can you combine incentives?Some dealerships may offer combination incentives, such as a lifetime powertrain warranty and 0% financing. But they will not offer you both a rebate and 0% financing–you will need to pick which is more beneficial for you and your situation.How can I get the best deal on a new car?Research.When you are looking to get a new car, you want to be as informed as possible. If you know what specific car you want, be sure to research it ahead of time. Know what features you are looking for and what you can live without, and have a realistic idea of what the price will be.Also research the dealer that you are planning on visiting. Do they have good customer reviews? Do people seem to have positive experiences, or do they have a reputation for inflating prices and trying to upsell? It’s good to have a few dealers in mind so that you can shop around.Prepare your finances.The most important thing you can do to get the best deal possible on a new car is to make sure your finances are in good shape. Are you paying cash or are you looking to finance? If you are paying cash, be prepared for the total cost of the car: the list price, taxes, and fees. Paying cash always gives you a little more room to negotiate, but it’s good to be prepared for any extra costs that might come your way. If you are looking to finance your new car, take the time to ensure your credit score and debt to income ratio are looking good. These are the two most important factors that lenders will consider when reviewing your loan application. Make sure your credit score is in fighting shape by taking the following steps:Request a copy of your credit report. Review it for any errors or mistakes, such as missed payments and inaccurate balances. Report any errors to the credit bureau, as fixing these errors can have a huge impact on your score. Focus on paying down loans that have a high credit utilization ratio (the ratio of your outstanding balance vs your credit limit). Paying these down will help your overall credit utilization ratio and improve your score.Request higher credit limits. Requesting higher limits will help improve your credit utilization ratio as well.Commit to full and on time payments. Making full and on time payments is a major contributor to a healthy credit score.Resist opening other accounts. Any other accounts that you may be looking to open, such as another credit card, will trigger a hard inquiry on your credit. This can negatively affect your score in the short term, so wait until after you purchase your new car to do so.It’s also good to have a realistic idea of what you can afford every month. The general rule is to spend less than 10%-15% of your monthly income on your car payment, and less than 20% of your monthly income on your total transportation expenses (this includes gas and maintenance). Make sure that this works with your budget though–it’s always a good idea to sit down and work through the numbers to determine what will work with your personal finances.Get financing first.Before you step into a dealership, get pre-approved with a few different lenders. When you go to a dealership, it can be very confusing. You will try to negotiate the price of your new car, the fees, and the value of your trade in. If you do not have to think about negotiating financing as well, it will help you to stay focused. If the dealer wants you to use their financing, you already have numbers that they will have to beat.Take advantage of the incentives.Whether it is a rebate or 0% financing, look around to see what incentives are out there. Don’t compromise what you want for an incentive, but it can certainly sweeten the deal. Do the math to see just how much money these incentives can save you.Negotiate.When you settle on your car, it’s time to negotiate. It’s important to keep your eyes on the most important factor: the overall car price. Dealers often use monthly payments as a barometer for affordability, but don’t fall for it. They can make the offer seem more attractive by focusing on low monthly payments, but this often means you will pay more in the long run for the car. Instead focus on the price of the car and the fees.Read the print before you sign.When you have negotiated all the details and secured your financing (again, try to use a lender outside of the dealer to get the best rate), be sure to read the sales agreement thoroughly before signing anything. Make sure you are aware of all of the fees and terms that are outlined, and be prepared to walk away if it doesn’t seem right to you.Those are our tips for buying a new car and how to take advantage of dealer incentives.Buying a new car can be overwhelming, but doing your research and taking advantage of dealer incentives can really pay off.If you have a new car that you have already financed, you may be able to get a better car loan APR by financing. Get started with Auto Approve today to get a free quote–you could save hundreds (if not thousands!)GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

If you are having trouble making your car payments, you may have had the idea to pay off your auto loan with a personal loan. After all, it would give you the chance to change your APR and possibly lower your monthly payments. But is it a good idea?Let’s talk about the differences between personal loans and auto loans, and whether or not you should use a personal loan to pay off an auto loan.What is the difference between a personal loan and a car loan?Personal loans and car loans are two very different loan types. A personal loan can be used for just about anything, from a home project to debt consolidation. You can even use the money for a vacation (although we don’t recommend that). Personal loans are unsecured, which means they have no collateral. Lenders look at your credit score and financial history when determining whether or not they will give you a personal loan.Since personal loans do not have collateral, there is nothing for the bank to repossess if you fail to make payments. Instead the lender can take you to court to get their money back, and they can severely damage your credit. Defaulting on a personal loan can ruin your credit score for years to come. But because there is no immediate ramification for nonpayment, unsecured loans tend to come at higher rates since they are riskier for the lender.Personal loans typically do not require a down payment, but they often come with high origination fees (this is essentially the fee to do business with them).Car loans on the other hand are secured loans, meaning that the car itself acts as collateral. If you fail to make your payments, the bank will repossess your car. Since they are secured loans, car loans will typically have lower interest rates than personal loans.Car loans usually require down payments. They will also have origination fees, but they are usually a smaller percentage than those on personal loans.Should I use a personal loan to pay off an auto loan?There are times when it might be tempting to pay off your existing auto loan with a personal loan. This is especially true if you did not get a good car loan APR when you originally financed your car. Here are the pros of paying off your car loan with a personal loan:You may qualify for a lower APR.You can adjust your repayments period to make your monthly payments lower.You can remove a cosigner from your loan.But, there are also some cons to paying off your car loan with a personal loan.You may not find a lower APR.You may pay a lot in fees.You may end up paying more in the long run.Chances are you will not be able to find a lower interest rate for a personal loan than you will for an auto loan. But there’s good news–refinancing your car loan might be your best option. This gives you all of the benefits of paying off your loan with a personal loan, but chances are you will be able to find a much lower car loan APR than personal loan APR.How can I get a better rate on my car loan?Instead of getting an unsecured personal loan to pay off your car loan, you will be much better served to refinance your existing car loan. When you refinance, you are getting a new loan that will pay off your existing loan. The difference between refinancing and getting a personal loan is big: when you refinance, you get an auto loan, not a personal loan. This means the loan will be secured and you will get a much better rate. The best part is that refinancing is really easy–especially when you use a company that specializes in car loan refinance. Just follow these simple steps and start saving money immediately.Research.Do your research to find out which lenders will be a good fit for you. Ask around to friends and families to see if they have any lenders they recommend. Be sure to consider traditional banks, credit unions, and online lenders. You will not be able to compare specific rates and terms, but you can get an idea of what their average rates may be and how satisfied their customers are.Apply. Once you have selected 3-5 lenders, submit all of your applications in a fourteen day window. Credit bureaus give a fourteen day window where all applications will count as one hard inquiry on your credit report. This allows you to shop around without racking up a lot of hard inquiries (which will negatively affect your score). When you apply, you will need to have the following documents ready:A Photo ID, typically a driver’s ID or passport.Your vehicle’s information, such as the bill of sale, VIN number, make, model, and year of your car.Proof of income and financial history, such as pay stubs, banking information, and your credit report.  Proof of residence, such as a mortgage statement, lease agreement, or utility bill. Proof of insurance.This process is super easy if you use a company that specializes in car loan refinance, like Auto Approve. They have relationships with lenders across the country which means that they can get you the most competitive rates out there. They can help you handle the repetitive paperwork and make applying super easy.Compare.After you apply, you will start seeing offers roll in. Be sure to compare the following terms when determining what auto loan is best for you:Car loan APRRepayment periodFeesCustomer satisfaction ratingsAuto Approve can help you compare and decide what lender might be the best fit for you. Take all of these factors into account, but pay most attention to the car loan APR. After all, you will save the most amount of money by reducing your car loan APR. Sign and Save.Once you decide which car loan is the best fit for you, you can sign on the dotted line and start saving money. Your new lender will pay off your old loan (although it never hurts to call and make sure this happens without incident). You will need to alert the DMV of this change and call your insurance company, but after that you are all set. That’s why you should refinance your car loan instead of paying off your existing loan with a personal loan.Refinancing your car loan can be beneficial to you for many reasons. Lower monthly payments, a lower APR, and the ability to add or remove a cosigner are just a few. If refinancing your car loan sounds like a good move for you, don’t wait–get started with Auto Approve today and get your free quote!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

If you’ve been trying to buy a car recently, you may be all too aware of how crazy the car market is. Whether you are looking for a new car or a used car, the wait times, prices, and increasing rates are making it an ordeal for many to get a new set of wheels. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get yourself in a new car. Here are the best ways to navigate the current auto market.Why is it hard to buy a car right now?Demand for cars is at an all time high, while the supply of cars–both new and used–is at a low. This is causing both record prices and increased wait times for customers across the world. So how did we get here?Increased demandIn the past two years we have seen an increased demand for cars, both new and used. When the pandemic hit, many people saved money by not going on vacations and not spending money on entertainment. These savings combined with subsidy checks meant that people had money to buy things they needed, like a new car.Not only did people have a bit more money to spend, but interest rates were at an all time low. In an effort to keep the economy going, the Fed reduced interest rates to encourage spending. And this worked, albeit a little too well. All of this combined to create an increased demand for new cars.Decreased supplyAn increase in car demand was unfortunately coupled with a decrease in supply. The supply of new cars decreased for a few reasons:Many factories were forced to shut down or limit production numbers due to the pandemic.Supply issues with raw materials such as plastics and steel cause production to slow down.A shortage of microchips–used in cars for everything from navigation systems to window controls–slowed car production. Some experts think that 90-95% of the new car supply issue can be attributed to chip production.All of this meant that there were fewer new cars on the market, which affected the used car market as well. Used car demand increased for a few reasons:High new car prices drove buyers to less expensive used options. Lease drivers returned their leases less frequently so there was a smaller supply of used cars.Low supply and high demand creates inflation, which makes it more difficult to get a fair price on a car.High pricesWhen supply and demand are out of sync, inflation can occur. In 2022 inflation hit a 9.1% year over year increase–the highest it’s been since 1981. Inflation affects all parts of our economy (both in the US and worldwide), and the car market was no exception. In August 2022 new car prices hit an all time high. The average new car had a price tag of $48,301 according to Kelley Blue Book, which was up 11% from August of 2021. While used car prices are starting to normalize a little bit, they are still much higher than they should be. High interest ratesIt’s no secret that inflation is putting a major toll on our economy. That’s why in the beginning of 2022 the Fed began to raise interest rates. By raising interest rates, the Fed was hoping to slow down demand by making borrowing money more expensive. They were also hoping that high interest rates would encourage more saving and allow the economy time to cool off. This is the balance that the Fed is always hoping to strike. Longer Wait TimesIf you are looking to buy a new car, it takes a bit longer these days. All of these supply issues mean that production and shipping are taking more time, so customers are waiting many weeks and months longer than usual.Should I wait to buy a new car?There is no cut and dry answer for this, as it depends on your situation. Buying a car isn’t impossible right now, but it will require a bit more patience and research. If you have your heart set on getting a new set of wheels, we have some tips to help you in your quest.Here are our top tips for buying a new car in 2022.Be flexible.The more flexible you can be with your choice of car, the easier this process will be. Certain brands and models are experiencing longer wait times and higher inflation than others, so it is good if you can be a little flexible. It might take longer or be harder to get certain add ons, exterior colors, or features, so being flexible here will help you as well.Actively track car prices beforehand.The more research you do, the more confident you will be that you are getting a good deal. Using sites such as Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds will help you to determine how much you should be paying for your new car.Shop around for rates.It’s always important to shop for rates, but it is crucial to do so now. Look at different credit unions, online lenders, and traditional banks to get pre approved. This is not the time to get roped into dealer financing, which can be especially pricey. Taking the time to ensure that your credit score is in good shape can also pay off for you.Come with cash in hand.When rates increase, it’s more important than ever to pay for as much as possible with cash. A larger down payment will not only help you qualify for a better loan, but it will save you a lot of money in the long run.Know the value of your old car.One good thing about this situation is that your used car has never been more valuable. That’s why you should have a good sense of how much money your car is worth before you go to look for a new one. Chances are the dealership will try to lowball you when buying your old car, so you may be better served to sell your car privately.Those are our top tips for navigating the current auto market. If the time isn’t right to get a new car, consider refinancing your existing car loan. There's a good chance that you can find a car loan APR that is lower than your current rate. Using a company that specializes in car loan refinance can make this process quick, easy, and effective. You can get a free quote in just a few minutes, so don’t wait–contact Auto Approve today to get started. With a 96% would-recommend rating on LendingTree and an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, you know you are in good hands.GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Fall is finally here and we are all ready to settle down after the fun of summer and get ready for the rest of the year (and the impending holiday season!) So now is a great time to get your finances in order and try to save as much money as possible before the holiday season comes raging in. One of the fastest and easiest ways you can save money is by refinancing your car loan. But how do you know if the time is right?Let’s talk about why now is a great time to refinance your car loan.When should you refinance a car loan?Refinancing a car loan is when you pay off your existing loan with a new loan. The new loan you get should have better terms, such as a lower car loan APR, a better repayment schedule, and/or different prepayment penalties.The best time to refinance your car loan will depend on your circumstances, but if any of the following apply to you, it might be time to refinance.Your credit score has increased.The main reason to refinance your car loan is to reduce the car loan APR you are paying and ultimately save money. The car loan APR you will be offered will be based on:Your credit historyThe amount you are financing The length of the termThe age of your vehicleYour credit history is ultimately the most important factor in the car loan APR you will be offered. Lenders look at your debt to income ratio as well as your credit score to determine how dependable you are to pay back the car loan. Credit scores are based on five different categories: Payment History (35%)Accounts Owed (30%) Length of Credit History (15%)Credit Mix (10%)New Credit (10%)A change to any of these categories can cause a significant swing in your credit score. There are a few reasons your score may have changed, even if you haven’t been actively trying to increase it. Here are the top reasons your credit score may have increased.You reduced your overall debt. By paying down some of your accounts you may have reduced your overall debt, even if you were just making your minimum payments every month. You got a higher credit limit. If you requested a higher credit limit, or had your limit raised automatically, it can give your credit score a boost. Your score is dependent in part on your credit utilization ratio (how much debt you are in vs how much credit you have available to you). The more credit you have available to you (and the less debt you are in) will result in a higher credit score.A negative event expired. Negative events, such as foreclosures and bankruptcies, can cause your credit score to take a huge hit. But these negative events have expiration dates, usually between 7 and 10 years. When these events expire, your score will get a boost. You fixed an error on your credit report. You should request a copy of your credit report a few times per year to ensure that it is accurate and up to date. It is not uncommon for there to be major errors such as missed payments that will cause your score to dip. Reporting any errors and having them removed may help your score a lot.If your score has increased for any reason, you should consider refinancing your car loan. The market rates have decreased.While your credit score and finances are firmly within your control, the market rates are not. If you originally financed your car when the market rates were higher than they are now, it’s probably a good time to consider refinancing.You need to adjust your repayment period.Your repayment period affects not only how much you will pay in total for your car loan, but also how much money you will pay every month. If your repayment period is on the shorter end of the spectrum, let’s say 24 months, there’s a good chance that your monthly payments are very high. If you need some more breathing room every month, refinancing your car loan and lengthening your repayment period can reduce your payments significantly. But it is important to note that when you lengthen your repayment period you will end up spending more money over the course of your loan. After all, you will be paying interest over a longer period of time.You need to add or remove a cosigner.Financing a car with a cosigner is not uncommon. If your credit score isn’t in top shape, getting a loved one to cosign may help secure you better terms and a better car loan APR. But if you  no longer need that financial help and would like to free your friend or family member from the loan agreement, you will need to refinance your car loan. On the other hand, if your credit score has taken a dip but you still want to refinance, you can add a cosigner on when you refinance to try to secure the best rates possible. Is it easy to refinance an auto loan?With all of the benefits of car loan refinancing, the best news is that it’s actually super easy. There is an application process that is similar to when you originally financed your car, but once you are approved you can start saving money instantly. Here’s how to get started:Get PreparedPrepare yourself as much as possible for your refinance. Make sure your credit is in good shape, collect all of the paperwork you may need, and review your current loan agreement so that you know what you are looking for with your refinance. Do Your ResearchThere are a lot of lenders that will refinance your car loan. From traditional banks to online lenders to credit unions, there are seemingly endless places to apply. This is why it’s so important to do your research and be prepared. You will not have actual rates or terms to compare, but you can check out customer reviews to see how they are ranked. Are customers happy with their loans? Do their rates seem competitive? When customers have problems, does their customer service resolve their issues? All of these aspects you can research ahead of time.Apply and CompareYou ultimately want to pick 3-5 lenders to apply with. Be sure to apply in a fourteen day period so that all applications will count as one hard inquiry on your credit report. Once you get your offers, be sure to compare not only the car loan APR but the repayment period, the customer reviews, the fees and the prepayment penalties. Compare them not only to each other, but to your existing car loan. This process is super easy if you use a company that specializes in car loan refinance, like Auto Approve. We have relationships with lenders across the country, which means we can easily find you the best rates nationwide. On top of that, we can help you fill out all of the applications (which can be very time consuming!) and help you compare and decide which car loan is the best choice for you.Sign and SaveOnce you decide on a car loan, all you have to do is sign and start saving money. The new lender will contact your existing lender to pay off your loan. You will need to update your information with the DMV (but if you refinance with Auto Approve, we will take care of this for you!) Is now a good time to refinance a car?So, is now a good time to refinance a car? The answer is, it depends (but probably!) We are just getting out of an unprecedented economic time, and it is unclear what will happen with market rates in the future. It does seem pretty clear however that market rates are only going to increase from here on out.  That means that now is the best time to refinance if you are considering vehicle refinance.If your credit score has increased since financing or you just need a little extra breathing room every month, refinancing your car loan can help you save money every month. Fall 2022 is a great time to refinance your car loan.Fall is a great time to get realigned with your finances, and refinancing your car loan is a great first step. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it can help you prepare for the holiday spending that looms on the horizon.Refinancing your car loan is incredibly easy when you use Auto Approve. Our experts can guide you through the application process and help you compare which offers are the best. So don’t wait any longer to start saving money–there’s no telling what might happen to interest rates in the coming months. Refinancing today can help you lock down today’s low rates. Get your free quote today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Whether you are looking to buy an affordable set of wheels, or just can’t bear to part with the car you’ve been driving around since college, you might be wondering if an older car is a safe vehicle option. While older cars are more affordable up front, will they end up costing you more in the long run?Today we are talking all about older cars. How old is too old, what to look out for when buying one, and how to know when one is unsafe for you and your loved ones.Here is what to look out for when driving–and buying–an older car.What are the advantages of buying an older car?It is cheaper.The biggest advantage to buying an older car is that you will save on depreciation. Depreciation depends on a few different factors:Make and model of the vehicle.The condition of the vehicle.The age of the vehicle.The mileage of the vehicle.But most of the deprecation for a car happens in the first five years where it loses about 60% of its value. After year five depreciation still occurs, but at a much slower rate than in the first years. Let’s consider a new car that costs $30,000. New: $30,000Immediately Upon Leaving Dealership: $27,0001 year: $24,0002 years: $20,4003 years: $17,3404 years: $14,7405 years: $12,530The rate of depreciation slows as the car ages, and after year five they depreciate at a much slower rate. By ten years, the value of the car will be dictated mostly by the condition of the vehicle. Different cars will depreciate at different rates as well, so you need to think about what specific car you are looking to buy. The Jeep Wrangler is consistently ranked as having one of the lowest depreciation rates, with a 5 year depreciation value of 27.3%. Compare this to the Nissan Leaf, which has a 5 year depreciation value of 71.7%. This difference in depreciation values is based on a few different factors, but it really is a question of supply and demand. If you buy a car that is in demand, you will have a better chance of selling it for more money when you look to sell. Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs tend to hold their value more, but will be more expensive up front.It is better for the environment.Sure, new cars have less emissions and tend to be better on gas. But did you know that about one quarter of the carbon dioxide a vehicle produces during its life occurs while manufacturing and delivering that vehicle initially? Additionally, the newer hybrid vehicles use batteries that are bad for the environment. By purchasing a used car, you can help reduce the amount of new cars manufactured.It’s cheaper to insure.Not only are used cars cheaper to buy, but they are cheaper to insure. This is because they are usually cheaper to repair and the parts are easier to replace. This is especially true when compared to a lot of new cars which have the latest technology and require specialized tools to repair.What are the disadvantages to buying an older car?They are less reliable and will need more repairs.As cars get older, things are more likely to go wrong. Added mileage and an unknown driving history can all make cars less reliable. They also may lack some of the more modern safety features that are now considered standard.If you are thinking of buying an older car, be sure to check out the following:Exterior body condition. Look for dents, dings, and mismatched paint which could indicate a previous accident.Tires. Look at the tread depth and any uneven wear patterns, which may indicate a larger problem with the car.Glass. Look for chips or cracks in the windshield, windows, and mirrors. Engine. Look at the engine to see if there is any oil leakage. Interior car condition. Look at the headliner of the car (the ceiling), the seats and any upholstery. While this is cosmetic, it is worth taking into account when buying an older car.Heating and air conditioning. Check to make sure both are in working order.If you are unsure of what to look for, be sure to take the car to a licensed mechanic to ensure the car is safe to drive.There is no warranty.Not only are older cars less reliable, but there is no manufacturer's warranty to protect you if something should go wrong. Repairs can be costly and can end up negating whatever savings you made by buying used in the first place.There is old technology.As cars become newer and more advanced, older technology becomes obsolete. Built in navigation systems and touchscreens become harder to update, and you might be left with unusable features.You may have trouble with financing.If you need to finance to buy your used car from a dealership, you may have a harder time finding a lender that is willing to loan you the money. It’s not impossible by any means, but the older a car is the more difficult you may find the process to be. What warning signs should you watch out for with an older car?Whether you already own your older car or you are looking to buy an older car, there are some warning signs you should look for when driving. The brakes are acting up.One of the most important things to keep an eye out for with older cars is the brakes. After all, your brakes are the most important safety feature that your car has. If you notice any issues with the brakes, be sure to take your car to a mechanic right away. Here are some signs to watch out for:The brake pedals make noise, such as a squealing.The brakes make a grinding noise.Your car pulls to the left or to the right while braking.The brake light stays on.The handbrake is loose.You notice smoke or smells coming out of the wheels.Any or all of these could be a sign of a problem with your brakes. It might be as simple as getting your brake pads replaced, but with older cars you want to be sure it's nothing more serious.The car is bouncing.If you notice an older car is bouncing, it can be a warning sign that you need new struts or shocks. It’s important to get these replaced as it can cause the following:An uncomfortable rideExcessive and uneven tire wearPoor control while steeringDecreased braking abilityIncreased wear on other componentsReplacing the struts or shocks can help ensure no further damage is done to the car and help to keep you safe on the road.There is rust.Rust can be a minor issue, or it can be a very major thing. There are three types of rust that occur on cars:Surface rust: Corrosion on the metal’s upper layer that goes through the paint.Scale rust: Corrosion that has penetrated beyond the paint and begins affecting the frame.Penetrating rust: Rust that has penetrated enough to cause holes in the metal, such as in the undercarriage, side panels, or frame itself.Surface rust can be treated by sanding it off and repainting the area. This can stop the rust from spreading, making it merely a cosmetic issue. If rust progresses to scale rust, parts may need to be removed and replaced. If it progresses to penetrating rust, it will need to be removed, but also might be too severe to fix.If you see rust on an older car, try to assess the damage or take it to a mechanic. Stopping the rust before it spreads is critical if you want to keep your car safe.The check engine light is on.The check engine light can mean a number of different things. You can check it yourself with a code reader if you have one, or you can take it to a mechanic to find out what’s going on. It might be something as simple as a spark plug, or something more expensive, such as a faulty catalytic converter. Either way, a check engine light is always something to take seriously.  Is a 10 year old car too old?There is no cut and dry answer as every situation will differ. Research what problems are most common with the car you are thinking about and try to decide if the trade off is worth it. A car that is ten years old might be perfectly fine for your needs, but chances are if you are looking at a car that is over 20 years old, you will find more problems than it’s worth.That’s what to look for when driving, or buying, an older car.If you are thinking about getting an older car, keep an eye out for these warning signs. Buying an old car that is in need of repair can cost you a lot of money in the long run. You might find that you can actually save money by getting a new car, or simply by refinancing your car loan.Car loan refinancing is quick and easy, just contact Auto Approve today to get started!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

If you are looking to buy a new car, you know just how many options there are out there. Gas or electric, luxury or economy, SUV or sedan: with thousands of vehicles on the market, how do you know what is right for you? If you are having a hard time deciding between an SUV and a sedan, you may be wondering which one will best fit your lifestyle–and we are here to help! Here are the key differences between SUVs and sedans and how you can decide what’s best for you.What is the difference between a sedan and an SUV?SUVs have been around since the 1980s, but what defines them exactly? The definition has become a bit slippery in the past few years, but in general an SUV is built on a truck chassis while a sedan is built on a traditional car chassis. This makes SUVs a bit higher off the ground, and since they tend to have 4 wheel drive (in most cases), they are capable of going off-road. The Jeep Cherokee is considered to be the first modern SUV, but they have come a long way in the past 40 years. Now there are a few different categories of SUVS and crossovers:Subcompact CrossoversCompact CrossoversMid Size CrossoversFull Size CrossoverCompact SUVsMid Size SUVsFull Size SUVsPerformance Crossovers and SUVsCrossover SUVs use a unibody platform, which is the same platform used for sedans, but they have the look and space of a traditional SUV. Regular SUVs use a body-on-frame platform, which is what trucks use. All of these SUVs range in different size, engine size, and off-road capabilities.What are the advantages of an SUV?SUVs are an incredibly popular choice for many Americans. In fact, SUVs and pickup trucks combined make up 70% of the American car market. SUVs made up 45.9% of the world's passenger car market in 2021. And there are good reasons for that. So what are the advantages of an SUV?SUVs are typically taller and larger than sedans.Since SUVs are built on truck frames, they are higher off the ground and can provide a better vantage point than sedans. This can provide the driver with a better sense of safety and control. And since they are larger and heavier than a sedan, they typically sustain less damage than sedans when they are involved in accidents. But it’s important to note that SUVs are not inherently safer than sedans. While they do tend to fare better in accidents, their higher center of gravity makes them more prone to rollovers than sedans.SUVs can also fit more passengers and more cargo than a traditional sedan. If you have a large family or have a lot of stuff to lug around, an SUV is an excellent option for you.SUVs are better for going off-road.If you are interested in taking the road less traveled, a sedan will not do. Since sedans are typically two-wheel drive, they are less equipped to handle going off of the pavement. SUVs are either four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which gives them more traction to handle rougher terrain. Since they are higher off the ground, they are also more capable of driving rough terrain without damaging the undercarriage. SUVs are also better equipped to handle rough winter conditions because of this. If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, an SUV is a better option than a sedan. SUVs have more towing capability.SUVs have more torque and towing capacity than sedans. While you may not find a tow hitch standard on your SUV, you will be able to have one fitted. If you are planning to tow anything, whether it is a boat or just a small trailer, an SUV is the way to go.What are the advantages of a sedan?While SUVs have certain advantages, don’t discount the sedan too much. There are a lot of benefits to a sedan, even though they are not quite as popular as they used to be.Sedans are more fuel efficient.Since sedans are smaller and more lightweight, they are much better on fuel than SUVs. If you do not need the added space and towing capacity of an SUV, a sedan can get you much better gas mileage–after all, newer sedans have a combined gas mileage of over 70 miles per gallon. Sedans are perfect commuter cars because they have great fuel efficiency and their smaller size makes them easier to park. Sedans are more comfortable and easier to drive.Sedans are designed to be comfortable to drive. Since they are smaller they tend to handle turns and twists more gracefully than SUVs. And modern sedans are spacious enough to still be comfortable without all of the added bulk of SUVs.Sedans are more cost-effective.Not only will you spend less money on gas if you drive a sedan, but you will spend less money upfront. On average sedans are $5,000 less than SUVs. Additionally, sedans are less expensive to maintain than SUVs. So if you are on a budget, a sedan will give you a bit more bang for your buck.How do I choose between sedan and compact SUV?There are a lot of advantages to both sedans and SUVs, so you will have to look at your lifestyle and see what makes the most sense for you. A sedan will make more sense if:You plan to use your vehicle for commuting.You are on a budget.You do not have a big family.An SUV will make more sense if:You have a large family.You need the added luggage capacity.You need towing capabilities.You live in an area where there is a lot of snow, mud, or ice.You want to take your car off-road.Look at how you plan to use your new vehicle to determine what makes the most sense. No matter what features you are looking for, there is sure to be a sedan or SUV that will fit the bill.That’s how you can decide between an SUV and a sedan.SUVs and sedans have made a lot of improvements over the decades, and there are almost too many options out there. But assessing your needs will help you come to the best decision for you and your family.If you are looking to refinance your car or SUV, get in touch with Auto Approve today to start saving. Our experts can help you apply and compare offers, making the process of car loan refinancing super easy. So don’t wait, contact Auto Approve today!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Fall is one of the best times to enjoy a getaway on your bike. The crisp fall air is a welcomed change from the heat of summer and the leaves are changing color to create the perfect scenic backdrop. No matter where you live in the contiguous United States there is a beautiful fall motorcycle adventure awaiting your tires. Here are our favorite fall motorcycle road trips to see the fall foliage (no matter where you live!)Take one (or a few) weekend rides before parking your bike for the winter and check out these top road trips for leaf peeping.NortheastIt’s hard to beat the northeast in the fall. After all, who doesn’t imagine rolling Vermont hills speckled with orange and yellow leaves when they think of fall? And a motorcycle trip to the Northeast is the perfect way to truly enjoy all that autumn has to offer. Moosehead Lake, MEMoosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake, and the second largest lake in all of New England. Located in the northwestern part of the state, it offers beautiful views year round, but in the fall it is pretty unbeatable. Ride up to the Attean Overlook to see all of Moose River Valley and stop at one of the lakeside towns such as Greenville or Rockwood to grab a bite to eat or stay the night. Coastal Route 1, METake a ride up Coastal Route 1 on the other side of the state to see the Atlantic coast in fall. From the Canadian border at Calais you can drive down to see all of the lighthouses and seascapes while the leaves change colors. There are tons of quiet villages to visit, but you will never be bored driving down the coastline and seeing all that the coast has to offer.US Route 7, VTVermont is at its best in the fall, and a perfect way to see it all is to take a drive up US Route 7. It weaves from Green Mountain State Forest up to Burlington and is full of gorgeous views, small towns, and roadside attractions. And with so many parks and covered bridges along the way, you are sure to take in some gorgeous fall scenes.Route 666, PAPennsylvania has some beautiful regions, and fall is the perfect time to enjoy the scenery. Route 666 (also referred to as Route 666-One Hell of a Ride!) is in the northwest part of the state in the Allegheny Mountains. Full of twists and turns, it’s a fun ride as well as a scenic one, full of natural rock formations, babbling brooks, and beautiful views. While the route is only about 30 miles, there are tons of other routes and towns nearby that you can enjoy, so it’s well worth the trip. SoutheastThe Fall in the southeast might be a little warmer than up north, but it is just as full of beautiful scenic rides. There are countless mountains and national forests in the south that can be enjoyed year round but are especially beautiful in the fall months.Blue Ridge Parkway, NC & VAThe Blue Ridge Parkway is lovingly referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive”, and with good reason. This 469 mile road runs from The Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. In the nearly 500 miles of this stretch you can see the highest mountain peak in the eastern United States (Mount Mitchell), the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon (Linville Gorge), and the highest waterfall east of the Rockies (Whitewater Falls). And there is no better time to visit than in the fall when the leaves are changing.Tail of the Dragon (Deal’s Gap),TN & NCDeals Gap runs along the Great Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina and Tennessee border. Also known as The Tail of the Dragon, the road is 11 miles of twists and turns that take you through a scenic wonderland of fall foliage. With over 318 curves and turns with names such as Copperhead Corner and Brake or Bust Bend, it is perfect for any thrill-seeking motorcycle enthusiast. Blue Ridge Mountains, GAGeorgia has some stunning fall drives, but the Blue Ridge Mountains are definitely at the top of the list. From the Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway in northern Georgia you can ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the Chattahoochee River. There are a number of great small towns on the way, including Helen and Clayton, that you can stop at on your way to Brasstown Bald. Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia, offering stunning views of the state.MidwestThe midwest transforms itself in the fall as the temperatures start to drop. From the tip of Michigan down to the scenic byways of Kansas, it’s hard to go wrong with a midwest tour of fall.Tunnel of Trees, MIMichigan in the fall is simply beautiful, especially if you start out near Lake Michigan. One of the best features of this area is the Tunnel of Trees, part of the M-119. This 20 mile stretch runs on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, and has some sharp twists and turns that make it a fun ride as well as a scenic one. Continue on Lake Michigan’s northeastern shores to visit some small fishing towns, lighthouses, and beautiful coves.Shawnee Forest Country, ILLeaf peepers from everywhere flock to Route 127 between Murphysboro and Jonesboro during the fall months. Located along the Shawnee National Forest, it is a beautiful motorcycle ride with rolling hills and lots of beautiful trees and scenes. Surrounded by dense forests, it is the perfect place to see the leaves change colors. You can round out your trip with apple picking, or by heading to one of the local wineries or breweries. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, WIKettle Moraine is a beautifully unique region in Wisconsin that really shines in the fall. The area is highly glaciated, meaning it was formed by glaciers millions of years ago (it’s even part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail). Because of this, it has a hilly terrain and lots of glacial landforms, making it a distinctive and fun ride for any motorcycle rider. The incredible fall foliage only makes it that much better.WestNo matter where you are on the west coast, it’s pretty beautiful in the fall months. You are guaranteed to find a beautiful leaf peeping drive in any of the western states. Columbia River Gorge, ORThe Columbia River Gorge begins in Portland and runs to the Columbia River, separating Oregon and Washington. It has been shaped by geological events over the course of time, and while the river is at sea level, cliff sides run as high as 4000 feet on each side. With countless twists and turns, the Historic Columbia River Highway is perfect for any motorcycle lover. Waterfalls, fall colors, and gorgeous cliffsides make this a perfect fall riding destination.Crested Butte, COCrested Butte has the largest aspen grove in the United States, making it a beautiful fall road trip destination. Located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Crested Butte is famous for its stunning alpine lakes and wildflower meadows. A motorcycle trip on The West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway is the perfect way to celebrate fall, with a stop in town to stroll Elk Avenue and see this historic Colorado mining town.Eastern Sierras, CAThe Eastern Sierras have so much to offer in the autumn months. This region contains parts of Yosemite National Park and Death Valley National Park making it an amazing destination year round. Take your motorcycle on a ride from Lundy Lake to Mono Lake to see the best that this area has to offer, from waterfalls and alpine lakes to beautiful displays of willows, aspens, and cottonwoods.Those are our favorite leaf peeping motorcycle trips to take in the fall.The fall is one of the best times to enjoy your motorcycle. There are so many routes to take, just be sure to check the local guides to see the best time to see everything in all of its glory. While early October may be best for certain regions, late November may be better for other regions.Fall is also a great time to check in on your finances and make sure you aren’t overpaying on your motorcycle payments. If any of the following apply to you, you might be eligible for a lower monthly motorcycle payment:Your credit score has improved since your initial financingThe market rates have decreased since your initial financingYour debt to income ratio has decreased since your initial financingIf you are overpaying on your motorcycle payments, Auto Approve is here to help. We have relationships with lenders across the country and can secure you the best refinancing rates possible. Spend more time enjoying the fall scenery and less time worrying about payments.GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

Car safety didn’t used to be a hot topic. In fact, it used to not be a concern at all. It took over one hundred years of driving to get the most basic safety features (like seat belts) standardized. But in the past few decades a lot has changed. With technology evolving at an incredible pace, it seems like there are countless safety features in cars nowadays. But with so many new and innovative features, which are the must-have safety features, and are they worth the cost?The Complete Guide to Car Safety FeaturesIn this guide, you’ll find the answers to four of the most commonly asked questions about vehicle safety features:What are the standard car safety features?What are the best car safety features?Are ADAS making cars safer? Are safety features in a car worth it?Let’s talk about car safety features: what features matter and how you can decide if they are worth the cost.What are the standard car safety features?Safety features are hugely important in cars. They have been proven to significantly reduce the amount and severity of car accidents. Driving is much safer now than it was fifty, forty, or even just twenty years ago. 1960 was the first year that statistics were recorded in regards to accidents and fatalities. For every one million miles driven in 1960 there were 5.1 fatalities: compare this to 1.1 fatalities per one million miles in 2019.  It’s clear that the introduction of standard safety features has saved millions of lives. There are many car safety features that are standard now. And by standard, we mean they are mandated by law. These standard safety features include:Airbags (Became mandatory in 1998)Anti Lock brakes (Became mandatory in 2000)Backup cameras (Became mandatory in 2018)Electronic Stability Control (Became mandatory in 2012)Seat Belts (Became mandatory in 1968)LATCH–Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (Became mandatory in 2002)Tire Pressure Monitor (Became mandatory in 2007)Traction Control (Became mandatory in 2011)All of the above safety features have proven track records of saving lives and reducing the damage of accidents. But in the past few decades (or really the past ten years) technology has improved by leaps and bounds and safety features are getting more advanced by the minute. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are quickly becoming the new standard for safety.What are the best car safety features?If you are used to driving older cars, the new ADAS may not seem like an important investment to make. But once you have a car with the latest safety features, you will never want to go back to the way things were. These new systems are becoming incredibly popular, with the global market for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems expected to grow at a rate of 12% per year to $83 billion by 2030. But with so many new ADAS on the market, it can be hard to know exactly what features you should prioritize. While they all have value, some are certainly more effective and more worthwhile than others.Here are the top safety features that should make it onto your “must-have” list for your new car.Forward Collision Warning With Automatic BrakingThis is one of the best new safety features out there. Between 2012 and 2014 it was reported that over half of two-car accidents were rear-end collisions. FCWs give a tactile or visual alert to the driver that there is a car up ahead and then automatically apply the brakes to avoid the collision. There are very few false flags and the experience with these sensors has been so positive that there is now pressure on lawmakers to make this feature standard in all new cars.Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts (RCTW)Rear cross-traffic alerts are radar based and can help you see the blind spots in the back of your car. RCTW activates when you start reversing your car and can detect if a car or pedestrian will be crossing behind your car. While it cannot account for a car that is speeding towards you, it is very helpful when trying to slowly back up out of a parking space.Adaptive Cruise ControlWhile cruise control is something we are all used to, adaptive cruise control builds on top of that technology. When your cruise control is engaged, it will adjust the speed of your vehicle based on the speed of the vehicle ahead of you. Blind Spot DetectionEvery car has blind spots, and some are worse than others. These blind spots are the cause of thousands of accidents every year. Blind spot detection uses sensors and cameras to alert you as to when a car is in your blind spot. Sometimes these sensors can be overly sensitive, but they can also prevent you from merging into a car that you cannot see.Lane Departure Warning SystemsThese warning systems use cameras to alert you when your car is wandering from your lane. There are lane departure warnings, which make a noise or vibration when you start to wander, and there are lane keeping assist systems which will kick in and correct you. Additional Safety FeaturesThe above technology has been around for a few years and is constantly improving on itself. But there are several new safety features that you should keep an eye out for as well in the future.Safety Exit Assist: This feature temporarily blocks kids from opening the rear doors when it detects a car or pedestrian crossing behind the vehicle. Facial Recognition Software. Some carmakers are using facial recognition software to detect the alertness of the driver. It will issue an alert or warning if it senses the driver isn’t paying attention.While these are only starting to appear in certain cars, they may become widely available in the next five years.Are these ADAS making cars safer? So how well do these systems really work? Most studies suggest that they do an excellent job of reducing the severity and frequency of car accidents. Consider the following studies:According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, vehicles with blind spot monitoring were involved in 14% less accidents than other vehicles.According to that same study, evidence suggests that 50,000 crashes and 16,000 injuries may have been prevented if all vehicles sold in 2015 had blind-spot monitoring.Another IIHS study found that blind spot detection reduced lane-change accident injuries by 23%.A study out of Carnegie Mellon found that vehicle crash avoidance technology reduced crash frequency by 3.5%.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites that 94% of serious accidents are the result of human error. If ADAS can reduce the chance of human error, it is inevitable that they will make cars safer. While a lot of this technology is new, it’s clear that it is having a positive impact. Are safety features in a car worth it?Some of these Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems are becoming standard on new cars, but some come with a bigger price tag. So are they worth it? The short answer is: it depends. Not only are they more expensive up front, but they are more expensive to repair. Even a minor accident could run you an extra few thousand dollars in repairs to ADAS. A study by AAA found the following costs for repairs:Parking sensor replacement: $500 to $1,300Surround view camera sensor replacement: $500 to $1,100Camera sensor replacement for adaptive cruise control: $850 to $1900Radar sensor replacement for blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts: $850 to $2,050As of now, insurance companies do not offer discounts for these added safety features. In fact, they charge more because repairs are so much more expensive. But it is believed that as more research of ADAS is done insurance companies will incentivize customers to have these added features.A 2018 study by Swissre and HERE Technologies found that ADAS have the potential to reduce car accident frequencies by 25% and cut insurance premiums by $20 billion per year. But this has yet to translate to savings for car owners.If you are on the fence about getting add on ADAS, ask yourself the following questions:Does it fit in my budget?Do I do a lot of highway driving?Do I do a lot of driving in congested, high traffic areas?Do I have small children that are frequently in the car with me?If you answered yes to any of these, it might be a good idea to consider getting ADAS. They can keep you and your family safer, but they can come with a steep price tag.That’s what you should know about the latest car safety features and how you can decide if they are worth the added cost.Nobody wants to skimp on safety, but with the exorbitant costs of cars these days it can be hard to justify paying more money than you need to on a new car. That’s why it’s important to do your research, determine what your budget is, and plan accordingly.One great way to lower your monthly car costs is to refinance your car loan. Refinancing your vehicle with Auto Approve can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars a year. So don’t wait to start saving money! GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS

When you first buy a new car, it’s incredibly exciting. The new car smell, the first few long drives, the ooohs and ahhhs from friends as you pull up for the first time. But when those first few car payments come in the mail, having a new car can start to lose its luster. After all, car payments can be very big monthly expenses that really put the squeeze on your budget.But there is an easy fix for high monthly car payments: car loan refinancing. Refinancing your car can save you a lot of money and stress. So how do you know when the time is right to refinance?Here are 3 major signs that it’s time to refinance your car loan.What is car loan refinancing?Before we discuss when you should refinance your car loan, we should talk about what refinancing is exactly. Car loan refinancing is when you pay off your existing car loan with a new loan, one that has better terms. Refinancing your loan can help you change the following loan terms:Your car loan APR (this is the big one!)Your repayment periodYour loan fees Who is listed on the loan (adding or removing a cosigner)Once you get a car loan, it’s incredibly difficult to simply change any of these terms. But if you refinance your car loan you can easily change one or all of them. Where can I refinance my car loan?There are a lot of options when it comes to where you can refinance your car loan. Traditional banks, credit unions, and online lenders are all good options, but you want to do your research to determine what will be the best fit for you.When deciding on a lender, you want to compare all of your options. You will not have exact loan terms to look at, but you can certainly do a rough comparison of the following:Average car loan APRsAverage feesCustomer satisfaction ratingsRepayment period optionsWhen you decide on refinancing, you want to apply to about 4-5 lenders. But it’s even easier if you can use a company that specializes in car loan refinance, like Auto Approve. Auto Approve has relationships with lenders all across the country so they can find you the most competitive rates available. They can help you compare and choose the best loan possible, taking care of a lot of the tedious work for you. How do I know it’s time to refinance my car loan?Sign #1: There’s a pile of unpaid bills on your kitchen countertop.Monthly bills add up. There’s rent, mortgages, car payments, insurance payments, utilities, groceries: it can get overwhelming. So if your kitchen counters are full of unpaid bills, it might be a sign to refinance your car loan.Refinancing your car loan can help in a few ways. Refinancing can get you a lower car loan APR, which can lower your monthly payments significantly (more on that later though). Refinancing can also allow you to stretch out your repayment period, which can reduce your monthly payments drastically.Let’s say you have a car loan with a principal of $20,000. You originally financed it over a three year period, and with a 8% APR, so your monthly payments are $626.73. But what if you were able to pay off your balance over four years instead of three years? Suddenly your car loan payments would drop to $488.26 a month, even at the same interest rate. That frees up about $140 per month that you could be using for your other bills. It’s important to keep in mind that lengthening your repayment period means that you will pay more money over the life of the loan (more time to repay also means more time to accrue additional interest). But if you are struggling with payments from month to month, car loan refinancing can be a great option to ease some of the pressure.Sign #2: You got an alert that your credit score has increased. You’ve been working hard to increase your credit score, and huzzah! Your work has paid off. An increased credit score can help you in a lot of ways. Good credit scores will:Get you a better rate on car insuranceGet you approved for higher credit limitsReduce your credit card interest ratesQualify you to get utility service more easilyAnd if your score is better now than when you originally financed your car, it can get you a much lower car loan APR. Your credit score may have increased for a number of reasons. Your score depends on five different categories:Payment history (35%). Do you pay your bills in full and on time? A good payment history is crucially important to a good credit score.Accounts owed (30%). How much money do you owe? How does this compare to how much credit you have available? Credit bureaus look at your credit utilization ratio when determining your credit score (and the likeliness of your repayment).Length of credit history (15%). How long have you had your accounts? The longer you have had your accounts in good standing, the safer of a borrower you are considered to be.Credit mix (10%). How diverse is your credit portfolio? A healthy mix of accounts shows that you can balance and juggle your finances across accounts.New credit (10%). Do you have a lot of new credit accounts? If you have new accounts, your ability to handle them will not be reflected in the other categories, so you may be more of a liability.Changes to any of these categories can cause a pretty big shift in your credit score, but the two most important categories are your payment history and accounts owed. If you recently paid down a large amount of debt or committed to making on time payments, that can be a major boost to your score.Your score can change for other reasons as well. If you had a negative event expire, such as a bankruptcy, that can be a major boost for your score. Discovering an error on your credit report can also score you some extra points. Refinancing your car loan is most beneficial when your credit score is high. The most competitive interest rates are reserved for people with excellent credit scores, usually above the 750 mark. The lower your score is, the more trouble you will have finding a competitive rate. If you are interested in refinancing but your score hasn’t increased, work on improving this before you apply for car loan refinance. Here are the best ways to improve your credit score:Pay down your debts that have high credit utilization ratios (this will reduce your overall credit utilization ratio and greatly help your accounts owed section)Set up auto pay so you never miss a paymentGet a copy of your credit report and search for any errors or inconsistenciesRequest higher credit limits on your accountsResist the urge to close accounts you don’t use (this may seem counterintuitive, but closing accounts can cause a dip in your score)If your score hasn’t increased, take the time to work on it before you apply for car loan refinancing. It will pay off in the long run and save you a lot of money in interest.Sign #3: You’ve seen market rates drop.The car loan APR that you will be offered is based on a combination of your credit score, your debt-to-income ratio, your vehicle, and the prevailing market rates. Market rates were at record lows for quite a while, but we are now starting to see them climb back up. Depending on when you first financed your car, the market rates may have dropped significantly. Market rates are controlled in part by the Fed, who sets the prime rate depending on how the economy is performing. If the economy is dragging and needs a jolt, the Fed will lower rates to encourage more spending and discourage saving. Conversely, if the economy is growing too quickly and starting to become inflated, the Fed will increase rates so that demand will cool. If you know that the market rates are lower than when you originally financed your car, it might be a sign to refinance your car loan. You will still need to have a competitive credit score, but you will be much more likely to get a good car loan APR if the market rates are lower.Those are 3 big signs that you should consider a vehicle loan refinance. If you’ve seen these signs, it’s time to think about refinancing your car with Auto Approve. They can help you with the entire process, making it quick, easy, and totally worthwhile. Our experts can get you a quote in minutes and start saving you money just as quickly!So don’t wait–if you’ve seen the signs, contact Auto Approve today and start saving!GET A QUOTE IN 60 SECONDS