Can I pause my car payments?
Asked by: Jany Yost | Last update: January 26, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (28 votes)
How long can you pause your car payment?
You may be able to skip payments for 1–3 months, but generally deferments don't last much longer than this when it comes to auto loans.
Is there a way to put car payments on hold?
Request a Deferral
If approved, this will allow you to skip a small number of payments without penalties or fees. Every auto lender has different rules and requirements when it comes to deferring payments. Some allow you to defer your entire payment, while others require you to keep paying interest.
What's a good excuse to defer a car payment?
If money is unexpectedly tight this month due to an unexpected bill for medical treatment or car repair, a deferment may make sense. Just take steps to make sure you'll be able to cover your bill when payments resume.
Can you freeze your car payments?
While you can work with a creditor to suspend payments, there is no guarantee for that. The guarantees involve interest rates, protections against repossession and foreclosure, termination of residential and auto leases, and suspension of cellphone contracts.
What you need to know about deferring your car payments
Can I pause my auto payment?
Ask Your Lender to Skip or Defer a Car Payment
This means that you may not be required to make the monthly payment. Instead, the amount due will be delayed until the end of your loan. This could result in lower monthly payments when you're having trouble paying when bills are due.
What can I do if I can't afford my car payments?
If you can't afford your car loan repayments, the first thing to do is to talk to your lender as soon as possible. Many lenders will work with you to avoid losing money. They may offer you one or more of these options: A payment deferral, where you have more time to make payments.
How many months can you go without paying your car payment?
While repossession can occur after a single missed payment, most lenders wait until you're 30 to 90 days behind on payments. That means you can face repossession after you've missed one, two or three payments.
Will deferring a car payment hurt my credit?
Deferments do not hurt your credit score. Unlike simply missing a payment or paying it late, a deferred payment counts as “paid according to agreement,” since you arranged it with your lender ahead of time. That's especially important if you're already in the kind of emergency that would call for a deferment.
How do you return a car you can't afford?
How does voluntary repossession work? Voluntarily surrendering a car involves informing your lender that you can no longer make payments and intend to return it. Empty your car of all personal items and arrange the time and place to drop off your car and hand over the keys.
How do I ask to defer my car payment?
Sometimes, your auto loan will even have a built-in deferment policy. Regardless, you can't defer a car payment without the approval of your lender. If you know that you won't make your next car payment, call your lender to let them know as soon as you can.
What happens if you lose your job and can't pay car payment?
Ask for a deferral
A deferral allows you to skip one to three payments if you are experiencing sudden financial hardship, like losing a job, and can't make your final payment. Lenders only defer payments, not interest, so you will be responsible for paying the extra interest that accrues during deferment.
Will dealerships put cars on hold?
Hold: A potential buyer can ask a dealership to hold a car on the lot (or scheduled to be on the lot) while they make up their mind or arrange logistics to see, drive, or ship it.
Can I ask for an extension on my car payment?
Option 3: Ask for a payment extension/deferral
Some may limit the number of times you can defer payments. Some may not consider you qualified for an extension if you are behind on your payments. Reach out to your lender and ask questions until you understand their requirements.
How do I ask for a deferred payment?
- Contact your lender: The first step is reaching out to your lender and explaining your situation. ...
- Submit proof of your circumstances: Typically, lenders will require some form of proof regarding your change in circumstances.
How many car payments can you defer?
Each lender has a different deferment policy, so the number of times you can ask to defer a car payment will vary. Some lenders allow only one deferment, while others allow two or sometimes more.
Can you freeze car payments?
Request a loan deferment
If your financial difficulties are temporary, you may be able to request a pause on your car loan payments. For example, if you lost your job and need time to find a new one or were off work for a medical emergency, your lender may be willing to work with you.
Can I skip a month on my car payment?
Most lenders will restrict how often you can skip a loan payment to prevent it from negatively affecting your loan. Typically, you can skip a payment once every six to twelve months. However, assume you have a 6-year (72-month) auto loan, and you skip a payment every six months.
Will Capital One let you skip a car payment?
In general, a loan extension will allow you to skip a certain number of immediate payments—which, while not set in stone, is typically just one—and add them onto the back of the loan. In most cases, the maturity date of the loan is then extended by the number of postponed payments.
What if I can't afford my car payment anymore?
If you're struggling to keep up with your payments, you may consider selling the vehicle, working with your current lender, refinancing your car loan or voluntarily surrendering the car to your lender.
Can my car be repossessed if I make partial payments?
You may be wondering, "Can my car be repossessed if I make partial payments?" The answer is yes. Your lender can repossess your car when you make partial payments, regardless of the past payment history. Generally, it is assumed that partial payments equate to a breach of the contract between the lender and the debtor.
Do churches help with car payments?
Yes, many churches and faith-based organizations offer assistance to individuals struggling with car payments. What Churches Help With Car Payments? Organizations such as Lutheran Services, St. Vincent De Paul, and Catholic Charities are known for providing this type of support.
How do you get rid of my car if I can't afford it?
- Sell the Car.
- Renegotiate the Terms of the Loan.
- Refinance the Loan.
- Pay off the Loan.
- Consider a Voluntary Repossession.
- Other Options.
- Getting Out of a Car Lease.
How bad is a voluntary repo?
Voluntary repossession can have a significant negative impact on your credit score. This record will stay on your credit report for seven years, potentially making it harder for you to get approved for new credit during this period.
Can I sell my car back to the dealership?
Can you sell a car to a dealership? Yes, and selling a car to a dealer is a simple way to get rid of a vehicle you no longer want. It can be a good solution if you need quick cash to buy a new vehicle or an easy way to unload a used car without replacing it.