Car loans assist individuals in purchasing four-wheelers, but over time, the debt can become overwhelming, making repayments challenging. In some cases, selling the car or transferring the loan to a new lender may appear to be the most viable option.
Transferring a car loan to another bank allows you to move your remaining loan balance to a new lender, often to secure more favourable terms. This can result in lower interest rates, provided you are eligible.
Additionally, most people selling their vehicles prefer to settle the outstanding loan rather than transfer it to the buyer. However, for first-time users, the process may seem complicated. It is important to understand the eligibility criteria for balance transfers and top-ups.
A car loan balance transfer involves transferring the remaining balance of your current car loan from one lender to another, typically to secure a lower interest rate or more favourable loan terms.
Here is an example to clarify the car loan transfer process:
Suppose you have a car loan with lender X, but lender Y offers a better interest rate. You apply for a balance transfer with lender Y, submit the necessary documents, and receive approval. Lender Y considers the EMIs you have already paid and transfers the outstanding balance to Lender X. After the transfer is complete, you no longer owe anything to lender X and will repay the loan to lender Y under the new terms.
Lower Interest Rates:
You may get a better rate, reducing monthly payments and overall loan costs
Better Loan Terms:
Improved terms can help you manage your loan more quickly
More Financial Flexibility:
Adjust your loan to fit your current financial situation better
Eligibility for an auto loan balance transfer may vary by lender, but common criteria include:
You must be at least 21 years old when applying
Your age should not exceed 60 by the end of the loan tenure
You must have a repayment history of at least 9 months for your current car loan (varies by lender)
If a balance transfer can lower your loan costs, it is worth considering
Although the documents required may vary from lender to lender, you will typically need the following documents to transfer your auto loan:
Loan summary from your current lender (outstanding principal, interest, and remaining tenure)
Income proof (last 3 months' salary slips or income tax returns)
Bank statements
Identity and address proof
KYC documents
Passport-size photos
Here are the key points to consider when transferring your car loan:
Review Loan Terms: Ensure the loan agreement permits transfers and that the associated fees align with your budget
Find a Qualified Buyer: Confirm that the new owner is willing to take over both the loan and the car
Verify Buyer’s Creditworthiness: The new borrower needs to have a strong credit score
Update Vehicle Registration: Complete the ownership transfer at the RTO, along with the applicable fees
Prepare Necessary Documents: Submit the required paperwork as per the lender’s guidelines
Transfer Insurance Policy: Update the car insurance under the new owner’s name
Here are the steps to transfer an auto loan to another person:
Both the current owner and the new borrower need to agree to the transfer terms
The new borrower needs to meet the lender’s eligibility criteria and apply for a vehicle loan
Once the application is approved, the bank transfers the loan to the new borrower
The new borrower becomes responsible for all future payments and the remaining loan balance
A top-up car loan is a convenient way to borrow additional funds on your existing car loan, making it ideal for those who need extra money for purposes such as home renovations, medical expenses, or other financial needs.
For example, you already have a car loan of ₹10 Lakh with an EMI of ₹10,000, and the loan has been active for at least 9 months with a solid repayment history. You decide to apply for a top-up loan by submitting the required documents to the bank.
The bank reviews your loan details, repayment history, and financial documents, followed by a credit check to assess your eligibility for the additional funds. Once approved, your original EMI of ₹10,000 remains unchanged. A new EMI for the top-up amount will be added based on the loan terms. This gives you access to additional funds without needing a new loan.
Here are a few tips to consider when transferring your car loan to a family member or friend:
Ensure the person can repay the loan
Discuss the transfer with your lender
Obtain lender approval for the process
Have all the necessary documents ready
Transfer car registration and insurance
Check the applicable fees for the process
When transferring your Car Loan, consider the car's age and the loan tenure. Car Loans typically have a repayment period that needs to be adhered to. When the loan feels burdensome, a car loan balance transfer can assist in securing a lower interest rate.
Yes, you can transfer the balance to another person or lender. This is often done to secure better and more affordable loan terms. The new lender will settle the previous loan and issue a new one with revised terms.
Yes, you can pay off your auto loan by transferring it to another lender. This may help secure a lower interest rate or more favourable repayment terms, ultimately reducing your monthly expenses.
A car loan balance transfer can be a good idea if it reduces your monthly payments and enhances your financial situation. However, you need to consider the associated fees and charges before proceeding.
You can close or pay off your auto loan early if the lender’s terms permit prepayment. In India, most banks allow prepayment after a certain period. A small processing fee may be charged for the early payment.
To transfer a car loan, you need to meet certain conditions. These include:
The lender's approval
Qualified buyer
Proper ownership transfer
Valid insurance
Even after the loan is transferred, you may still be held financially responsible if the new borrower defaults on payments. This could lead to a negative impact on your credit score and financial standing.
There are processing and documentation charges associated with the transfer. The specific amount will vary from lender to lender, so it is important to confirm the costs with your financial institution.
A default in payment by the new borrower can affect your credit score. You may need to make the payments yourself to maintain a good credit history and prevent further financial consequences.
Transferring a car loan involves certain legal measures, including:
Ensuring the new borrower's creditworthiness
Compliance with lender terms
Transferring the car's registration and insurance to the new owner
To identify a qualified borrower, you can approach your local car dealership, as they often have connections with potential buyers. Several online platforms also offer services for buying and selling second-hand cars, and you can contact them to find suitable applicants.
You can either pay off the loan in advance or transfer the loan to a reliable buyer, ensuring all necessary paperwork is in place. It is important to complete the formalities properly to avoid any legal complications during the transfer process.
Yes, you can sell a car with an outstanding loan. However, you need to clear the remaining loan amount and have the hypothecation removed from the car's registration certificate (RC) before finalising the sale.