Exiting a Credit Acceptance Car Loan: Steps and Alternatives

Learn the steps and alternatives for getting out of a Credit Acceptance car loan and improving your financial situation.


Exiting a Credit Acceptance car loan, like any auto loan, typically involves a few different options. Credit Acceptance Corporation is a subprime auto lender, which means they primarily work with borrowers who have lower credit scores. If you're looking to exit a car loan with Credit Acceptance, here are some steps and alternatives to consider:

  1. Review Your Loan Agreement: Start by carefully reviewing your loan agreement with Credit Acceptance. This document contains essential information about the terms of your loan, including the interest rate, monthly payments, the total loan amount, and any early repayment penalties.

  2. Contact Credit Acceptance: Reach out to Credit Acceptance to discuss your situation and explore your options. They may be willing to work with you to find a solution. This could include adjusting your payment schedule, negotiating lower interest rates, or discussing potential alternatives.

  3. Refinancing: If you're struggling with your current loan terms or interest rates, you may consider refinancing the auto loan with another lender. Refinancing involves taking out a new loan with more favorable terms to pay off the existing loan. This can lower your monthly payments and the overall cost of the loan. Keep in mind that refinancing options may be limited if your credit score hasn't improved significantly since taking out the initial loan.

  4. Sell or Trade-In the Vehicle: If you're looking to exit the loan entirely, you can sell the car and use the proceeds to pay off the loan. If the car's value is less than the loan balance (common with new cars), you'll need to cover the difference. Trading in the vehicle to a dealership is another option, but they might include the outstanding loan balance in the new loan for your next vehicle.

  5. Voluntary Repossession: As a last resort, you could consider voluntary repossession. This means returning the vehicle to the lender because you can no longer afford the payments. While this can relieve you of the vehicle and the loan, it has significant consequences, including a negative impact on your credit report and potential collection efforts by the lender. It should only be considered if other options are not feasible.

  6. Seek Legal or Financial Advice: If you're in a difficult financial situation and none of the above options are viable, consider seeking legal or financial advice. A legal or financial professional may be able to guide you through your specific situation and explore any potential legal remedies.

Exiting a car loan, especially with a subprime lender like Credit Acceptance, can be challenging, and it's crucial to carefully consider the financial implications of each option. Keep in mind that early repayment or exiting a loan may involve fees or penalties outlined in your loan agreement. It's essential to fully understand your options and choose the one that best aligns with your financial circumstances and goals.

How to Get Out of a Credit Acceptance Car Loan.

There are a few ways to get out of a Credit Acceptance car loan:

  1. Pay off the loan early. This is the most straightforward and effective way to get out of your loan. If you can afford to make extra payments, you can pay off your loan early and get rid of the debt.
  2. Refinance your loan. If you have good credit, you may be able to refinance your loan with another lender. This will allow you to get a lower interest rate and monthly payments.
  3. Sell your car. If you no longer need your car, you can sell it and use the proceeds to pay off your loan. However, keep in mind that you may owe Credit Acceptance a deficiency balance if the sale price of your car is less than the amount you owe on the loan.
  4. Voluntarily surrender your car. If you are unable to make your loan payments, you can voluntarily surrender your car to Credit Acceptance. This will turn over ownership of the car to Credit Acceptance and satisfy your debt. However, it is important to note that you will likely have a negative impact on your credit score if you voluntarily surrender your car.

If you are considering any of these options, it is important to talk to Credit Acceptance to discuss your specific situation. They may be able to work with you to find a solution that works for both of you.

Here are some additional tips for getting out of a Credit Acceptance car loan:

  • Contact Credit Acceptance as soon as possible. If you are having trouble making your loan payments, contact Credit Acceptance as soon as possible. They may be able to offer you assistance, such as a loan modification or a deferment.
  • Be prepared to negotiate. Credit Acceptance may be willing to negotiate with you to lower your monthly payments or interest rate. Be prepared to compromise and be realistic about what you can afford.
  • Get help from a credit counselor. If you are struggling to manage your debt, you may want to consider getting help from a credit counselor. A credit counselor can help you create a budget and develop a plan to get out of debt.

It is important to remember that there is no easy way to get out of a Credit Acceptance car loan. However, by taking the steps above, you can increase your chances of finding a solution that works for you.