Can cosigner take possession?

Asked by: Kasey Ferry  |  Last update: December 26, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (16 votes)

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. Getting out of an auto loan as a cosigner isn't always easy. However, knowing what you signed on for as a cosigner is key. You're not out of options.

Can a cosigner take possession of a vehicle?

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 repossess a vehicle?

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.

Can a 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.

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.

Can car loan cosigner take possession of the car?

30 related questions found

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 much power does a cosigner have?

Cosigner should not affect how much of a loan you can get. That should be based on a combination of what you earn per month after tax and how much of a down-payment you have at least thats the ase where I live. A co signer is really just signing to say they will pay your loan if you don't.

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?

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.

Can a co-owner take possession of the car?

Co-Ownership

Each person has an equal claim to the vehicle and can use it as they please.

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.

How bad does a repo hurt a cosigner?

“Repossession is bad for both the borrower and the cosigner because both credit scores will take a hit. Late payments, loan defaults, loans sent to collections and court judgments can all be noted on the primary borrower reports and the cosigner's reports,” says Howard Dvorkin, CPA and Chairman at Debt.com.

Can a co-signer take the 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 a cosigner take your car if their name is on the title?

In most states, only the person on the title owns the car. Being on the note (loan) for the car typically does not give a person any ownership interest in a vehicle unless their name is also on the car's title. Again, this is a general rule.

Does a cosigner have ownership rights?

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.

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 a co-borrower take possession of the car?

– While the cosigner is contractually committed to the loan, they have no rights to the vehicle. Even if they find themselves having to take over payments, they cannot take possession of the car.

Can I remove myself as a cosigner on a car?

A co-signer or co-borrower can request a release from a car loan, refinance the loan, pay off the loan or sell the vehicle to remove themselves from the loan agreement. It is important to communicate with the other borrower and come to an agreement on how to handle the loan before taking any action.

Can you take legal action against a cosigner?

Yes, you can sue the person you co-signed for if they don't make the payments they promised to make.

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.

Can a co-borrower repossess a car?

Co-signing on a car means you`re responsible for paying if the first party fails to, it has no condition on you having possession of the car. You don`t `repossess`, the lender does because their name is on the title is a lien holder. If you don`t want to pay for it then you should not have co-signed.

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 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 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 you kick out a cosigner?

Removing a co-borrower or cosigner from a mortgage is possible but difficult, and your lender may insist that you pay off the mortgage in full or refinance the house by taking out a new loan solely in your name.