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Can a bank garnish your wages for a car loan?

I’ve missed a few car payments. My bank was understanding at first, but now they’re telling me I need to pay the outstanding balance within the next two months. I’m not sure how I’m going to afford it. What will happen if I can’t? Will a bank garnish my wages for an outstanding car loan?

avatar
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Repaying a
loan
can undoubtedly be tough, especially if you’ve fallen behind. However, if legal in your state, a bank can garnish your wages for a car loan—but only if the vehicle has been repossessed and sold for less than you owe.
You should contact your bank immediately to avoid repossession. Plus, they’ll likely work with you to reach a repayment agreement that’s mutually beneficial.
Because you’ve missed a few payments, you may also want to consider refinancing into a new loan with lower monthly payments.
In addition, you can free up room in your budget to put more money toward your car loan by saving on other expenses—like
car insurance
.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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