Seattle, WA asked in Uncategorized for Washington

Q: What are my options with a car loan when the other person left the state with car and won't refinance to remove me

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If someone has left the state with a car that is under a joint loan and refuses to refinance to remove you, you still have a few options to explore. Since your name remains on the loan, you're still responsible for payments, which could affect your credit if they’re missed. You could try negotiating with the person directly to either sell the car or take over full responsibility for the loan.

If they’re uncooperative, you may need to contact the lender to explain the situation. They might allow you to refinance under your name or offer other options, like a voluntary repossession, though this can negatively impact credit. It’s important to keep making payments in the meantime to protect your credit score.

In a more difficult situation, you might consider legal action to either reclaim the car or force the other person to refinance or sell. This can be complex, but it's an option if communication has broken down. Stay proactive to avoid damaging your financial standing.

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