Title loans, like most loans, are not inherently bad.
Just like any other loan, if you fail to pay back the title loan, it can put you in a tough financial position.
Title loans can be a source of quick cash if you are in a financial emergency, but it does come with more risk compared to traditional loan options.
Title loans generally come with high interest rates and more fees. They are mostly designed to provide short-term relief (usually 30-day periods) and are not meant to be a long-term solution to financial problems.
Ok, are you ready for the really bad part of the title loans movie? If you fail to pay back what you owe on a title loan or are behind on your payment, some very R-rated things can happen. "R" as in Repossession.
When you apply for a title loan, the lender uses your vehicle as collateral. This means that if you default on the loan, they can take possession of your vehicle.
Learn: Can you be arrested for not paying a title loan?
Once the repossession occurs, you could still owe money on the balance of the title loan and have to pay back fees ā this could lead you into a cycle of debt, sometimes known as the debt spiral šµāš«. This means that you have to take on more debt to cover the debts you already owe ā and so on.[1] This is not a desirable position!
The repossession process is sometimes considered the "bad" side of title loans. Some people may claim that title loan lenders are "bad" because of this policy. But these lenders are legitimate businesses offering legal contracts for loans.
All this goes to say that title loans are not bad, they are risky ā very risky. If you are not willing to chance it and accept the demanding financial responsibility, you should try another loan that has lower risks, such as a personal installment loan.
If you've made the decision that a title loan is right for you, make sure to shop around for the best terms and most importantly, only apply for a amount that you can afford to pay back.
