Can you replace a cosigner on a car loan?

Asked by: Miss Hermina Ullrich  |  Last update: February 28, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (52 votes)

While it is possible to remove a co-signer from a loan, simply switching one co-signer with another on the original loan is unlikely. The process is more complex and can involve refinancing the loan, completing co-signer release paperwork or simply paying the loan in full to end the co-signer's involvement.

Can you replace a cosigner on a car?

Yes you can, it's called a ``co-signer release'', but depending on the bank or financial establishment you got your loan from this option may be available to you depending on your current credit and financial situation.

How soon can you remove a cosigner from a car loan?

You can often remove a cosigner at any point during the loan period. Your loan paperwork might dictate specific terms, though. For example, some lenders require 24 months of on-time payments from the primary borrower before they'll consider releasing the cosigner.

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 remove himself from a car loan?

You can't have an agreement to take yourself off the loan, unfortunately. Only the lender can agree to that, and they're unlikely to do so.

How to Take a Co-Signer Off a Car Loan

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Can you remove someone from a car loan without refinancing?

But if your circumstances change over time or your credit score improves and you would like to remove the co-signer from your loan, there are three primary options. You can refinance, get a co-signer release or pay off the loan.

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.

How can I remove my name as a cosigner on a car loan?

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.

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 do I remove a co-signer from my car title?

To release a cosigner from the car title, you'll essentially do a title transfer from both owners to only your name. This step requires a few documents, including the original title signed by the 'sellers,' odometer verification, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of insurance.

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.

How do I remove someone's name from a car title?

When the title states “and/or” or “or” in the name field, only one person needs to consent to remove a name. If it only contains the word “and,” both parties need to agree to remove any name from the title. Therefore, you'll need to get consent from the co owner.

Can a cosigner surrender a car?

Unfortunately, since you have no legal rights to the vehicle, the primary borrower has to take the initiative to remove someone's name from the contract. 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.

What is a cosigner release form?

Releasing your co-signer means they are no longer responsible for the repayment of your loans. Some private loans allow you to remove the co-signer from your student loan after you've made a certain number of on-time 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.

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

Lenders may look at the credit score of both you and your co-signer. So, a co-signer with good credit — a score above 660 — may result in lower rates. The average auto loan rate for subprime borrowers on a new car is 12.28 percent.

Can I legally 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 cosign a car loan and the 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 are my rights as a cosigner?

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.

Can you change the cosigner on a car?

If you're wondering “how to remove a cosigner from a car loan,” it is possible to do so. Contact your lender to discuss options. They will only agree if your credit history has improved to the point where you're not a risk to them.

Does refinancing a car hurt your credit?

Yes, refinancing your auto loan will usually hurt your credit a little. But if you make your new loan payments on time, any damage to your score will likely be both temporary and small. Your credit could bounce back to its current score in as little as a few months.

Can a co-signer be removed from a car loan?

Removing a co-signer from a car loan requires the loan to be paid off. If there's a balance remaining, that amount must be refinanced. The primary borrower could possibly qualify alone, or a new co-signer may be needed.

How do I get my name off a cosigned car loan?

If you cosigned for a loan, one of the quickest routes out is to apply to the lender for a cosigner release. This lets the cosigner off the hook, so that only the primary borrower is the one listed on the loan going forward.

Will removing authorized users hurt credit?

Your score may drop a bit when you are removed as an authorized user, but you can improve it over time by using your own credit accounts responsibly.

Can being a co signer ruin your credit?

It can affect your credit scores.

Because a co-signed loan is recorded on your credit reports, any late or missed payments can have a negative impact on your credit scores. If the borrower defaults on the loan and ceases payment, the debt may be referred to a collection agency.