Negative equity car finance is where the amount you owe on your car loan is greater than the current value of your vehicle. In simple terms, it means you owe more money on your car than it’s worth. Let’s break down what this means and how it can happen.
In this blog…
Why Do You End Up in Negative Equity?
Why is Negative Equity a Concern?
Types of Car Finance and Negative Equity
What is Negative Equity?
Negative equity is when your car’s value falls below the outstanding loan balance. For instance, if you owe £4,000 to your finance company, but your car is now valued at only £3,000, you have £1,000 in negative equity.
Typically, most car finance contracts eventually balance out because the car’s depreciation slows down as you continue making regular payments.
Why Do You End Up in Negative Equity?
There are various reasons why you might find yourself in a negative equity situation:
- Changing Cars: If you switch to a different car during your loan term, you might end up with negative equity.
- Payment Struggles: If you’re facing difficulties making your payments, it can lead to negative equity.
- Accidents: Unforeseen events like accidents, where your insurance payout doesn’t cover the remaining loan balance, can contribute to negative equity.
Why is Negative Equity a Concern?
Having negative equity on your car can create several challenges, especially if your financial situation changes and you struggle to make payments. Since your loan balance exceeds your car’s market value, selling or trading it in won’t fully cover your debt. This could lead to late fees if you miss payments.
Types of Car Finance and Negative Equity
The likelihood of ending up in negative equity varies depending on the type of car finance you choose. Here’s how it works for hire purchase (HP) and personal contract purchase (PCP) agreements:
Hire Purchase and Negative Equity:
With HP, you pay a fixed monthly fee and own the car outright at the end of the term. It’s less common to fall into negative equity with HP because you’re paying off the car’s total value more quickly than with a PCP agreement. However, suppose you do end up in negative equity. In that case, you can cancel your current HP agreement and take out a loan for a cheaper vehicle, incorporating the negative equity.
Negative Equity with PCP:
PCP typically offers lower monthly payments due to an optional balloon fee at the end of the deal. This often results in the amount owed exceeding the car’s value. If you have PCP car finance with negative equity, you can return the vehicle, pay the balloon fee, or take out a new loan for a replacement vehicle.
Factors Leading to Negative Equity in Car Finance
Several factors can lead to car finance negative equity:
- Car Depreciation: Cars lose value over time, with the most significant depreciation occurring in the early months of ownership. High depreciation rates can lead to negative equity.
- High-Interest Rates or Long-Term Loans: High-interest rates or extended loan terms can result in slower equity buildup compared to the car’s depreciation.
- Insufficient Down Payment: A small initial deposit can result in insufficient equity to keep up with the car’s depreciation.
- Rolling Over Negative Equity: Attempting to solve negative equity by rolling it over into a new car loan can worsen the situation in the long run.
- Overpaying for a Vehicle: Paying more for a car than its market value can put you at risk of negative equity.
- Damage or Modifications: Aftermarket modifications or sustaining damage can decrease your car’s market value.
- Early Trade-In: Trading in a car early in your finance agreement can lead to a lower car value than the outstanding loan balance.
Handling Negative Equity
If you find yourself in a negative equity situation, you have several options:
- Stick with Your Current Deal: If you can afford the monthly payments and don’t want to change your car, you can continue with your current agreement. Negative equity often balances out over time.
- Voluntary Termination: If you’ve paid at least half of your total finance package, you may be able to return the vehicle. Check with your finance company for any associated fees or conditions.
- Pay Off the Negative Equity: Clearing the balance on your finance agreement eliminates negative equity, giving you a fresh start for your next car finance deal.
How to Avoid Negative Equity
While it’s not always avoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of negative equity:
- Choose hire purchase car finance for quicker equity buildup.
- Research car depreciation rates before purchasing.
- Make a substantial down payment to start with more equity.
- Evaluate the value of add-ons before including them in your deal.
- Match your borrowing amount and term with the car’s depreciation rate.
- Maintain your vehicle in good condition.
- Stay within your agreed annual mileage limit.
If you’re already dealing with car negative equity, our team at Marsh Finance can help you explore negative equity car finance options tailored to your situation. We offer hire purchase (HP) and personal contract purchase (PCP) plans. We’ll guide you through the process, ensuring you understand your monthly payments and helping you find a suitable deal. Explore our car finance options today.
Negative equity in car finance is a common challenge. Still, it can be managed with the right approach and financial guidance. Whether you’re looking to address negative equity or avoid it altogether, understanding the factors at play and your available options is key to making informed decisions about your car finance.