Can a cosigner legally take the car?

Asked by: Ms. Trisha Haag PhD  |  Last update: January 24, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (64 votes)

The answer is no, the cosigner has no legal right to take possession of the car. As a cosigner, you don't have legal ownership rights to the vehicle. In other words, a cosigner is on the vehicle's note (making them liable for the payments) but not the car title (which indicates ownership).

Can a cosigner take away your car?

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.

How much rights does a cosigner have on a car?

Co-signing means you are responsible for covering payments if the main borrower cannot, but you do not have any legal rights to the car. Co-owning means both parties have equal ownership and financial responsibility for the car.

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.

Can a cosigner take ownership of a car?

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.

Can car loan cosigner take possession of the car?

36 related questions found

Can you repossess a car you cosigned?

Keep in mind that a cosigner can't take possession of a car they've cosigned for. A cosigner doesn't have any legal rights to the vehicle, so they can't take a car from its rightful owner, the primary borrower.

What happens if I cosign for a car and the other person doesn't pay?

Usually, when you cosign a car loan, you agree to be responsible for the debt if the primary debtor doesn't make payments or otherwise defaults on the loan. If the primary debtor defaults on the loan, then the creditor has the right to repossess the car and sell it.

What legal rights does a cosigner have?

Being a cosigner does not give you rights to the property. A cosigner has no title or ownership in the property secured for the loan. Additionally, a cosigner has no legal right to occupy a home as a primary or secondary residence, unlike the primary signer/borrower.

How do I get my name off a cosigned car?

Your best option to get your name off a large cosigned loan is to have the person who's using the money refinance the loan without your name on the new loan. Another option is to help the borrower improve their credit history.

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 I sue someone I cosigned a car for?

Can I sue the person I co-signed for if they don't pay? Yes, you can sue the person you co-signed for if they don't make the payments they promised to make. You may be able to get a judgment against them in court, but it could be hard to collect that money since they didn't pay the debt in the first place.

Can a co-owner of a car take it?

He can not take it away from you. But, if you are both in the title & registration card, you are both co-owners too. If you are in the title alone, it is your car.

How do I remove a cosigner from a car title?

You can remove the co-signer by refinancing your auto loan, receiving a co-signer release or paying off the loan. Before removing the co-signer, ensure your credit score is high enough to receive the same or comparable rate if you refinance.

How do I get my car back from a cosigner?

Here are the four main ways to remove a cosigner:
  1. Release the Cosigner. Some banks and lending companies offer cosigner releases. ...
  2. Pay Off the Loan. If you have the money to pay off your loan in full, you might consider this option to remove your cosigner. ...
  3. Refinance Your Car. ...
  4. Sell the Car.

Can you report a car stolen if the cosigner has it?

In general, if someone takes or controls your property without your permission, it could potentially be considered theft. Here if you contacted the police department they would investigate whether it is theft and charge him with a crime if they believe one has occurred.

Can I sell a car that I cosigned for?

If you want to sell the car by yourself, you may not be able to – you're likely to need your co-borrower to complete the sale. Both of your names are on the title, which can make selling the vehicle complicated. You're also likely to need your co-borrower's permission to transfer ownership legitimately.

Can cosigner take full ownership of a car?

Unlike co-borrowers, who are on the title or have some claim to the property or funds, co-signers have no title or ownership of the property the funds are used for. For example, a co-signer for a vehicle has no legal right to the financed vehicle.

Can a cosigner take you to court?

Working with a cosigner can help you qualify for a loan you otherwise couldn't get, but if you don't hold up your end of the deal, the cosigner can take you to court.

How to get rid of a car loan legally?

Jump to:
  1. Sell the Car.
  2. Renegotiate the Terms of the Loan.
  3. Refinance the Loan.
  4. Pay off the Loan.
  5. Consider a Voluntary Repossession.
  6. Other Options.
  7. Getting Out of a Car Lease.

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.

How to take possession of a car you cosigned for?

The answer is no, the cosigner has no legal right to take possession of the car. As a cosigner, you don't have legal ownership rights to the vehicle. In other words, a cosigner is on the vehicle's note (making them liable for the payments) but not the car title (which indicates ownership).

What authority does a cosigner have?

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.

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.

Can a cosigner have a car repossessed?

As a cosigner on an auto loan, your credit suffers if the vehicle is repossessed. You may also be responsible for paying more on the loan even after repossession. You have options for avoiding repossession, including working with the lender to come up with a payment plan or being removed from the loan.

Can someone take their name off a cosigned car?

The short answer is yes! Removing a cosigner from a car loan is absolutely possible, but there are a few different routes you can take to achieve it. The finance team at Marietta Toyota has outlined the purpose of a cosigner along with common ways to release them from a car loan below, so read on!