Can a cosigner be held accountable?

Asked by: Elza Mitchell  |  Last update: September 20, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (34 votes)

If the primary borrower fails to meet their financial obligations on a loan or lease, the co-signer is held accountable for any missed payments. A co-signed debt will also appear on the co-signer's credit reports and can influence their credit scores as if the debt were their own.

What legal action can a cosigner take?

But most states allow cosigners to take primary borrowers to court in the following situations: Cross claims: If you default on or fail to repay the loan, the lender could sue the cosigner for the money owed. The cosigner may then be able to sue you for the money that the lender is trying to recover.

How can I legally get out of a cosigned loan?

lenders do not remove co signers from loans. The debt has to be retired. This can be done by paying it off directly or refinancing the loan.

How much power does a cosigner have?

A co-signer takes on all the rights and responsibilities of a loan along with the borrower. This means that if the borrower can't make a payment on the loan, the co-signer is responsible.

What is the co-signer legally responsible for?

A co-signer is a person who agrees to be legally responsible to pay a debt if the borrower does not pay back a loan as agreed. A co-signer may be an option if you are trying to make a large purchase, such as a car, and if you are unable to qualify for the loan on your own.

How long will the cosigner or collateral be responsible or held for a bail bond?

22 related questions found

How do I protect myself as a cosigner?

5 ways to protect yourself as a co-signer
  1. Serve as a co-signer only for close friends or relatives. One of loan co-signing's biggest risks is potential damage to your credit score. ...
  2. Keep copies of all the loan documents. ...
  3. Create a contract. ...
  4. Track monthly payments. ...
  5. Ensure you can afford payments.

Can a cosigner get in trouble?

Acting as a co-signer can have serious financial consequences. First, co-signers assume legal responsibility for a debt. So, if the primary borrower is unable to pay as agreed, the co-signer may have to pay the full amount of what's owed. Second, a co-signed loan will appear on the co-signer's credit reports.

Can a cosigner go to jail?

However, in certain legal circumstances, the cosigner may face jail time. For example, in a case where the co-signer helped to facilitate the defendant's flight, provided false contact information, or in any way assisted the defendant in evading prosecution.

Will removing myself as a cosigner hurt my credit?

Being removed as a cosigner from a loan could potentially hurt your credit scores. How much your scores are impacted depends on the details of your credit profile.

Can a cosigner take my house?

Will I have ownership of the property if I cosign? No, you will not take on ownership if you're only a mortgage cosigner and not an actual co-borrower. As a cosigner, you're only guaranteeing the loan payment.

Can a co-signer take your car away?

Cosigners can't take possession of the vehicle they cosign for or remove the primary borrower from the loan since their name isn't on the vehicle's title.

Can I remove myself as a cosigner?

Fortunately, you can have your name removed, but you will have to take the appropriate steps depending on the cosigned loan type. Basically, you have two options: You can enable the main borrower to assume total control of the debt or you can get rid of the debt entirely.

What happens if you don't pay back a cosigned loan?

If the borrower does not repay the loan, you may be forced to repay the whole amount of the loan, plus interest and any late fees that have accrued. With most cosigned loans, the lender is not required to pursue the main borrower first, but can request payment from the cosigner any time there is a missed payment.

Can you sue to be removed as a cosigner?

If the borrower forged your signature, or if they committed fraud to enforce you to sign the loan contract, you can sue both the lender and the primary borrower to have your name removed. However, you'll need unquestionable proof that you did not willingly consent to cosign the loan.

How much rights does a cosigner have?

Cosigning a loan doesn't give you any title, ownership, or other rights to the property the loan is paying for. Your only role is to repay the loan if the main borrower falls behind on the payments or defaults.

Who owns the car if there is a co-signer?

Although liable for payments if you default, the cosigner doesn't share vehicle ownership and won't be on the car title. They also generally don't make the regular monthly payments. Co-borrower: A co-borrower shares financial responsibility and ownership of the car from day one.

How do I get out of a cosigned loan?

Request release from a co-signed loan

Co-signers can make a written request to the lender to be released from a loan. In certain cases, like some student loans, there may be a provision that allows a co-signer to take their name off a loan.

What happens if I am removed as an authorized user?

When you're removed as an authorized user, you no longer have the privilege of using the account, and the credit card issuer will stop updating the account on your credit report.

Can being a co-signer ruin your credit?

Co-signing a credit card for a friend or family member is a big leap to take and one that could hurt your credit score if the person you sign with doesn't pay the card payments on time.

What power does a cosigner have?

While you don't necessarily have the same rights to the vehicle as the primary borrower, you – as the co-signer – are equally responsible for ensuring the loan is paid back. If the primary borrower doesn't make their monthly loan payment, you will be asked to make the payment.

Can I kick out a co-signer?

When your credit score improves, you have the option to remove the co-signer from your loan. You can remove the co-signer by refinancing your auto loan, receiving a co-signer release or paying off the loan.

Can a cosigner be held liable?

A cosigner on a loan is legally responsible for the debt if the primary borrower defaults. Cosigning a loan will show up on your credit report and can impact your credit score if the primary borrower pays late or defaults. Cosigners may sign for student loans, personal loans, credit cards, and even mortgages.

How long is a co-signer responsible?

The responsibility can last as long as the loan term

If the loan has been disbursed, cosigners are equally responsible for payment.

What happens to cosigner if I don't pay rent?

You would be sued if the rent is not paid. You are jointly and severally liable for the lease when you are a co-signer. This means that if the rent is not paid, the Landlord can pursue all persons on the lease or just one person.

Can a co-signer's wages be garnished?

Additionally, the co-signer may need to pay attorney fees if legal action is required. Lenders can garnish the wages of co-signers. If the borrower and co-signer cannot repay a loan, the lender can sue the co-signer to garnish wages and even property in order to satisfy the repayment.