Services
PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Home Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Recent Studies
Comprehensive Data Reports
Reviews
About
FAQ
MenuIcon
BACK

Can a cosigner on a car loan report the car as stolen?

I had a falling out with my stepfather, who is the cosigner on my loan. He's always been a spiteful person, and he's threatened to report the car as stolen on more than one occasion. Can a cosigner do this?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“People get this confused all the time. A cosigner is simply a person who pledges to pay off a loan if you, the primary loan holder, can’t or won’t.
They have no legal right to the car, as their name isn’t on the title. Could your stepfather report the car as stolen? He could try, I suppose.
But in most cases, the authorities will want to see his name on the title to know that he is the rightful owner of the car. Since he can’t procure this document with his name on it, chances are that nothing will happen.
If your car is reported stolen, just stay calm. If you’re pulled over, explain the situation to the police officer and they’ll sort it out within the law.”
Car Loans
View full answer 
Jerry user testimonial avatar
rating primary
“My experience with Jerry has been absolutely incredible. It took my car insurance from about $400/month to about $80. The entire experience is seamless.” - Gregory R.
Lower my car insurance too
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

Find insurance savings

You Might Also Be Interested

card cover

6 Ways to Check if a Car is Stolen

To check if a car is stolen, locate the VIN, contact your insurance, and have a mechanic take a look. Knowing the warning signs of a stolen car will help you avoid legal fees, court dates, and even jail time.
avatar
Bellina Gaskey
card cover

What Happens If You Buy a Stolen Car

Buying a stolen car, even by mistake, puts you in a precarious situation and will likely lead to a brief arrest.
avatar
Joshua Levy
card cover

What Honda Owners Need To Know About Catalytic Converter Theft

Two Honda models are among the 10 vehicles most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen. If you own one, here’s how to protect it.
avatar
R.E. Fulton

Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry

card cover

What the Airbag Light on a Hyundai Elantra Means

Your Hyundai Elantra airbag light indicates a malfunction with your car’s airbag system. Get it checked ASAP to keep yourself and your passengers safe.
avatar
John Davis
card cover

2016 Toyota Highlander Engine Oil Capacity

Looking for the 2016 Toyota Highlander engine oil capacity? We’ve got all the specs your owner’s manual has—plus some hot tips.
avatar
Bonnie Stinson
card cover

2012 Toyota Corolla Engine Oil Capacity-1

The 2012 Toyota Corolla has an oil capacity of 4.4 quarts. Click here for more!
avatar
Amber Reed

What Others Are Asking

Where is the 2009 Chevy Cobalt battery location?
Where can I find the battery of a 2009 Chevy Cobalt? My dad’s car is dead and I need to help him jumpstart it, but neither of us could locate the battery terminals to do so.
avatar
Abbey Orzech
Can you add a Ram 1500 turbo kit?
I've never dealt with aftermarket mods before, and I'm not really sure how they work. Is it possible to add a turbo kit to a pickup truck—specifically my Ram 1500?
avatar
Patrick Price
How do you get a hardship license in NC?
A friend of mine lives in North Carolina and got her first DWI. She had her license revoked, and now her kids won’t have a way to get to school. Can she get a hardship license to start driving again?
avatar
Olivia Rose
Browse All Questions

Browse More Content

Car Repair Resources

Insurance for Your Car

Insurance in Your State

    Insurance In Your City

    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
    Car Insurance by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Dodge
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Jeep
    Kia
    Lexus
    Mercedes-Benz
    Mitsubishi
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Model
    Chevrolet Silverado
    Chevrolet Malibu
    Ford Escape
    GMC Sierra
    Honda Accord
    Honda Civic
    Hyundai Tucson
    Jeep Cherokee
    Jeep Wrangler
    Kia Forte
    Mazda 3
    Nissan Altima
    Subaru Outback
    Subaru Crosstrek
    Toyota Camry
    Toyota Corolla
    Toyota Tacoma
    Toyota Highlander
    Toyota Rav4
    Volkswagen Jetta
    View all
    Car Insurance by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Insurance by City
    Austin, TX
    Boston, MA
    Charlotte, NC
    Chicago, IL
    Columbus, OH
    Dallas, TX
    Denver, CO
    Houston, TX
    Indianapolis, IN
    Jacksonville, FL
    Las Vegas, NV
    Los Angeles, CA
    Nashville, TN
    New York, NY
    Philadelphia, PA
    Phoenix, AZ
    Portland, OR
    San Antonio, TX
    San Francisco, CA
    Seattle, WA
    View all
    Car Loan by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Chevrolet
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Kia
    Lexus
    Nissan
    Mercedes-Benz
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Company
    AAA
    Allstate
    Aspire Advantage
    Assurance America
    Bristol West
    Commonwealth
    Dairyland
    Encompass
    Infinity
    Kemper
    Mapfre
    Mercury
    National General
    Nationwide
    Plymouth Rock
    Progressive
    Safeco
    State Auto
    Travelers
    Car Loan by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Repair by Service
    AC Compressor Replacement Cost
    Battery Replacement Cost
    Fuel Injector Replacement Cost
    Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
    Ignition Coil Replacement Cost
    Oil Change Cost
    Oil Pan Replacement Cost
    Power Steering Fluid Service Cost
    Rotate Tires Cost
    Spark Plugs Replacement Cost
    Timing Belt Replacement Cost
    Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost
    Water Pump Replacement Cost
    Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost
    View all