What happens if you default on a cosigned loan?

Asked by: Keaton Kutch  |  Last update: March 6, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (50 votes)

If you cosign a debt and the borrower doesn't pay, in most every case you will be responsible for the entire debt. And, the lender does not have to try to collect from the borrower. It can look to you even if it might be possible for it to collect from the borrower.

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 someone for defaulting on a loan you cosigned?

You will have to sue the person for the debt. Whenyou co-sign a loan you agree to be liable to the lender in case the borrower does not pay. BUT you have no control over the situation. When the borrower does not pay you have to, and then you have to sue the borrower to get a judgment to try to get your money back.

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.

What is the punishment for defaulting on a loan?

Defaulting on a loan can result in late fees, debt collection and potential legal action from the lender. It is important to consider your budget and potential future expenses before taking out a loan to avoid defaulting.

What to do if you are in default on your loan

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Can you go to jail if you default on a loan?

Can you go to jail for debt? A long time ago, it was legal for people to go to jail over unpaid debts. Fortunately, debtors' prisons were outlawed by Congress in 1833. As a result, you can't go to jail for owing unpaid debts anymore.

How long does it take to recover from defaulting on a loan?

Impact on Credit History

If you consolidate a defaulted loan, the record of the default (as well as late payments reported before the loan went into default) will remain in your credit history. Late payments will remain on your credit report for seven years from when they were first reported.

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.

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 get my name off a cosigned loan?

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. You can ask the person using the money to make extra payments to pay off the loan faster.

What if a cosigner refuses to pay?

If they stop making payments, the responsibility will be passed on to you—and you could be sued if you don't follow through. Your credit could also suffer. Understanding what you're getting into can help you decide if being a cosigner is worth the risk.

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.

Is a co-signer legally obligated to pay a loan?

When it comes to responsibilities, the co-signer is legally obligated to repay the loan — but only socially expected to if the primary signer falls behind. Even so, the responsibility comes with consequences. Failing to pay will affect a co-signer's credit as well as the credit of the primary borrower.

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.

Can a cosigner take you to court for a car loan?

Cosigners can take the primary borrower to court if the primary borrower fails to repay the loan or otherwise fails to fulfill the terms of their agreement.

What happens if I remove myself as a cosigner?

The borrower needs to close the account; otherwise, they could simply run up another balance, which you'll be liable for, too. Getting out of a co-signed loan will likely take effort, money and some cajoling of the original borrower.

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.

What does it mean when a loan is defaulted on?

Default is failure to repay a loan according to the terms agreed to in the promissory note. For most federal student loans, you will default if you have not made a payment in more than 270 days.

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

What happens if you don't pay back a cosigned loan on time? It will impact you credit score and the credit score of the parents or guardian who cosigned with you. Which resource would not have reliable information about student loans?

What happens if you cosign for a car and the other person defaults?

Many people think their liability is for only one-half of the debt—not so. If you cosign a debt and the borrower doesn't pay, in most every case you will be responsible for the entire debt.

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.

How to get out of a co-signed auto loan?

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.

Is it a crime to default on a loan?

Importantly, it is not a crime to default on a loan. No lender can have you arrested for failing to pay a loan. Defaulting on a loan may be a civil offense, and you might have to appear in court. But you won't serve jail time for defaulting on a loan.

What is the fresh start program?

The Benefits of Fresh Start for Eligible Loans

Restores eligibility to receive federal student aid including Federal Pell Grants and work-study. Protects borrowers from wage garnishments and costly collection fees. Restores eligibility for future loan rehabilitation for borrowers who rehabilitated during the pause.

Can a default be reversed?

Once a default is recorded on your credit profile, you can't have it removed before the six years are up (unless it's an error). However, there are several things that can reduce its negative impact: Repayment. Try and pay off what you owe as soon as possible.