What is a co buyer on a car?

Asked by: Thurman Balistreri  |  Last update: February 3, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (63 votes)

A co-buyer, also called a co-borrower, is usually a spouse who signs the car loan documents with the primary borrower. Being a co-buyer means both the primary borrower and their spouse share equal rights to the vehicle, and they can combine incomes to qualify for an auto loan.

Is it better to have a co-buyer on a car?

Easier Approval: Having a co-buyer on your contract may make it easier for you to get approved for financing, especially if you have a poor credit history. By adding a co-buyer with a good credit history, you may increase your chances of getting approved for auto financing.

Is a co-buyer the same as a cosigner?

It also affects a cosigner's credit because they're listed on the loan, so any negative or positive action affects both the primary borrower and the cosigner's credit scores. Co-buyers (also known as co-borrowers or joint applicants), on the other hand, have equal rights to the vehicle and are typically a spouse.

Can a co-buyer take the car from the buyer?

Yes. Each of your have a right to keep the vehicle in your posession. However, if you try to get the vehicle from the other owner, you cannot breach the peace to take it, and example: you cannot break into a garage or somethng like that.

Who owns the car if there is a co-borrower?

Equal rights: The co-borrower has equal rights to the car as the primary borrower. This means the co-owner must be involved in the sale or transfer of the car. Insurance: Even if the co-owner doesn't use the car, they will likely need to be on the insurance policy. This can mean higher costs for both involved.

Co-Buyer vs Co-Signer on a Car Loan

35 related questions found

Does a co-borrower go on the title?

Their credentials are used, in conjunction with yours, to qualify for a home loan. This means they share the financial responsibility of loan repayment and have partial ownership of the asset. For our purposes, the asset will be your home. This means your co-borrowers' name will appear next to yours on the title.

Can a co buyer repossess a car?

If you don't pay up, the creditor may sue you to collect the deficiency. A “co-signer” (meaning “co-borrower”) does not have the same right to repossess a vehicle if there is a default on the loan in the same manner the lender does.

What are the rights of a co-buyer?

A co-buyer, also called a co-borrower, is usually a spouse who signs the car loan documents with the primary borrower. Being a co-buyer means both the primary borrower and their spouse share equal rights to the vehicle, and they can combine incomes to qualify for an auto loan.

How do I get out of being a co-buyer?

Removing a cosigner or co-borrower from a mortgage almost always requires paying off the loan in full or refinancing by getting a new loan in your own name. Under rare circumstances, though, the lender may allow you to take over an existing mortgage from your other signer.

Does being a co-buyer on a car affect your credit?

If the primary account holder pays on time, it may help boost your credit. But if they don't make payments, then this may have a negative impact on your credit. Payments (or lack thereof) on this loan can show up on your credit report, which can impact your credit score.

Can you remove a co-borrower from a car loan?

Refinancing the loan: If you want to remove a cosigner from your car loan, you may be able to refinance the loan in your name so it becomes your responsibility alone. For example, if you've recently gone through a divorce and your ex-spouse is a cosigner on your loan, you could refinance the loan in your name only.

Does a co-buyer have to be on insurance?

Generally, a co-signer on a car loan doesn't need to be added to a car insurance policy, unless they will be driving the vehicle regularly (like a parent that might be a co-signer on their child's car loan) or on the vehicle title.

What rights does a co-borrower have?

Rights of co-borrowers

All areas of the property are accessible to each individual. Also, each owner decides who receives her share of the property when she dies. So not all owners will receive their share. The other co-owners must consent to the sale of an owner's share.

What credit score is needed to buy a car without a cosigner?

What credit score is needed to buy a car without a cosigner? People with prime credit scores of 661 or higher likely don't need an auto loan cosigner.

Does a co buyer need a job?

Get a Co-Signer

These individuals should be employed or have a high net worth to prove their ability to repay the mortgage loan if, for some reason, the primary borrower can't. A co-signer reduces risk for the lender because they'll be responsible for paying the loan.

Does a co-signer's name go on the title of a car?

A cosigner doesn't appear on your car's title. If you have a co-owner, though, you may be able to remove them from the title if the lender has a co-signer release option. If not, you must wait until you pay the loan in full or sell the vehicle to remove them.

Can you remove yourself as a co buyer?

"Generally, you'll need the cooperation of the primary account holder to remove your name as a co-signer since, in many cases, it requires a new agreement with the lender to do so," says Leslie Tayne, a financial attorney and founder and managing director of New York's Tayne Law Group, which specializes in debt ...

Can a co buyer sell a car without the buyer?

You can't sell a car without your co-borrower's permission. They have legal rights to the vehicle, too, and they could take action against you.

How do I remove a co buyer from my title?

To remove your co-signer from your car loan, you can ask your lender for a co-signer release. That option may have already be built-in to your contract with your lender. The paperwork on your car financing may state specific conditions under which you can get the co-signer release.

How does co-buying work?

Co-buying a home involves buying a house with one or more people, commonly a partner before marriage, relatives or close friends. This arrangement can make homeownership more affordable in some cases, but it also means you have a shared a liability for the debt.

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 a co-owner repossess a car?

So in other words, the law would allow you to repossess the vehicle, but since it's co-owned, you can't keep it from the co-owner. Also, you can't sell it without their consent, so consider one of those options.

Can a repo man pull you out of your car?

The answer to this question may vary depending on the specific laws and regulations of your jurisdiction. However, in general, repo agents are typically prohibited from repossessing a vehicle with occupants inside due to safety concerns and potential legal ramifications.

How bad is a repo as 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 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.