Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Can a borrower refinance their car loan?

I purchased a car a few years ago, but my credit score has grown by leaps and bounds. Now it’s about 700, even though it was about 500 when I purchased the car. My current interest rate is 11%, but I’m sure I can find a better rate. Can you refinance a car loan if your credit score goes up?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Excellent work on improving your credit score over time! With that said, you can certainly refinance your
car loan
, especially since your credit score has increased and you’ve been making on-time payments.
The first step in refinancing your car loan is to look at your credit report. Pay off any high-interest debt, derogatory accounts, or delinquencies if at all possible.
Next, consider if a refinancing is actually the best plan for your finances and current situation. Ask yourself these questions before you start applying for car refinancing:
  • Are you going to extend the loan or aim for a quicker payoff?
  • Does your car have less than 100,000 miles or is less than 10-years-old?
  • Does your current lender have prepayment penalties?
  • Can you find a better interest rate?
Assuming your lender has no prepayment penalties, your car is new enough, and you can find a better interest rate, refinancing is probably a smart move.
However, you shouldn’t be resigned to accept savings on your car loan alone. Instead, shop car insurance rates with the Jerry app. Since the lender will still require full coverage car insurance, shopping around is in your best interest.
As a licensed broker,
Jerry
helps you find and compare quotes from over 50 top providers in minutes. When you find a better rate, Jerry can help you buy your new coverage and even cancel your old policy!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
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.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings