Is your car still where you parked it?

According to FBI reports, in 2015 in the US alone, a motor vehicle was stolen every 45 seconds.

We spend only a fraction of our time in our cars that we spend a lot of money on, so it’s good to know what goes on with our cars when we’re not around to watch them.

We can’t scare the thieves away or arrest them, but you’ll get a notification to your phone every time someone tries to compromise your car or tamper with the device – even when someone just hits your car while it’s parked, and tries to get away with it. The notification you receive from We will allow you to catch thieves or reckless drivers.

Even if you’re too late to catch the perpetrators on spot, We allows you to monitor the movement of your vehicle and report the location of your car to the authorities so they can retrieve it and return it to the safety of your garage.

With we car tracking feature you can even park your car wherever you like while you run your errands, without ever worrying if your car is safe or if you can remember where you parked it. We provides you peace of mind while your car is parked.

Don’t let just anyone install your auto security & car alarms!

Installing auto security and car alarms requires an expert. You can’t just let anyone have access to your prized possession. After all, your vehicle costs a lot of money. You value it. You should value it enough to entrust it to a reputable company that has been in business for many years and has vast experience.

Car Alarm types:

 

  • Standard Car Alarm
  • Car Alarm with 2-Way Paging
  • Car Alarm with Remote Start
  • Car Alarms with 2-Way Paging and Remote Start

I remember when I started out installing car alarms over 18 years ago. As I look back, I think of how things have changed. In a big city like Miami, FL, as you might expect, there is a big problem with auto theft. So auto security has always been important. But today, auto security is more important than ever because as time went by, the one-man carjackings of the “old days” have been replaced by high tech groups. Also remember to purchase the best quality car alarms and auto security products you can. This can make the difference between whether your car or truck gets stolen or not! If a car alarm fails to work or is easily jammed – well, you know what will happen.

Rim & Tires

We have a big selection of tires and rims in stock. We offer quality installation. We even have a mobile service that “comes to you” in Miami. Ask me a question about car accessories, tires, rims or car alarms. You can email me at pablo@autotechmiami.com.

Windows Film

At Autotech, we offer the best quality on Automotive Window Films for your vehicle. Here you can choose a from a complete selection of films that vary in color, shades, construction, and warranties. Our windows films block 99% of harmful UV rays, reduce heat and glare, and gives privacy to your car interior. Autotech assures that no matter what you drive, our automotive Window films can give your car a custom look that's right for you.

  • Radar Laser Detectors are legal to own and operate in passenger vehicles in the state of Florida.Currently, the only state that it is illegal to operate a radar detector is Virginia and Washington D.C. If you are in the market for a high-quality radar detector we have a great selection from the industry leading brands. Click here for our selection

  • Car Alarms. In today’s world, it is necessary to defend our automobiles against the threats of being stolen, vandalized or broken into. Most insurance agencies offer their customer with savings when given proof of an alarm system. At Autotech we are authorized dealers of the top brands in the industry, let us help add another layer of protection to your car.

Why Staying with Your Car Insurance Company Can Be a Good Thing



 

You’ve probably seen tips on other insurance blogs or heard advice through auto insurers directly about how important it is to shop around for quotes. While this is a strong practice to allow yourself access to the best rates for your car make, age, and driving history, it isn’t always the best idea. For some people, staying with the same auto insurer for an extended period of time has been the most cost-effective, practical solution for their circumstances.

What many people don’t think about when deciding to switch auto insurance companies is the quality of the services, not just the quantity of cash they’ll save. Just because a car insurance company is offering cheaper rates than your current insurance policy doesn’t mean it’s a better policy. Before you switch to a different insurance company that offers you a lower quote than the insurer you’re currently dealing with, make sure you weigh the options. Staying with your current car insurance company can be a positive decision.

 

Renewal Discounts

Many insurance companies offer discounts to customers that have been loyal to them for several years. Arbella offers an additional 1% loyalty credit for every year you renew with them. Ameriprise offers discounts to customers that have been loyal to them for three years. While some insurance companies offer discounts when you renew with them, most companies offer more substantial discounts on other fronts.

 

Bundling Discounts

A lot of insurance companies will give you a discount if you bundle your car insurance with your home or life insurance policies. Nationwide, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, State Farm, and other insurance companies offer discounts to people who purchase multiple insurance policies with them. If you have bundled policies and have earned a discount as a result, you may have to prepare yourself for higher rates if you decide to switch insurance companies or forego a policy.

 

Accident Forgiveness

Nationwide, Allstate, Travelers, and dozens of other insurance companies offer accident forgiveness to their clients. Accident forgiveness refers to a park in which customers do not have to pay extra rates after their first at-fault accidents. Most accident forgiveness discounts can only be redeemed after 5 or 6 years of loyalty to the insurer. If you’ve been with the same company for long enough to qualify for this perk (or are close to this threshold), staying with your auto insurance company could be beneficial.

 

Overall Loyalty

As a general benefit from staying with your auto insurance company, you’ll have a better relationship with your insurer. Building trust with an agent creates a positive working relationship. This trust may help you in the long run; if you ever need to file a claim after an accident, this process should be simpler and more successful if you are speaking with an agent you’re very familiar with. If your agent knows your driving habits and history well, he or she will be able to recommend the best coverage for you. Getting acquainted with your insurance company is a huge perk to staying loyal to your insurance company.


If you believe none of these benefits affect you directly right now, you might want to shop around for auto insurance quotes. If one of these perks applies to your current policy, sticking with your current company could be the best option, especially if the quotes you’re seeing aren’t significantly lower than your current rate

4 reasons it's time to refinance your auto loan


Bills are a lot like bad weather. They’re going to come anyway, so you might as well not try to fix them, right? For some bills, that’s the case. For others, though, you can make a big difference in your monthly budget with a little legwork.

One of the bills you can change is your car payment. Refinancing your vehicle loan can lead to a lower If any of these factors have changed since you bought your car, you owe it to yourself to check out your refinancing options. Let’s look at some common life changes and when they might be cause to look at refinancing. Read on to learn about three scenarios where refinancing makes sense for your car or truck:

1.) Your credit improves

One of the biggest factors in determining your auto loan status is your credit score. When your lender is building a loan package, a credit report is pulled as a central part of that process. That number helps define your interest rate, whether or not you’ll have to pay a premium for insurance, and what other fees your lender might charge.

It’s worth keeping a copy of the credit report your lender pulled. That can let you see if your credit score has improved. It can take as little as nine months of steady repayment to boost your credit score, and that could result in a cheaper loan if you refinance.

If you didn’t have much experience with credit when you purchased your vehicle, refinancing can do you a world of good. Interest rates as high as 18% are common for borrowers who have little to no credit history. Having even a few months of solid payments on your side can cut that rate in half or more.

2.) You didn’t shop around before you borrowed

Many people feel railroaded throughout the car-buying process. They pick a car they like, then they are told what the price is, what the monthly payment is and everything else. It may seem like the choice of lenders for your car loan is predetermined.

Dealers tend to have a smaller range of lenders with whom they work exclusively. Those lenders know they have limited exposure to competition, so they can charge slightly higher fees and interest rates. By doing your own comparison shopping, you can save quite a bit on both the loan and any ancillary insurances or warranties you may have purchased. Dealer rates tend to be 1 to 1.5% higher than those offered at smaller lenders, like credit unions.

If you’ve never shopped around for a car loan, it’s definitely worth doing. By getting multiple offers, you can ensure you’re getting the best price available for your loan. Try to do your shopping inside a 15-day period. Otherwise, the multiple checks on your credit could negatively impact your credit score.

3.) You need to change your monthly payment

You may be in a much better financial situation now than when you bought your car. You may have a better job or more security. You may have paid off credit card or other debt. All of these things free up how much you can pay per month.

Most people don’t go into the refinancing process looking to increase their monthly payment, but you can save yourself money in the long term by committing to a faster repayment plan. If you can afford to pay more per month now, you can pay off the balance on your car faster. Shorter term loans usually also have lower interest rates, since the lender assumes less risk in making the loan. Once the car is paid off, you’ll have all that money to devote to other saving or spending priorities.

On the other hand, if money is tight, it might be a good idea to refinance into a longer term. While you might end up paying more in interest, you can reduce your monthly payment and save the money you need right now.

Your Turn: What do you do to save money on your car payment? Let us know your best tips and tricks in the comments, and don’t forget to stop by [CREDIT UNION] to find out how refinancing can improve your financial life!

How Many Cars Can Be Insured on the Same Policy?

Is there a limit to the number of cars that can be insured under the same policy? How many vehicles can you cover under one policy? Today, we’re answering all your questions about multi-car insurance policies – including how to save money on a multi-car insurance policy.

Multi-Car Insurance Is an Easy Way to Save Money

If you live in a household with multiple vehicles, then it’s in your best interest to insure your cars under one policy (unless, of course, your spouse has a DUI or some other major incident that would cause insurance rates to rise).

That’s why multi-vehicle insurance policies exist. Multi-car insurance policies are built for households with two or more passenger vehicles. These vehicles are covered under a single policy. You pay less than you would if you insured each car individually, and you save even more money by bundling vehicle insurance with your home insurance or life insurance.

The benefits of a multi-car insurance policy are obvious. However, there are certain requirements to qualify for a multi-car insurance policy.

Requirements for a Multi-Car Policy

There’s one obvious requirement for qualifying for a multi-car insurance policy: you need to insure two or more passenger vehicles on the same car insurance policy.

To do that, you’ll need all of the usual information – like the VIN and lienholder information (if applicable) for any vehicles, as well as the driver’s license numbers for all drivers. The information required for a multi-car policy is no different from a single-car policy, aside from the fact that you’re listing multiple vehicles.

Is There a Limit to the Number of Vehicles Under One Policy?

Insurance companies almost always have a limit to the number of cars you can cover under a single insurance policy.

Typically, insurers allow you to cover a maximum of four of five vehicles under a single policy.

Other Restrictions with Multi-Car Insurance Policies

There are certain other restrictions you may need to know about with multi-car insurance policies. Some companies offer a discount only if the insured cars are in the same household and insured by related parties. If you’re living with unrelated roommates, for example, then you may not qualify for a multi-car insurance policy.

Other insurers, however, only require everyone to live at the same address, and they don’t care whether or not you’re related.

Another important thing to note is that you could qualify for a multi-car insurance discount in the middle of your term. Some people instinctively wait for the end of their term to add a new vehicle, when they could be taking advantage of the discount immediately.

Does the Coverage for Each Vehicle Need to Be Identical?

This is where things get a little tricky. Typically, insurance companies require all vehicles under a multi-vehicle policy to have the same amount of liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. This is done to ensure there’s no confusion regarding how much liability coverage each vehicle has.

In other words, if you have a liability limit of 100/300/50 on your first vehicle, then you need to have those same limits on your second vehicle.

This isn’t just your insurance company being nitpicky: state laws often require liability limits to be the same for all vehicles under a single policy.

Policyholders, however, are free to adjust collision coverage and comprehensive coverage between vehicles. You might want full coverage on your brand new SUV, for example, while getting rid of collision and comprehensive coverage on your 10+-year-old vehicle.

You can also add, remove, or adjust add-ons however you like – including things like rental car reimbursement or custom car coverage. You’re totally free to add this to certain vehicles under your policy but not others.

There’s one important thing to remember with all this: the insurance company insures your vehicle, not the driver. If your primary vehicle has full coverage, but your secondary vehicle has no collision or comprehensive coverage, then that doesn’t change when someone else drives it.

You Can’t Insure Cars and Motorcycles Under the Same Policy

The only other restriction you need to know about is that motorcycles and cars cannot be covered under the same multi-car insurance policy.  Motorcycles require a motorcycle policy – not an auto policy. However, you may still be eligible for a discount by ordering through the same insurer for both policies.

How to Get a Copy of Your Driving Record and Why You Should



When you’re getting car insurance quotes, you’re generally asked if you’ve had any accidents or moving violations within the past five years.

But what if you can’t remember the date of a fender bender or completely forgot a speeding ticket?

Your driving record, also called your motor vehicle record, will remind you of all your transgressions and help you find accurate prices when you want to compare car insurance rates.

How to get a copy of your driving record

You can get your driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles or its equivalent in your state. The DMV might require proof of a valid license and charge a small fee. It’s generally less than $10, but it varies by state and the type of MVR requested.

The length of time it takes to obtain your MVR also varies. In some states you can see your report immediately online, while others require you to visit the DMV or mail in a form. 

 
 

Be wary of using third-party vendors that offer “instant” MVRs online. They often charge a much higher fee than the DMV and the information might not be accurate.

What’s in an MVR?

An MVR is a report of all your moving violations — such as speeding tickets — driving convictions and accidents.

It generally includes at least three years of driving history. The number of years insurers are interested in varies by state and company, but an insurer will always pull your record before providing you with a final quote.

Depending on your state, your MVR will likely contain the following information:

  • Driver’s license status, including suspensions and revocations
  • Driver’s license class
  • Restrictions or endorsements on your driver’s license
  • Traffic citations
  • Vehicular crimes
  • Accident reports
  • Driving record points, if your state uses a point system

Your MVR could also contain your:

  • Age
  • Address
  • Birthdate
  • Gender
  • Eye and hair color
  • Weight and height

An MVR isn’t technically a public record, but federal regulations allow attorneys, businesses, law enforcement, government agencies and others some access to driving records in all 50 states. For example, a potential employer might request your MVR if driving is part of the job.

Each state decides how an MVR is accessed, guidelines for who can access it and the amount of information released.

Why it’s good to get your driving record

Car insurance companies use your MVR — along with other information — when deciding whether to sell you a policy and how much to charge you. Knowing the dates of accidents or violations allows you to get a more accurate quote upfront.

Obtaining your MVR before buying car insurance also gives you the opportunity to:

  • Correct any inaccurate personal information on the report
  • Request expungement of some penalty points that could affect your premium if your state allows this

Eight Things You Should Clean But Probably Don’t

Eight Things You Should Clean But Probably Don’t
 
we’re always on the lookout for safe, easy cleaning tips that preferably use natural ingredients. You may have noticed how much we love to recommend vinegar as a cleanser, for example. That got us thinking about the weird stuff that needs cleaning from time to time. If you’re a homeowner, you have a lot of appliances to maintain. But it’s not just what you can see that needs maintenance. To keep your appliances running efficiently, sometimes you have to clean the weird stuff. From the back of the refrigerator to the inside of the dryer, here are eight things to regularly clean or clear on many of your most frequently used appliances:

Air Conditioner: Clear the condensate drain line
Gunk, algae, and sometimes mold, can build up over time and clog a condenser unit’s drain line, causing condensation to back up into the drain pan and overflow. To avoid the damaging water leaks that could follow, check and clear the line once per year and/or once per month during heavy-use months. First, turn off the thermostat and flip the circuit breaker for the unit to Off. To clear the drain line you can either suction out clogs using a wet/dry vacuum at the line’s exit point outside, or apply a vinegar solution. To use vinegar, locate and remove the drain line cover and use a funnel to pour a quarter cup of distilled white vinegar in the line. Allow it to sit in the line for a half hour, then flush the line with water. You may need to repeat the process, particularly if you have never before cleared the line.

Dishwasher: Clean the door gasket and the inside
Use a damp towel to clean accumulated gunk and soap residue from the rubber gasket on the door to help keep your door seal tight. Next, run your empty dishwasher through a cycle with one cup of distilled vinegar to clean out old bits of food and keep it running fresh. Repeat this process every few months. Most dishwashers also have a Cancel or Drain button: push it after every load completes and this will clear all the water from the drain hose. This is a good habit to do as it removes any sitting water in the hose. It also allows you to test the relay and pump on a dishwasher. If you can hear your dishwasher drain, those components are working correctly.

Garbage disposal: Sanitize the drain
Two different methods both work well for this task. For the first method, add a half cup of baking soda into the disposal drain. Then add one cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain. The second method is to add ice until the drain is nearly filled up, then add a cup of salt. Turn on the cold water and let water flow into the disposal, then turn it on and run it until it breaks up all the ice.

Dryer: Clear the lint… from everywhere
It is important to clear the lint from more than just the lint trap. Over time, lint builds up in the vent hose leading from the back of the dryer, the exhaust hose leading to the outside, and from the internals of the dryer. Unplug the dryer, gently pull it out from the wall, and disconnect it from exhaust vent. Use a screwdriver to remove the back panel and use a vacuum’s wand attachment to clear lint from around the drum and other internal areas. Replace the panel and remove any lint caught in the vent hose using a dryer vent duct brush. Next, plug the dryer back in and turn it on. Go outside to where the exhaust hose exits and clear any remaining obstructions.

 
Refrigerator: Clean the coils and the backside
When dust builds up on the coils, it can cause your refrigerator to run inefficiently. At least once per year, pull out your fridge, unplug it, and vacuum the coils with a brush attachment. Sometimes the coils are housed behind a grille so have a screwdriver handy to remove it. While the fridge is out from the wall, use a solution of equal parts vinegar and water to clean the back side, which will help cut down on dirty surfaces where dust likes to accumulate. (As with cleaning your dishwasher door gasket, you can also use a damp towel to wipe down your refrigerator door gasket, which helps the fridge door seal work better, too.)

Oven/Range hood:  Degrease the exterior and clean the filter
Gross, but necessary, as an oven or range hood builds up grease from cooling oils very quickly. Don’t let it build up past the point where a solution of dish soap and your own elbow grease won’t take care of this sticky problem. Once you tackle the outside, remove the filter under the hood and soak it in a tub of hot water and dish soap for at least 20 minutes, then use a sponge to remove any remaining debris, and rinse thoroughly. When the filter is dry, insert it back into place.

Trash Compactor: Disinfect the interior
Bacteria from food and garbage can quickly find a nice home for growing inside a trash compactor. Unplug your compactor and use a solution of warm water and dish soap to clean the inside, then thoroughly wipe dry. To control other odors, be sure to replace the charcoal air filter at least once per year.

Washer: Clean the hard water stains
Fill up your machine on the hot water cycle. Before it starts, add a solution of two cups of distilled vinegar and one cup of baking soda and let the treated water sit for at least a half hour. Turn the machine back on and let it run through cycle. When the washer finishes cycling, use a rag soaked in vinegar solution to easily wash off any remaining hard water stains and any soap residue from inside the washer. You may want to run one more clear water cycle before adding a load of laundry.

Before you attempt any of these DIY cleaning tasks, remember to unplug electrical devices and turn off water at the source. And always refer to your owner’s manual for each appliance before you begin.
 

 

Do Your Research Before Buying An Auto Warranty

When a consumer takes purchasing an auto warranty into consideration, they usually select mainly based on the price. Consumers want to try to get the best deal that they can when buying auto warranties. Price is important to take into consideration, but it is also important to realize there are other factors that should be looked at when choosing the auto warranty to buy as the final purchase.

When conducting research about auto warranties and which one will be the best option for you, make certain that you are going to be buying one that is of a higher quality. Keep these things in mind when doing research:

1. Look at the cost of the auto warranty and be sure that it is affordable. However, make sure that this is not the only deciding factor for what will be your final purchase.

2. Look into the company that you want to buy the warranty from. Ask yourself a couple of very important questions: Is this company reputable? Is it an established company? Is the company visible online? In addition, make sure that the company is both accredited and has high ratings with the Better Business Bureau.

Will You Invest In A Chevy Maintenance Process

             

Invest in Chevy Maintenance Process

Just because you are driving a Chevy unit doesn’t mean that you can just bypass the necessary processes that keep the car’s performance in optimum shape by not performing the manufacturers required Chevy maintenance. Yes, it is true. General Motors, the makers of Chevy automobiles, is considered one of the world’s best when it comes to manufacturing vehicles. If you own a GM product then you should be happy about it. Probably so but you must take note that this American auto firm is investing millions of dollars in order to sustain the conditions of the unit you’re driving.

Why Chevy Maintenance Process Matters

Before plunging into an approach that involves Chevy maintenance, let’s try to keep matters in perspective. So you bought or probably choose a Chevrolet. Why? Backing your decision on why you purchased or acquired one is vital to how you will be able to keep your unit in tip-top for years to come.

If you think GM made a brand that can survive on its own, think again. In June last year, the organization is leading the auto industry with a 16.9% market share across the United States. While that is good news for Chevy owners, there is one troubling aspect in this scenario. GM is only leading by a percentage that barely reached 20%.

When you say the figure does not matter as long as the company is number one, that makes it all the more disturbing. Here’s why. The dominance is simply not there. When an automaker is solidifying its position in the market, it should be on top with around 40% share. The group should be off and be running. If your argument is the fact that there are numerous competitors on the heels of the Chevy, then justifying GM’s market leadership suddenly sounded thin. It means that other auto manufacturers are fast catching up with

General Motors Maintenance Process

Whatever we discuss here will not change the reality that GM is indeed up to the ladder board. Still, you have to come up with something that supports your decision to get a Chevy. If you tell me that the car is durable, fast and safe then I need to point out that, those things are exactly what Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Chrysler, and Honda have in mind all these years. Then why are not these firms enjoying the lead in the auto market?

The Road Ahead
Perhaps one main point that GM has over the rest is its approach to Chevy maintenance. The US firm has instituted a program to reinforce its after-sales campaign. By the time your Chevy has been hitting the road, the company is already thinking of ways to keep you happy whenever you are behind that steering wheel.
So how does GM keeps its Chevy owners satisfied? The answer is best attributed to the presence of sophisticated tools and platforms that will prolong the life of your unit. Within this context, GM’s service centers are ready to address your concerns just in case you drop by to discuss issues hounding your car.

If you think that this program for Chevy owners is unique, you need to be aware of Ford, Toyota, and the rest’s approach when it comes to keeping their respective clients happy. Each and every automaker in the world today is probably doing almost exactly the same thing GM is adhering to. If they don’t, then they get booted out of the industry. It is that simple.
Since we have somehow justified your option to choose a Chevy, perhaps you need to further reinforce your position when it comes to car handling. Be it known that GM wants every penny you’ve spent on their product to be worth it which is why offering services to upgrade or fix your unit is an immediate priority.

For the Long Haul
Here are some facts that back why Chevy maintenance procedures are helpful to your car. Primarily, General Motors are investing heavily in technology-driven platforms. This does not merely mean that new designs or new materials or new tools are being integrated into their products. The global coverage and partnership with other industries are fast strengthening GM’s presence.

For instance, its affiliation with ride-sharing service firm Lyft is boosting GM’s exposure. What it intends to do is to establish networks way beyond its comfort zone. The organization’s decision to develop autonomous vehicles is also a step in the right direction which is why putting up the right pieces around its units including the Chevy further clarifies things that GM is in for the long run

How to Avoid Trading in a Car with Negative Equity



A recent survey DealerRater conducted for Automotive News looked at the different ways car buyers deal with negative equity on their trade-ins. It found that the majority of consumers deal with this all-too-common situation in the worst possible way. 

Automotive News-DealerRater Survey

The Automotive News informal survey, conducted by DealerRater, looked at the most common actions that buyers take when trading in a car with negative equity ("negative equity" is when your car's value is less than the loan balance).

From May 5th to the 24th of this year, DealerRater interviewed 88,874 consumers who visited a dealership to shop or to have their car serviced. Of those, 46,700 respondents traded in their previous car when they bought or leased their most recent vehicle.

Over one third (37 percent) of those 46,700 respondents said they had negative equity in their trade-in. Here is how those buyers dealt with that situation:

  • 54 percent rolled their negative equity into their next loan or lease.
  • 21 percent "took some other action" (Automotive News did not specify what these other actions were).
  • 19 percent increased the amount of their down payments.
  • 6 percent opted to buy or lease a different vehicle than they had originally planned to.

Over half of the buyers polled rolled the debt into their next loan or lease. From a financial point of view, this is disappointing since this is the worst way to deal with this situation. Not only does it make your next loan or lease more expensive, it can put you in a debt spiral that's hard to escape.

Avoid Trading in a Car with Negative Equity at All Costs

Having negative equity is sometimes also referred to as being "underwater" or "upside down." Regardless of the word you use, negative equity is a growing problem with loan amounts rising and loan terms increasing.

Having negative equity isn't typically an issue if you plan to keep your car for a while and/or pay off the loan in full. It only becomes a problem when your vehicle is totaled, stolen, or you want to trade it in halfway through the loan term.

Let's look at an example of why being upside down can present an issue if you want to trade in your car. Say you have a balance of $12,000 left on your auto loan, but the vehicle is only worth $10,000. This means you have $2,000 worth of negative equity—and it isn't going to just disappear. Your options are to either deal with it now or deal with it later.

If you want to trade in your car, rolling the balance over into a new loan means paying on the new vehicle, plus the $2,000 from your last car. This means you're making payments on two cars at once, and your monthly payment and interest charges will be larger, as a result.

Worse yet, it typically means you'll be further upside down in the new loan. Rolling negative equity into a new loan just compounds your problem, which can create a debt cycle that can quickly spiral out of control.

For these reasons, every expert on the subject, including the team here at Auto Credit Express, will tell you that trading in a car with negative equity should always be viewed as a last resort option. This statement rings more true for those dealing with less than perfect credit, especially considering the higher than average interest rates these borrowers face.

Instead, it will be in your best interest to look at these alternatives:

  • Cover the negative equity out of pocket.
  • Find a new car with a big manufacturer rebate attached. If you don't have the cash to cover the difference out of pocket, this is a good alternative to explore.
  • Hold off on trading in your vehicle until you are no longer underwater or you have paid off the loan. Try making larger payments than your minimum amount to take care of this faster.
  • Try to sell the car yourself to get more than you would if you were to trade it in.

The Bottom Line

In an ideal world, you would always have equity in your vehicle so you could avoid this situation. Because negative equity is a common issue, however, it's best to figure out a way to avoid trading in a car when you are upside down in your loan. Buyers, especially those dealing with credit issues, should do whatever it takes to avoid this situation.

Another car buying roadblock can be your credit. Having bad credit or no credit can make it difficult to get approved for a car loan. 

We connect car buyers to local special finance dealerships that know how to work with challenging credit situations. Our service is free of charge and obligation, so go ahead and get started by filling out our car loan request form right now.