How Do You Avoid Negative Equity On Your Next Car Loan?

07 March 2024

Car finance allows drivers to spread the cost of a new or used car into affordable monthly payments. By borrowing money from a lender, drivers can purchase a car and pay the lender back in monthly installments until the end of the agreed term. Negative equity is a term you may hear often with car finance, and for many drivers, it is best to avoid it. Find out how you can ensure you don’t end up with negative equity and what to do next if you find yourself in this situation.

What Is Negative Equity?

In car finance, negative equity is when you owe more on your loan than your car is worth. Negative equity can be known as outstanding car finance or an upside-down loan which means if you sold your car to clear the loan, you still wouldn’t have been able to pay the balance off.

For example, if your settlement figure was £6,000 and your car was worth £4,000, you would still owe the finance company £2,000. Usually, negative equity happens when the value of your car drops quickly during your agreement. This is especially common with brand-new cars, as they can lose up to 50% of their value in the first few years of ownership.

Here, if you want to trade in your car but have negative equity, you will need to repay the loan amount before you take a new loan to purchase a new vehicle.

What Are The Reasons For Negative Equity?

Basically, a negative equity situation happens for a variety of reasons. For instance, an upside-down situation in regard to a car loan can happen due to the following reasons:

You might have a loan for a longer term. Apart from that, your vehicle has also gone through depreciation since your purchase.
There is a no-money-down auto loan in your case, or you might have paid more than the sticker price of the vehicle due to the inclusion of add-ons.
You might have purchased an expensive vehicle, which might not have the same value that you expected during the purchase.
Your debt regarding the loan is of a high rate of interest. Hence, most of the money that you are paying is going to the interest as compared to the principal.

Depreciation is also a major factor in this case. Basically, the term rate of depreciation shows how fast an asset loses its value. Generally, a car loses almost 20% of its value in the first year itself. Furthermore, the process of depreciation continues to happen in the following years until the car fully loses its value.

Why Is Negative Equity Problematic?

Negative equity within your car finance deal can be an issue because you will still owe the lender money even if you sell your car. In some cases, you may not be able to sell the car, too. If you find your circumstances have changed and you can’t afford to carry on with the loan, you may be charged additional fees for missed or late payments, and it can lead to much more serious financial consequences.

How Do You Avoid Negative Equity In The First Place?

Before you take out a car finance deal, consider these factors below to help prevent negative equity from occurring:

Only Borrow What You Can Afford. If you’re in a position to buy a new car on finance, it’s important you use a car payment calculator first to see how your loan could look and make sure it is affordable. This may mean choosing a used car over a brand-new car, as older cars usually have already depreciated at their fastest rate in previous years.
Put Down A Larger Deposit. A larger deposit contribution at the start of your finance agreement can help to reduce your loan amount. A smaller loan can help to reduce the risk of your car being worth less than how much you owe.
Choose A Slower Depreciating Car. If you want to avoid negative equity, you could consider choosing a car that depreciates at a slower rate. Cars that hold their value will be less likely to leave you out of pocket at the end of your car finance deal.
Make Higher Payments. Negative equity can often be associated with PCP deals as they offer low payments and a large balloon payment at the end of the deal. Opting for a deal such as a hire purchase, which aims to pay off the value of the car at the end of the deal and has higher monthly payments, can help avoid any outstanding finance.

How Do You Get Out Of Negative Equity?

There are different ways of getting out of negative equity. However, based on your current situation, you will need to choose which way works the best for you. Basically, you will need to choose the one that goes with your budget. Furthermore, it also depends on whether you want to keep the vehicle or not.

Hence, to get out of negative equity, make sure you do the following:

1. Start By Paying Off The Loan

The most obvious way to pay off your negative equity is to accelerate your payment. Here, the faster you pay your loan off, the sooner you will be able to deal with the debt. One of the best ways of paying off the loan is to pay extra on the principal part. Apart from that, you can also consider paying a lump-sum amount beforehand to avoid paying interest for a longer period.

Hence, you must consider reviewing your budget and savings from time to time to pay off your existing debt.

2. Loan Refinancing

Here, you might consider taking out a new loan to pay off your existing debt. This will help you in getting out of your upside-down car loan faster. This works even better if you can avail of a new loan with a lower rate of interest.

3. Selling The Vehicle

If you do not need the vehicle, you can consider selling off the vehicle. This way, you can get a lump sum of cash, which will allow you to pay off the loan. Furthermore, if you sell the vehicle to a private buyer, you will have the option to negotiate the price further. This will enable you to get more cash, which will further help you to pay off the negative equity.

4. Surrendering The Vehicle

If you handle the vehicle to the lender, you can get out of the negative equity, too. In addition to that, if you do a voluntary surrender, you will be more likely to get out of the negative equity.

Summing Up: Getting Out Of Negative Equity

If you’ve not been able to avoid negative equity and need to know how to get yourself out of it, follow the top tips below:

If you can still afford your current car finance payments, it is recommended you stick with the deal you have at the moment. In many cases, your deal will balance out over the duration of the loan, and the negative equity should be settled by the time you reach the final payment.
You could pay off your negative equity by paying the lender in cash.
You can hand your car back to the lender through Voluntary Termination. If you’ve paid half of your agreement off, you could return the car to the lender. It’s always best to speak with your lender first, though, to see how they could help you.

Do you have any more ideas to add? Consider sharing in the comment section below.

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Shahnawaz Alam

Shahnawaz is a passionate and professional Content writer. He loves to read, write, draw and share his knowledge in different niches like Technology, Cryptocurrency, Travel,Social Media, Social Media Marketing, and Healthcare.

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A Detailed Guide to Cashless Car Insurance Policy

As a responsible car owner, you must take the utmost care to ensure that you follow all traffic and safety rules. Wearing a seat belt, obeying the traffic laws, maintaining adequate distance between two vehicles, and driving within the speed limit are some of the safety measures. However, even if you follow all rules, there is always a fear of accidents because of numerous vehicles, reckless drivers, and other third-party issues. An accident can cause significant damage to your vehicle, which may result in huge financial expenses. Hence, in such contingencies, an insurance policy for cars can provide much-needed financial aid. Moreover, it is mandatory to have car insurance in India. If you drive your car without an active car insurance policy, you will be charged a penalty or even imprisoned in certain cases. Car insurance covers medical expenses, property damage, and even third parties. Compulsory third-party insurance covers the owner or driver of the vehicle against claims for personal injuries caused to other people in a road accident. Car owners can obtain a CTP green slip quote from a reputable insurance provider nearby or online in areas where this insurance is mandatory. There are different kinds of insurance products available in the market. One of the most popular insurance policies is a cashless car insurance plan. A cashless policy can save you from spending hard cash while extending the requisite financial coverage. Below is a detailed guide to cashless car insurance: What is a cashless car insurance policy? A cashless policy allows you to get your car repaired without making any cash payment. The expense of repairs is borne by the cashless car insurance policy, unlike a general insurance plan where you are liable to pay for expenses and then file for reimbursement. A cashless car insurance plan will include a network of garages where you can get your car fixed without paying any money. This is also inclusive of online 3rd party car insurance. What does the cashless car insurance policy cover? A cashless insurance cover allows you to get your car refurbished without paying any money. The payment is directly settled by the insurer and is included as a part of your insurance contract. However, the policy excludes deductibles and depreciation, which are explained below. Deductibles: It is the amount that you have to pay while raising a claim. For instance, if you are filing a claim of 20,000 and the deductible is Rs. 2,000. Then, the insurer shall make the payment of Rs. 8,000 subject to other terms and conditions. There are two types of deductibles, compulsory and voluntary. Both are decided at the time of buying the policy. A compulsory deductible is mandatory, and you are required to pay your component of the final amount at the time of claim. Whereas, a voluntary deductible is what you agree to pay, in addition to the compulsory deductible. Depreciation: The value of an asset decreases over time due to the use, wear, and tear or obsolesce. Depreciation is the reduction in the value of the car or any of its parts. The insurer deducts the value of depreciation before releasing the payment. Depreciation is calculated according to the life of the asset at the rates listed by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). What is an authorized garage? An authorized garage forms a part of a network of workshops that have entered into an agreement with the insurance company. Workshops meeting predetermined selection criteria get added to the list of the authorized workshops. They offer cashless repair services for insurance policyholders. The repairs are undertaken by trained mechanics who maintain transparency in the pricing. Moreover, the workshop issues the initial estimate of repair expenses, which is reasonably accurate. What are the benefits of a cashless policy? The key advantage of a cashless policy is that the insurance company settles the cost of damages directly with the authorized garage. You need not incur expenses before raising the claim. Hence, there is no financial stress to arrange funds for repair. A good insurance company will have a large network of authorized garages across the country, which further makes the cashless claim process smoother. How to buy a cashless car insurance policy? You can purchase a cashless plan by visiting the nearest branch office of your chosen insurance company. The documentation process is simple and quick, but you would need to go to the branch in-person. Alternatively, you can buy insurance online. Online car insurance India brings in more transparency and convenience in the entire process. Moreover, in the current pandemic situation, the IRDA has abolished the need for submitting the documents or application form in hard copies. The insurer can share the policy document on your registered e-mail ID or mobile number, which shall be treated as a valid physical document. Overall, given the number of rising accidents today, a comprehensive car insurance policy has become more of a necessity than a choice. If you fear the cumbersome claim process and want an easy way out, buy cashless car insurance online at the convenience of your home. The policy protects your vehicle and also assures your hassle-free settlement at all times. Read Also: 10 Reasons to Purchase a Used Car Get Fast Access to Car Title Loan during Bad Times Why You Need Classic Car Insurance? Get Cheap Car Insurance For Young Drivers

Financial Plan For Your FIRST Small Business – Low Budget Plan

One of the common reasons why small businesses fail is the lack of working capital. Poor financial decision-making can be detrimental to your small business. This will not scare you or put you off the idea of starting your very first business. However, it is to convince you how important it is to draft a financial plan for your small business. The importance of predicting your financial health is not just to maintain a steady cash flow but also... Understand how lucrative your business is in the long run. How long will your business be at break-even (no profit, no loss)? When can your business start making a profit? Most importantly, what is the contingency plan of any financial hurdle? In this blog post below, we will be discussing the following: Importance of a financial plan for your small business. Elements of a financial plan for your small business. A template to create a small business plan (for any business). Importance Of A Financial Plan Here is why you should begin creating your very first-ever financial plan for your small business. 1. A Business GPS? Imagine yourself driving to a new destination without knowing where you are or in which direction you should proceed. This is what it is like to open a business without having a financial plan. A financial plan will give you a clear roadmap to your business journey, and determine how much to spend on each destination. 2. Where Is The Goal Post? We all have a vague idea of what a startup goal should be. However, getting overwhelmed is common without a clear picture. A financial plan will provide you with a clear goalpost. I am talking about tangible, measurable, and achievable goals. Whether you want to expand your business, increase profits, or reduce costs, a financial plan gives you a clear path. 3. What Ifs & Risks! It is given that your business won’t be smooth sailing forever! Businesses often face unexpected expenses. It could be something as simple as equipment breakdowns or sudden major market changes! As a business owner, being financially ready is a crucial step! A financial plan can help you set aside emergency funds, so you're prepared for these surprises. 4. A Long-Lasting Impression Want investors early on for your business? Then, it would help if you offered them a steady financial plan. Remember, lenders and investors want to see a well-thought-out financial plan before they commit their money. Therefore, having a solid plan shows them that you understand your business's financial health, its cash flow, and the potential profit opportunity. Hence, we are serious about making your business a success. 5. Improves Financial Decision-Making With a financial plan, you better understand your cash flow, revenue, and expenses. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions, like when to invest in new equipment or whether to cut costs. Important Elements Of The Financial Plan Of A Small Business Before you begin your financial planning, you should be aware of the different financial jargon for a business. 1. Cash Flow Projection This includes predicting the market, what effect your product will have on the market, and how much you can earn from it. Now, taking the potential amount you create capital expenditure for each month. The function of a cash flow projection is to ensure you have enough (at the end of the month) in terms of expansion. It is common for a business to live month by month with no profit for the first six to eight months of the business. Essentially you are establishing your business. However, if it crosses the one-year mark with just a break-evens, the following could be the reason: Your business is not making money because of the lack of demand. The expenditure is way over your income. You must start some cost-cutting methods. There is a lack of marketing, and your small business is not reaching the target audience. You do not have enough investment for the small business you are starting. Keep these points in mind when starting your cash flow! 2. Balance Sheet A balance sheet is a financial estimation of your small business’s current state. Here are some of the important items your balance sheet will have: Income & Expenditure Total owning & total owing (personal debts or small business loans). Assets that are currently under collateral. Upon reading it might sound simple. However, when it comes to a balanced business sheet, you will require a finance professional to craft one. 3. Personnel Expense This brings us to the next point in any financial plan for a small business. The personnel expense, or the amount you are spending on hired personnel. It doesn’t always have to be your employees. In fact, the number of employees for a small business will hardly reach 15 in the very first year. A personnel expense includes individuals working as consultants for the business, and the different professionals you hire to help with the internal work (e.g. Finance officer to create the balance sheet). Some of the common elements of a personnel expense are: Cost is based on the positions each professional is holding. Personal insurance plans for your workers (at least medical insurance). Expenses are spared for other professionals working externally with the business. 4. Assets The tangible assets that your small business owns: Current Assets: What the business currently owns. These include inventories, machinery & tech devices, prepaid expenses (for example, digital tools), and other office supplies. Tangible Assets: The one that physically exists under the name of your small business. Real estate (This will not include rented warehouses or offices. These will go under the expenditure section), land inventory, tangible investment (gold & bonds), and saleable merchandise. Non-Tangible Assets: These are assets that are not in a physical form. Intellectual property, pre-paid tools, investments (stocks, Cryptocurrency, mutual funds). Non-Operable Asset: Assets under your small business but from which you are not getting any income. For example, land you have an investment in but not yet open for any business-related functions. Operable Asset: Assets that your business owns currently, and that are bringing some income. For example: produced goods, factory space, warehouses, and office space. 5. Products & Services The products and services you are planning to offer will also come into the financial planning for small businesses. These include the following: The raw materials are required to create the goods. Factory costing. Warehouse costing. Transport & Drop shipping costing. Worker’s salary & insurance. Contingency management funding. (In case of any accident or unpredictable situation). The summation will give you the total cost of production. With which you can create and understand the market value of your product. This step is very important to assess the profit and loss of each item. 6. Income Projections Another crucial part of small business finance planning is prediction. This is how you can predict whether your income will have any substantial income. Here is how you can protect your business income (before starting it): Check business income projections of competitors through several data analyses. Is your small business subject matter trending in the market? What is the current market share of such companies? Are investors willing to invest in a business venture as such? In fact, check some of the Shark Tank successes, and analyze which business venture seems more profiting by investors themselves. The inflation rate of the past decade regarding the product or service you are about to sell also matters. 7. Marketing You cannot spend everything on logistics and not worry about marketing. One cannot ignore this matter, especially in today’s day and age when small businesses are reaching new milestones by a simple influencer shoutout, or social media virality! Here are some of the factors in which you will need to spend in marketing: Social media marketing tools. Influencer marketing. Small ad-films over YouTube. Website building and digital marketing (Website domain and SEO tools). 8. Risk Management No business is protected from the risks that come to every business in its lifespan. However, the contingency plan is not getting ambushed by a sudden change. Here are some of the financial risks/uncertainties your new business could face: Market Risk: The ups and downs of the current & dynamic economy. In fact, after the pandemic, things have become a little less predictable. Reputation Risk: Social media is indeed bringing customers and businesses closer. However, the downside of such connectivity is the risk of a tampered reputation, especially when audiences jump to conclusions upon hearing anything on the internet. Competition Risk: This is a common risk every business faces. When your competitors launch something new & exciting, there could be a significant shift in sales numbers for you. Environmental Risk: One good example of environmental risk that has previously impacted businesses majorly is the pandemic. Political Risks: The political scenario of your country can have a considerable effect on your business, especially in terms of export-import & business expansion. This is one of the reasons why having a financial contingency plan for managing sudden risk is one of the crucial components of a business financial plan. Business Template For A Startup As promised, we have a business template that will help you take that very first step for your startup. Financial Plan For Startup (Template) Table of Contents 1. Financial Overview: A Financial Overview will consist of a financial overview of your business’s current state. Also, please provide the key points and takeaways of the financial data that you will provide. 4. Assumptions – Market Research: This is the step for market research and predicting the business’s profit potential. 5. Break-Even Analysis: A table or graph which provides information on the number of units your business needs, and how much you need to sell to make a profit. 6. Financial Statements: This will include the following charts. - Profit & Loss (Optional if you have a startup) - Cash Flow Statement (How the monthly cash flow will look) - Balance Sheet (Monthly/Quarterly/Yearly Income & Expenditure) Elements For Your Balance Sheet The following is what your balance sheets should include based on items required: monthly, quarterly, and yearly income & expenditure. Operational Financial Plan Business Location and Facilities Technology and Equipment Key Operational Processes Supply Chain and Inventory Management Management and Organization Financial Plan Organizational Structure Key Management Team Roles and Responsibilities Hiring and Training Plan Financial Plan Start-up Costs (for new businesses like loans, downpayment; collateral, and personal investments) Revenue Projections Expense Projections Cash Flow Statement Profit and Loss Statement Break-even Analysis Funding Requirements and Strategy Funding Needed Purpose of Funds Potential Funding Sources Funding Timeline Key Risks Risk Mitigation Strategies Financial Tools to Ease Your Job In the modern age of technology, you can always lean on tools to automate some of the financial tasks. So, if you need that digital assistance when Begin Your Journey! This is a sign for you to begin your journey as a first-time business owner. Yes, it is overwhelming, and yes it can be intimidating (hence the long procrastinating period!). Creating a financial plan for even a startup can be intimidating. Here is how you can make this journey a little easier. Start with defining your business first. The executive plan is a must. You should know what your business is all about. Then, move through the basic income and expenditures. Take help from professionals in tax advice and create a detailed balance sheet. Finally, consider seeing your whole financial plan in a timely manner. It is important to take one step at a time. Hopefully, we can give you enough answers about a business financial plan. How is your journey going? Please let us know in the comment section below. Read Also: Tax Implications For Independent Event Planners Use Online Event Payment To Streamline Your Payment Process Everything you Need to Know About Term Insurance Plan Premium Financial Planning For Contractors: Ensuring Project Viability

Medical Debts And The Military: The Overlooked Burden Of Service

In the realm of military service, it's evident that our personnel demonstrate exceptional dedication. Countless individuals are on the frontlines daily, showcasing unwavering commitment and making significant sacrifices for our nation's safety and security. Their courage is consistently acknowledged and appreciated. However, beneath this commendation lies a less-discussed challenge that many face. A substantial concern, often overshadowed, is the burgeoning issue of medical debts incurred due to their service. This is a pressing matter that merits our attention and understanding. Understanding The Nature Of Military Service And Health Risks Within the domain of military service, a spectrum of inherent challenges exists. Daily operations, particularly in high-risk zones, subject our military personnel to many potential hazards. It's worth noting that these risks extend beyond the apparent combat-related injuries. The consistent stress and demands of their roles can manifest in severe long-term mental health complications, PTSD being a notable concern. As many seasoned veterans have articulated, the repercussions of their service, both visible and latent, often extend far more profound than the casual observer might discern. Such complexities underline the deep nature of military service. Deciphering Military Health Coverage TRICARE stands out prominently in the discourse on military health coverage. As our military personnel's primary healthcare program, TRICARE offers a comprehensive suite of benefits. Yet, akin to many insurance packages, it possesses certain complexities. While encompassing an extensive range of medical services, it has coverage gaps. When juxtaposed with civilian insurance packages, these disparities become markedly evident. For several individuals within the military community, navigating these nuances proves intricate, occasionally culminating in unexpected financial expenditures. This presents a nuanced landscape that warrants closer examination. Debt Relief Programs: A Beacon Of Hope There is a beacon of hope in the intricate landscape of medical debt for military personnel and veterans. Active-duty members and veterans can take solace because numerous debt relief initiatives are tailored specifically for them. These programs, including those focused on veteran debt relief, have garnered significant acclaim, each boasting multiple success narratives. By measures such as reducing the principal debt or formulating structured payment plans, these initiatives serve as instrumental lifelines. For any military member, veteran, or acquaintance grappling with medical debt, a diligent exploration of these avenues is strongly recommended, offering a pathway to potentially mitigate substantial financial challenges. By The Numbers: Grasping The Scale Of Medical Debt Among Military Families Assessing the prevalence of medical debt among military families prompts a deeper inquiry into the available data. This investigation reveals a somewhat concerning scenario. A considerable proportion of military families indeed face the brunt of medical debt. When juxtaposing this reality with civilian families, the disparity becomes conspicuously evident. Notably, despite the immense sacrifices rendered by military personnel, they frequently encounter more pronounced financial challenges related to health care than many civilians. Such observations underscore the need for a comprehensive examination of the underlying factors. The Ripple Effect: Beyond Monetary Concerns Delving into the broader implications of medical debt reveals a multifaceted impact beyond the evident financial strain. Beyond the fiscal ramifications, there is a significant emotional toll. Manifestations include heightened anxiety levels, pervasive stress, and potential feelings of despair. Additionally, the familial dynamic is not immune to this burden. Once centered on daily life's pleasantries, conversations may shift toward the pressing concerns of impending bills. Future aspirations, such as the procurement of a home or the anticipation of a vacation, often become overshadowed by the immediacy of financial obligations. This illustrates the profound reach of medical debt on an individual's holistic well-being. Global Insights: International Best Practices Upon broadening our perspective to a global scale, a distinctive narrative emerges. Numerous countries have instituted comprehensive medical benefits for their military personnel. These established systems, characterized by their proactive strategies and extensive coverage, set benchmarks of excellence. Given these international precedents, it may be prudent for the U.S. to evaluate and discern applicable lessons from these best practices. Such a comparative analysis is valuable for refining domestic approaches to military medical benefits. Marching Forward: Advocacy And Initiatives For Change Significant developments are underway in the evolving landscape of the medical debt crisis for military families. Current legislative agendas feature multiple proposals aimed directly at alleviating this pressing concern. Concurrently, grassroots movements and dedicated organizations fervently mobilize and advocate for systemic changes and reforms. For individuals and entities deeply vested in this issue, ample opportunities exist to engage, support, and drive impactful transformations in this crucial arena. The confluence of these efforts underscores a proactive approach toward addressing the challenge at hand. Conclusion In conclusion, it is imperative to underscore our shared responsibility. Addressing the challenge of medical debts within the military goes beyond mere policy adjustments. It is a matter of ensuring that those who have dedicated their lives in service to the nation are not disproportionately burdened upon their return. As a cohesive society, extending our unwavering support and commitment to these individuals is commendable and an essential duty. Read More: How To Choose A Funeral Director? How to Get Low Cost Life Insurance for Seniors? 5 Factors to Consider in Choosing the Right Floor Colors

How Do You Avoid Negative Equity On Your Next Car Loan?

What Is Negative Equity?

What Are The Reasons For Negative Equity?

Why Is Negative Equity Problematic?

How Do You Avoid Negative Equity In The First Place?