Everyone’s situation varies, but there are some circumstances that bad credit auto lenders simply don’t accept. To give you an idea of what to expect when you apply for a car loan, here’s what subprime lenders tend to require and what situations they don’t accept when determining your eligibility for auto financing.
Job Situations and Bad Credit Car Loans
First, it’s important to note that all lenders have different work, income, and even residency requirements. However, if you’re applying with a bad credit car lender, also known as a subprime lender, they tend to follow similar guidelines for who they're willing to approve for auto financing.
When it comes to your work situation and what type of income you’re bringing in each month, there are some situations that subprime lenders simply don’t accept.
No Income at All
If you’re not bringing in any income from a job or any other type of assistance, expect to be turned down. Any car lender, bad credit or not, is going to need you to provide proof that you have a stable income.
Some subprime lenders can accept income such as alimony, permanent disability, pension, and even public assistance – if you can prove that you’re going to receive it for the entire duration of your auto loan term, that is.
To get into a car loan, you must have provable, consistent income that can support the auto loan the whole time you’re repaying it.
Sparse Work History
This requirement can vary, but borrowers who haven’t held down the same job for around six months to a year can often be turned down for a car loan. Auto lenders typically also require you to have consistent work history over the last three years.
Subprime lenders look for stability in your work history and employment. The longer you’ve held the same job in the same line of work, the higher your chances of getting approved for a car loan.
Brand-New Job
If you just started a job in a new field, then a subprime lender may be hesitant to approve you for financing. Subprime lenders prefer borrowers who’ve been at the same job for at least six months to a year.
However, if you recently switched employers but it’s in the same line of work, then they’re more likely to be understanding of that situation.
Living Situations and Bad Credit Auto Loans
Along with having work and income requirements, subprime lenders also take a look at your residence history. While living situations can vary greatly, they are again looking for stability.
A stable borrower is one that is more likely to repay their auto loan. So, the longer you've been living in the same area, the higher your chances for an approval. However, just because you’ve lived in the same town for 20 years doesn’t always mean you meet the residency requirements.
Here are a few living situations that subprime lenders probably won’t accept:
You’re Not a Homeowner or a Renter
To meet residency requirements, most subprime lenders require that you’re a homeowner or a renter. If you’re a homeowner, you must prove your residency with a recent utility bill in your name, or maybe even a home title in your name if you don’t have any utilities in your name.
If you’re a renter, then your name must be on the lease. You should also expect to need a recent utility bill in your name to prove your residence. Some lenders may even require a copy of a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a copy of a house payment/rent check.
However, if you live with relatives or you live at an apartment where your name isn’t on the lease, then it could be more difficult to qualify for a car loan. Subprime lenders require that their borrowers have a permanent address, with documents that prove that you live there. If you don’t have any utilities in your name, or your name isn’t on a lease or mortgage statement, then you could run into trouble getting approved for auto financing.
You Don’t Have a Permanent Address
Some people live in RVs, or even hotels, to accommodate a nomadic lifestyle. While having the flexibility to move wherever you’d like at the drop of a hat suits many people, the sad news is that these unconventional ways of life aren’t likely to meet the requirements of a car lender. Since your address isn’t permanent, it can make a subprime lender hesitant to approve you for financing.
Other Requirements of Subprime Lenders
There could be many different reasons why a lender can deny you for an auto loan. To help you be best prepared, here’s a list of other common requirements of subprime lenders:
- Must have a cell phone or landline phone in your name (no prepaid phones)
- Have to make a down payment of at least $1,000 or 10% of the vehicle’s selling price
- Bring a list of five to eight personal references with complete contact information
- Must have a valid driver’s license with your current address
Subprime Lenders and Bad Credit Car Dealerships
If your credit is worse for wear, you’re likely to have a better chance of getting approved for a car loan if you apply with a subprime auto lender, since they consider more than just your poor credit score while they determine your eligibility for a car loan.
Where are subprime lenders? They’re signed up with special finance dealerships, and they are more prominent nowadays. Here at Auto Credit Express, we know what dealers are signed up with subprime lenders, and we can look for one in your area at no cost.
Fill out our free auto loan request form, and we’ll get right to work looking for a dealership near you with the bad credit lending resources you need.
