Usually, when you cosign a car loan, you agree to be responsible for the debt if the primary debtor does not make payments or otherwise defaults on the loan. If the primary debtor defaults on the loan, then the creditor has the right to repossess the car, sell it and pursue you for the deficiency.

But when you cosign a loan, you’re not only helping the borrower qualify, you’re also taking on the same risk they are. Because the lender owns the vehicle until the loan is fully paid off, it can repossess the vehicle if the borrower is unable to make payments.

What happens when a cosigner defaults on a car loan?

When someone agrees to cosign a car loan, they agree to share responsibility with the primary borrower. This means if the primary borrower stops making payments on the vehicle, the cosigner is responsible for making payments so the loan doesn’t default and end in a repossession.

Can a co-signer request my car be repossessed?

Because a co-signer is not a legal owner of the vehicle, he can’t turn the vehicle over to the lender in a voluntary repossession or request that the lender repossess the vehicle. However, the lender can still demand payment from the co-signer. If the co-signer fails to pay, the lender can obtain a judgment against him for…

Can a cosigner take possession of the car?

Unfortunately, if the primary borrower defaults on the car loan, you won’t be able to take possession of the vehicle as a cosigner, even though you’ll be responsible for any payments. Once you sign the loan contract, your credit will be affected, too.

Can a co-signer be removed from a loan?

This is a form that the primary borrower will need to sign off on releasing you from the obligations of the loan. The lender must also approve the removal of the co-signer (which it will only do if the primary borrower can demonstrate that they have the credit and history to handle the payments).