Understanding Good Interest Rates For Your Car Loan

​Auto loans are loans in which the purchase of a vehicle is used as collateral. Depending on the loan terms, the borrower must pay a set interest rate and monthly payment for 24-84 months.

Many car dealerships provide their financing. And, among other things, everyone is searching for a good interest rate. How do you determine a good interest rate for your car? Here's how:

How Interest Rates on Car Loans Work
One of the most popular types of loans is the auto loan. These loans are secured loans, meaning that your vehicle is used as collateral. 
 
It also means that if you don't repay your loan, the lender can repossess your car. However, having collateral typically allows you to qualify for lower interest rates and better auto loan conditions.

Auto loans usually have set interest rates and loan periods ranging from two to seven years, but depending on your lender, you may be able to negotiate alternative terms. 

Factors Affecting a Good Interest Rate
Several factors determine the interest rates on car loans. Some of them, such as the Federal Reserve's benchmark interest rates, are beyond your control. Other factors, on the other hand, are entirely under your control.

Credit Score
Your credit score is the most significant of the terms. All else being equal, applicants with better credit scores will be eligible for lower-interest loans.

Credit Utilization Ratio
Make sure that you pay all of your payments on time and that your credit usage percentage is modest. Your credit usage ratio compares how much credit you are currently using to the total amount of credit. If you have all of your credit cards maxed up, you will have a low credit usage ratio.

Car Loan Length 
The longer the loan period, the cheaper the monthly installments. However, your interest rate will almost certainly be higher, and you will wind up paying more interest in total over time.

Conclusion 
Choosing a vehicle loan usually involves a trade-off. If you're on a tight budget, a smaller monthly cost may be appealing, but it also implies more monthly payments and a higher actual price for the vehicle. Maintain a good standing on credit score and a credit usage ratio if you want to pay the greatest price for the car and get out of debt soon.

At American Eagle Insurance, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays, and we're here to help you out. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (225) 667-7377. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE.