Auto Loan Dictionary
Auto Loan Glossary – Terms with Definitions
Ever come across unfamiliar terms while shopping for a car? Our comprehensive auto finance glossary breaks down all the common phrases and industry jargon. Browse through the list by scrolling down the page or jump to a specific section by clicking a letter below – all terms are organized alphabetically for your convenience.
Auto Loan – A loan used to purchase a vehicle, repaid over time with interest.
Car Financing – General term for borrowing money to buy a car.
Vehicle Loan – A financial agreement for buying a new or used vehicle.
Auto Loan Rate – The interest rate applied to the car loan.
APR (Annual Percentage Rate) – Total annual cost of the loan, including fees and interest.
Loan Term – The length of time you agree to repay the loan (e.g., 36, 48, 60 months).
Down Payment – Initial payment made when purchasing a vehicle.
Monthly Payment – The amount paid every month toward the loan.
Loan Principal – The original sum of money borrowed.
Interest Rate – The percentage charged on the loan amount.
Auto Loan Calculator – Online tool for estimating payments based on terms.
Pre-Approval – Conditional approval for a loan before selecting a vehicle.
Prequalification – Estimate of how much you might be able to borrow.
Refinancing – Replacing an existing auto loan with a new one, usually with better terms.
Used Car Loan – Financing specifically for purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.
New Car Loan – A loan used to buy a brand-new vehicle.
Private Party Auto Loan – A loan for buying a car from an individual, not a dealer.
Buy Here Pay Here – Financing directly from the car dealership, often for poor credit buyers.
Balloon Payment – A large final payment due at the end of a loan term.
Co-Signer – A person who guarantees the loan if the primary borrower defaults.
Credit Score – A number representing your creditworthiness.
Credit Report – A detailed history of your credit activity.
Subprime Loan – A loan for borrowers with poor or limited credit.
Prime Loan – A loan offered to borrowers with good credit and lower interest rates.
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV) – Compares the loan amount to the car’s value.
Collateral – The vehicle itself which secures the loan.
Repossession – When the lender takes back the car due to missed payments.
Default – Failure to repay the loan according to the agreed terms.
Title Loan – A short-term loan secured by the vehicle title.
Negative Equity – When the loan amount is more than the car’s value.
Equity – The value of the car minus any loan balance owed.
Gap Insurance – Covers the difference if your car is totaled and you owe more than it’s worth.
Dealer Financing – Loan options offered directly through the dealership.
Bank Financing – Loans provided by banks and credit unions.
Online Auto Loans – Financing available through online lenders.
Instant Loan Approval – Quick loan decision, usually within minutes.
Guaranteed Approval – A marketing term suggesting anyone can qualify (often misleading).
Title – Legal document proving vehicle ownership.
Loan Amortization – The process of paying off debt over time with regular payments.
Total Loan Cost – The full amount you will pay, including principal and interest.
Finance Charge – Total cost of borrowing the money.
Early Payoff – Paying off the loan before the term ends.
Prepayment Penalty – A fee charged for paying off the loan early.
Grace Period – Extra time allowed after a due date before penalties apply.
First-Time Buyer Program – Auto loans designed for people with no credit history.
No Down Payment Loan – Loans that don’t require an upfront payment.
Zero Percent Financing – Interest-free loans usually offered by manufacturers.
Buyout Option – An option to purchase a leased car at the end of the lease.
Lease vs. Loan – Choosing between renting (leasing) or owning (financing) a car.
Trade-In Value – The amount your old car is worth when applied to a new purchase.
Depreciation – The decrease in a car’s value over time.
Auto Refinance Calculator – Tool for comparing refinance options.
Credit Union Loan – Auto loans from non-profit member-owned institutions.
Loan Origination Fee – Fee charged to process a new loan.
Loan Documentation Fee – Admin cost for loan paperwork.
Income Verification – Proof of income required for loan approval.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) – Your monthly debt compared to your income.
Payment Schedule – Timeline of monthly payments over the loan term.
Lienholder – The lender holding the legal claim to your vehicle until the loan is paid.
Loan Balance – Remaining amount you owe on the auto loan.
Auto Lease Buyout Loan – Financing to buy your leased car.
Financing Incentives – Special offers like rebates or rate discounts.
Car Affordability Calculator – Tool to determine what price range fits your budget.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – Unique code identifying your car.
Mileage Restrictions – Lease limitations on how many miles you can drive annually.
Upside-Down Loan – Owing more than the car is worth.
Negative Trade Equity – When your trade-in value is less than what you owe.
Loan Disbursement – The release of funds for your vehicle purchase.
Retail Installment Contract – Agreement to pay the car in installments.
Credit Freeze – Blocking access to your credit file during loan applications.
Finance vs. Lease – Comparing ownership (finance) to short-term use (lease).
Car Payment Calculator – Tool to estimate monthly payments.
Auto Loan Marketplace – Platforms comparing multiple lenders.
Special Finance Dealer – Dealers that work with bad-credit lenders.
Title Transfer – Legal change of vehicle ownership.
Buy Rate – Interest rate offered to a dealer by a lender.
Mark-Up Rate – The dealer’s profit from increasing the interest rate.
Loan Servicing – Management of the loan once it is issued.
Payment Protection Plan – Insurance for loan payments in case of hardship.
Lender Requirements – Conditions to qualify for financing.
Vehicle Warranty – Coverage on repairs included with purchase or financing.
Loan Origination Date – The date your loan is officially created.
First Payment Date – When your first loan payment is due.
Deferred Payment – Postponed start of payments, usually a few months.
Auto Loan Marketplace – Online platforms to compare multiple lenders.
Credit Pull – When a lender checks your credit history.
Soft Inquiry – A credit check that doesn’t affect your score.
Hard Inquiry – A credit check that may lower your credit score temporarily.
Trade-In Loan – A loan where a trade-in vehicle is included as part of the down payment.
Underwater Loan – When you owe more than the car’s market value.
Loan Modification – Changes to the original loan terms.
Payment History – Record of how consistently payments were made.
Auto Loan Insurance Requirement – Insurance needed to secure the loan.
Title Search – Process to verify legal ownership before financing.
Repossession Rights – Legal right of a lender to recover the car upon non-payment.
Car Loan Amortization Schedule – Chart showing each monthly payment breakdown.
Late Payment Fee – Penalty for missing a payment deadline.
Total Interest Paid – Cumulative interest paid over the life of the loan.
Payoff Amount – Exact amount needed to pay off the loan early.
Balloon Payment – A large final payment due at the end of a loan term.
Buydown – Upfront payment to reduce loan interest rate.
Chattel Loan – A loan for movable personal property, often used for mobile homes or vehicles.
Collateral Loan – A loan secured by a vehicle as collateral.
Co-borrower – A second person responsible for loan repayment.
Credit Pre-Approval – Lender confirms your creditworthiness before you shop.
Dealer Reserve – The markup a dealer adds to your interest rate.
Default APR – Higher rate applied when borrower misses payments.
Depreciation Value – The reduction in car value over time.
Down Payment Assistance – Help with covering your initial payment.
Early Payoff Penalty – Fee charged for repaying a loan before term ends.
Equity Position – The difference between a vehicle’s value and loan balance.
Extended Warranty Financing – Adding a warranty’s cost to the auto loan.
Fixed Loan Term – A loan with unchanging monthly payments over time.
Finance Agreement – Legal document outlining loan terms and conditions.
Finance Manager – Dealership employee who arranges financing options.
Floating Interest Rate – A rate that varies with market changes.
Gap Insurance – Covers the difference between car value and loan balance.
Grace Period – Time after due date before penalties apply.
In-House Financing – Dealer provides loan directly, not through a bank.
Installment Credit – Loan repaid in scheduled payments.
Interest Rebate – Refund of part of the interest if loan paid early.
Joint Auto Loan – Loan shared between two applicants.
Lease Buyout Loan – Loan to purchase a vehicle at lease-end.
Lien Holder – Entity that holds legal right to the vehicle until loan paid.
Loan Extension – Lengthening the loan term to lower monthly payments.
Loan Origination Fee – Fee for processing a new loan.
Loan Restructure – Changing terms to make the loan more manageable.
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV) – Loan amount divided by car value.
Manufacturer Financing – Loans provided directly by car makers.
Mileage Penalty – Fee for exceeding mileage limits in leases.
Minimum Loan Amount – Smallest loan a lender will issue.
Monthly Payment Calculator – Tool to estimate monthly loan payments.
Negative Amortization – Loan balance grows when payments are too low.
No Credit Auto Loan – Car loan for people with no credit history.
Online Auto Loan Application – Digital form to apply for financing.
Open-End Loan – A line of credit used for a car purchase.
Outstanding Balance – Amount remaining to be repaid on a loan.
Overage – Extra money charged above the agreed price.
Payment Deferral – Postponing loan payments temporarily.
Payment Protection Plan – Insurance for unexpected payment issues.
Payoff Amount – Total sum required to pay off the loan early.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) – Loan type popular in UK with optional final payment.
Pre-Computed Interest – All interest calculated upfront.
Pre-Qualified Rate – Estimated rate given before formal loan approval.
Principal-Only Payment – Payment applied solely to loan balance, not interest.
Rate Lock – Freezing your interest rate for a period.
Refinancing Option – Replacing your current loan with better terms.
Repossession Risk – Lender may reclaim car if payments aren’t made.
Residual Value – Car’s worth at the end of a lease.
Rolling Negative Equity – Adding old loan balance to new car loan.
Secured Auto Loan – Loan backed by the car as security.
Self-Employed Car Financing – Special auto loan options for freelancers.
Simple Interest Loan – Interest calculated daily on the unpaid balance.
Special Financing Offers – Promotions like 0% APR for qualified buyers.
Subprime Auto Loan – Loan for borrowers with low credit scores.
Term Length – Duration over which the auto loan is repaid.
Title Loan – Short-term loan secured by your car title.
Trade-In Equity – Value from old vehicle applied to new purchase.
Trade-In Value Estimator – Tool to calculate your car’s trade-in worth.
Unsecured Auto Loan – Loan not backed by collateral.
Upside-Down Loan – Owing more than your car is worth.
Vehicle Appraisal – Assessment of a car’s market value.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – Unique code identifying a car.
Voluntary Repossession – Borrower surrenders car due to inability to pay.
Warranty Financing – Including the warranty cost in loan payments.
Wear and Tear Coverage – Protects against normal vehicle usage damage.
Zero Down Auto Loan – Loan that requires no upfront payment.
Zero Percent Financing – Loan with no interest for eligible borrowers.
Approval Odds – Estimated likelihood of loan approval.
Auto Loan Quote – Preliminary estimate of loan terms and rates.
Auto Loan Shopping Tool – Comparison platform for lenders.
Bank vs Dealer Financing – Comparing lending options.
Credit Report Pull – Lender checks your credit score during application.
Deferred Interest Loan – No interest charged if paid off in a set time.
Drive-Off Fees – Costs paid upfront when financing a car.
EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) – Monthly auto loan repayment amount.
Finance vs Lease – Choosing between loan ownership or leasing.
Guaranteed Approval Loan – Auto loan promising approval regardless of credit.
Interest Rate Cap – The highest rate allowed on a loan.
Loan Calculator Tool – Online resource for planning auto loan.
Loan Payoff Strategy – Plan to repay your loan faster.
Manufacturer Incentives – Rebates and offers from carmakers.
Payment Frequency Options – Weekly, biweekly, or monthly payments.
Pre-Approval Letter – Written offer confirming financing eligibility.
Prime Auto Loan – Loans for borrowers with excellent credit.
Purchase Agreement – Legal contract between buyer and dealer.
Rebate Financing – Using manufacturer rebates toward your car loan.
Repossession Laws – Legal rules governing car repossession.
Sales Tax Financing – Including taxes in the car loan amount.
Soft Credit Pull – Credit check that doesn’t affect your score.
Stipulations – Lender-required documents before loan approval.
Title Transfer – Changing car ownership legally during financing.
Total Interest Paid – Amount of interest paid over loan life.
Truth in Lending Act (TILA) – Law requiring loan disclosure transparency.
Vehicle Replacement Plan – Insurance for replacing a totaled car.
Vehicle Service Contract – Extended protection beyond warranty.
Weekly Auto Payments – Alternative to monthly payments.
Yield Spread Premium (YSP) – Broker commission for higher interest loans.
Zero Credit History Loan – Financing for first-time borrowers with no credit.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) – The market value of a vehicle at the time of loss or sale.
Accrue – To accumulate interest over time.
Adverse Action – A denial or change to credit terms based on the credit application review.
Adverse Action Notice – A notice explaining the reasons for denial of credit.
Agreed-Upon Selling Price – The price the buyer agrees to pay the dealer.
Amount Financed – The total loan amount, including financed fees.
Assignee – The party that purchases the loan agreement (e.g., a bank).
Base Price – The vehicle price without additional options.
Budget – Planned expenses based on income and outgoings.
Capitalization Cost – The total amount used to calculate lease payments.
Cap Cost Reduction – Initial payment on a lease that lowers monthly payments.
Collateral Loan – A loan secured by the vehicle or other property.
Consumer Credit – Credit extended to individuals for personal use.
Co-Borrower – A second borrower responsible for loan repayment.
Credit Bureau – Agency that collects and reports credit information.
Credit Limit – Maximum amount a lender will allow you to borrow.
Credit Utilization Ratio – Percentage of available credit currently used.
Creditworthiness – Assessment of a borrower’s ability to repay debt.
Debt Consolidation – Combining multiple debts into one loan.
Default Notice – Formal notification of missed loan payments.
Depreciation Schedule – Timeline showing how a vehicle’s value decreases.
Discount Point – A fee paid to reduce the interest rate.
Down Payment Assistance Program – Help provided to cover initial loan payments.
Early Termination Fee – Penalty for ending a lease or loan early.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) – Online transfer of money for payments.
Equity Loan – A loan based on the equity of your vehicle.
Escrow Account – A third-party account holding funds for payment.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – Law regulating credit reporting accuracy.
Finance Charge – Total cost of credit, including interest and fees.
Finance Rate – The interest rate applied to the loan.
Financing Term – Duration over which a loan is repaid.
First Lienholder – Primary lender with legal claim to the vehicle.
Grace Period – Time allowed after payment due date before penalty.
Gross Capitalized Cost – Total cost before subtracting incentives or down payments.
Guarantor – Person who guarantees loan repayment if borrower defaults.
Hard Credit Inquiry – Credit check that may impact credit score.
Holding Fee – Deposit to reserve a vehicle purchase.
Installment Loan – Loan repaid in fixed monthly payments.
Interest-Only Payment – Payment covering only interest without reducing principal.
Late Charge – Fee applied for overdue loan payments.
Lease Agreement – Contract specifying terms of vehicle lease.
Lease Term – Length of a lease contract.
Lender – Institution or person providing the loan.
Lien – Legal claim on a vehicle until the loan is paid off.
Loan Agreement – Contract outlining loan terms and conditions.
Loan Application – Form submitted to request a loan.
Loan Broker – Agent who connects borrowers to lenders.
Loan Disclosure – Document detailing loan terms and costs.
Loan Maturity Date – Date when the loan must be fully repaid.
Loan Modification – Change to original loan terms.
Loan Processing Fee – Charge for handling loan paperwork.
Loan Servicing – Management of loan payments and accounts.
Margin – Difference between interest rates paid and earned.
Market Value – Current worth of a vehicle in the marketplace.
Maturity – Completion of loan repayment period.
Negative Amortization – When loan payments are less than interest, increasing balance.
No-Doc Loan – Loan with minimal documentation requirements.
Outstanding Balance – Remaining amount owed on a loan.
Payment Due Date – Scheduled date for loan payment.
Payment Holiday – Temporary suspension of payments.
Payment Schedule – Timeline of loan payments.
Payment-to-Income Ratio – Percentage of income used for loan payments.
Pre-Approval Letter – Document showing conditional loan approval.
Prepayment – Paying off loan earlier than scheduled.
Prepayment Penalty – Fee for early loan payoff.
Principal – Original loan amount borrowed.
Privacy Policy – Statement about data use and protection.
Rate Cap – Maximum allowable interest rate.
Rebate – Refund or discount on loan or vehicle price.
Refinance – Replace existing loan with new terms.
Reinstatement – Restoring a loan after default.
Repossession – Taking back vehicle after missed payments.
Residual Value – Estimated vehicle worth at lease end.
Return on Investment (ROI) – Gain or loss from investment.
Sales Tax – Tax applied to vehicle purchase.
Security Deposit – Upfront payment to cover possible losses.
Soft Credit Inquiry – Credit check not affecting score.
Subprime Borrower – Borrower with low credit score.
Title – Legal document proving vehicle ownership.
Title Insurance – Protection against ownership disputes.
Total Amount Paid – Sum of all payments over loan life.
Trade-In Credit – Value applied from selling your old vehicle.
Underwriting – Process of evaluating loan risk.
Unsecured Loan – Loan without collateral.
Upfront Fees – Charges paid at loan start.
Used Car Warranty – Coverage for pre-owned vehicles.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – Unique vehicle code.
Verification of Income – Proof of earnings required for loan.
Voluntary Surrender – Giving up vehicle to avoid repossession.
Warranty – Promise to repair or replace parts.
Yield Spread Premium (YSP) – Broker’s commission from interest markup.
Zero Balance – Loan fully paid off.
Zero Down Payment – Loan requiring no upfront payment.
Accelerated Payment – Paying more than the minimum amount.
Amortization Schedule – Breakdown of payments by principal and interest.
Balloon Loan – Loan with large final payment.
Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) – Dealer financing for subprime buyers.
Credit Enhancement – Actions to improve loan terms.
Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) – Ability to cover debt payments with income.
Lien Release – Document showing loan fully paid.
Acceptance Rate – Percentage of approved loan applications.
Adjustable Rate Loan – Loan with interest rate that changes over time.
Affiliate Lender – Lending partner connected through a platform.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) – Annual return on investment including compounding.
Application Fee – Charge to process a loan application.
Auto Loan Prequalification – Initial assessment of loan eligibility.
Auto Loan Refinancing Benefits – Advantages of refinancing your auto loan.
Auto Loan Terms Explained – Guide to common loan terms.
Automatic Payment – Scheduled loan payment deducted automatically.
Balance Transfer – Moving debt from one loan to another.
Bankruptcy Impact on Auto Loans – How bankruptcy affects car loans.
Buyout Clause – Terms allowing purchase of leased vehicle.
Car Loan Default Consequences – Effects of missing payments.
Car Loan Insurance Options – Insurance choices for loan protection.
Car Loan Payment Calculator – Tool to estimate monthly payments.
Car Loan Prepayment Benefits – Advantages of paying loan early.
Car Loan Terms and Conditions – Rules governing your loan.
Car Loan vs. Lease Comparison – Differences between financing and leasing.
Car Ownership Costs – Total expenses of owning a vehicle.
Cash-Out Refinance – Refinancing to withdraw cash against vehicle equity.
Co-Signer Responsibilities – Duties of a loan guarantor.
Credit Bureaus in Auto Lending – Role of credit reporting agencies.
Credit Counseling Services – Help for managing debt and credit.
Credit Freeze for Loan Protection – Restricting credit access for safety.
Credit Monitoring Services – Tracking credit score changes.
Credit Report Errors – Mistakes affecting loan approval.
Credit Score Improvement Tips – Ways to boost credit rating.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculation – Measuring loan affordability.
Default Recovery Options – Ways to manage missed payments.
Deferred Payment Plans – Delaying loan payments temporarily.
Down Payment Strategies – Planning your initial loan payment.
Early Loan Payoff Tips – How to pay off loans faster.
Electric Vehicle Loans – Financing options for EVs.
Electronic Signature for Loan Documents – Digital signing process.
Eligible Auto Loan Applicants – Who qualifies for loans.
Estimated Loan Approval Time – How long approval takes.
Extended Warranty Coverage – Extra protection financed with loan.
Financial Hardship Assistance – Support options for loan difficulties.
Flexible Auto Loan Terms – Adjustable repayment options.
Gap Insurance Benefits – Why gap insurance matters.
Guaranteed Auto Loan Approval Myths – What guaranteed approval really means.
How Auto Loans Affect Credit Scores – Impact of borrowing on credit.
How to Compare Auto Loan Offers – Tips for choosing lenders.
In-House Financing Explained – Dealer-provided loans.
Income Verification Documents – Papers required for approval.
Interest Rate Factors – What influences your loan rate.
Interest Rate Types – Fixed vs variable rates.
Lease End Options – What to do when lease finishes.
Loan Application Process Step-by-Step – From start to finish.
Loan Application Checklist – Documents and info needed.
Loan Disbursement Timeline – When funds are released.
Loan Eligibility Criteria – Requirements to qualify.
Loan Origination Explained – How loans are created.
Loan Repayment Methods – Ways to pay your loan.
Loan Statement Review – Understanding your loan account details.
Loan Term Lengths Overview – Common loan durations.
Low Credit Auto Loan Options – Loans for poor credit borrowers.
Manufacturer Incentives on Auto Loans – Discounts and offers.
Monthly Payment Calculator Use – How to estimate payments.
New Car Loan Advantages – Benefits of financing new vehicles.
Online Auto Loan Application Tips – Best practices applying online.
Online Lenders vs Traditional Banks – Pros and cons.
Outstanding Loan Balance Explained – How much you owe.
Payment Grace Periods – Extra time to pay without penalty.
Payment Methods Accepted – How you can pay loans.
Payment Protection Plans – Insurance covering loan payments.
Personal Loan vs Auto Loan Differences – Which to choose.
Pre-Approval vs Prequalification – Understanding the difference.
Prepayment Penalties Explained – Fees for early payoff.
Principal and Interest Breakdown – How payments are split.
Refinancing Process Overview – Steps to refinance.
Refinancing Savings Calculator – Estimate refinance benefits.
Required Documentation for Auto Loans – What lenders ask for.
Secured vs Unsecured Auto Loans – Loan types explained.
Selling a Vehicle with an Active Loan – What you need to know.
Soft Credit Check Benefits – How it helps loan shopping.
Subprime Auto Loan Characteristics – What subprime means.
Tax Implications of Auto Loans – Possible tax effects.
Tips for Getting Lower Auto Loan Rates – How to save money.
Trade-In Process When Financing – Using trade-in value.
Understanding Annual Percentage Rate (APR) – What APR includes.
Understanding Loan Amortization – How your loan is paid off.
Used Car Loan Eligibility – Qualifying for used car financing.
Vehicle Condition Impact on Loans – How car status affects loans.
Vehicle History Report Use in Lending – Checking car background.
Vehicle Registration and Title Transfer – Required steps when buying.
Vehicle Warranty Financing Options – Adding warranty to loan.
Waiting Periods for Auto Loan Approval – Typical approval wait times.
What Is Balloon Financing? – Loan with large final payment.
What to Do if You Miss a Payment – Steps to avoid penalties.
When to Refinance an Auto Loan – Timing tips.
Why Your Credit Score Matters – Importance in loan terms.
Zero Down Auto Loans Explained – Loans with no upfront cost.
Annual Mileage Limits on Leases – Restrictions and fees.
Benefits of Making Extra Loan Payments – How to reduce interest.
Buying vs Leasing a Car – Pros and cons for each.
Capitalized Cost Reduction in Leasing – How it lowers payments.
Car Loan Interest Rate Trends – Current market conditions.
Common Auto Loan Fees – What fees to expect.
How to Avoid Auto Loan Scams – Tips for safe borrowing.
