Can I add a cosigner to an existing car loan?

Asked by: Mr. Toni Moore DVM  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (53 votes)

You cannot add a co-signer to an existing loan Most lenders won't simply replace a current co-signer with a new one on an existing car loan because it would require them to essentially go through the approval process for a new auto loan.

Can I add someone to my car loan without refinancing?

Unfortunately, once you sign an auto loan agreement, you can't add someone to that loan without refinancing. If you think you might want someone else to be on your loan, plan carefully, and put them on the contract right away. Otherwise, you'll have to refinance to add their name to your car loan.

Will it hurt my credit score if I transfer a car loan to another person?

It's rare to transfer an auto loan by choice because you want to buy a new car or simply give the car to someone else. Transferring your car loan will impact your credit negatively, which isn't a good thing, especially if you want to qualify for other loans.

Does adding a cosigner affect their credit?

Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio when considering you for a new credit account. If you already have a high amount of debt, adding a co-signed loan could impact your own ability to qualify for additional credit. It can affect your credit scores.

Does having a cosigner increase car loan amount?

Co-signing a car loan makes buying a car easier and more affordable for the primary borrower. According to the credit bureau Equifax, having a co-signer with good credit scores will make the interest rate and other terms more affordable.

Can car loan cosigner take possession of the car?

36 related questions found

Can I still get denied with a cosigner?

You can still be denied, but only in rare circumstances, most of which will likely not apply to a first-time borrower. A borrower with a poor credit history or negative financial situations, such as bankruptcies or repossessions, will have a harder time getting approved for a loan—even with a good co-signer.

Does adding a cosigner lower down payment?

The co-signer's credit score will also be considered, so you may receive a lower interest rate. Adding a co-signer may reduce your down payment or monthly payments too.

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 much does it cost to hire a cosigner?

To use Insurent, you will have to pay a fee ranging anywhere from 70% to 90% of a month's rent. This means that if your rent is $1,000, your fee would range anywhere from $700 to $900. If you're not a U.S. citizen, the fee will be larger: anywhere from 90% to 110% of one month's rent.

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 pass my financed car to someone else?

Can You Transfer Car Loan to Another Person? Most lenders will not simply transfer a car loan from one borrower to another with the exact same payments, terms, and rates remaining on the original loan. Typically, when the registration and title go to a new owner, the lender has to be advised.

How to get rid of a car loan without ruining your credit?

But you'll need to tread carefully if you want to minimize the hits to your wallet and your credit rating.
  1. Renegotiate the loan. ...
  2. Sell the vehicle. ...
  3. Voluntary repossession. ...
  4. Refinance your loan. ...
  5. Pay off the car loan.

Can someone with bad credit get a car loan with a cosigner?

Using a co-signer can help improve your chance of loan approval and help you get better terms, especially if you have poor credit or a no credit history. Co-signers have to meet minimum income requirements to prove they can handle the loan in case the primary borrower defaults.

How do I add a cosigner to a car loan?

A better approach to adding or eliminating a co-signer on an auto loan is to refinance the loan. In other words, open an entirely new loan that pays off the existing loan's balance and closes the account. Refinancing your loan is the easiest way to switch co-signers.

Can I add someone to a title without refinancing?

Yes, you can add someone to your property title without including them on the refinanced mortgage loan.

How can I remove someone from my car loan without refinancing?

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.

Whose credit score is used when buying a car with a co-signer?

The best lenders consider the credit scores of both borrowers when co-signing an auto or other type of personal loan. If you have a lower credit score, having a co-signer with a higher score could work in your favor. In terms of which credit-scoring model is used for approvals, that can vary by lender.

Does a co-signer's credit go up?

Yes, being a cosigner on a car loan will help you build your credit history. The primary loan holder and cosigner share equal responsibility for the debt, and the loan will appear on both your credit report and hers.

Does a first time car buyer need a cosigner?

While those who have little credit history or poor credit will face challenges and obstacles in qualifying for an auto loan, there are often options available for those who are buying a car with no credit and no cosigner.

How long does a cosigner stay on a car loan?

A co-signer doesn't need to stay on the loan for the life of it, either. After making the required principal and interest payments, you can apply to release them and manage repayment on your own.

Does a co-signer go on title?

What is a Co-Signer? A co-signer applies for the home loan right along with you. However, they are not on the title of the home. The co-signers name is only on the loan, meaning that while they are financially responsible for paying back the mortgage, they do not have ownership of the property.

Can a co-signer repo a car?

Can a cosigner repossess a car? It's important to know that taking possession of the car if the primary borrower defaults, or “taking matters into your own hands,” is not a legitimate substitute for legal action.

Can I add someone to my existing car loan?

If you want to add a co-borrower to your existing auto loan, you usually can. Just make sure you, your car, and your co-borrower all qualify.

What credit score is needed to buy a car?

Still, you typically need a good credit score of 661 or higher to qualify for an auto loan. About 69% of retail vehicle financing is for borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, according to Experian. Meanwhile, low-credit borrowers with scores of 600 or lower accounted for only 14% of auto loans.

What is a good credit score?

There are some differences around how the various data elements on a credit report factor into the score calculations. Although credit scoring models vary, generally, credit scores from 660 to 724 are considered good; 725 to 759 are considered very good; and 760 and up are considered excellent.