How many times can you defer a car payment?

Asked by: Maurice Parker II  |  Last update: September 8, 2025
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How Many Times Can You Defer a Car Payment? Each lender will have a different policy for deferment, so the exact number of times you can defer a car payment will vary. It may be that your lender only allows one deferment, others could allow two or even more.

How many payments can you defer on a car loan?

Auto lenders that allow loan deferments differ in the number and frequency they permit. Some lenders allow no more than one deferment over the life of the loan; others allow as many as two deferments per calendar year. Make sure you're within any limits spelled out in your contract.

Does deferring a car payment hurt 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 many extensions can you get on your car payment?

Lenders are not all equal, so the number of deferments you'll be allowed on a car loan will vary. Keep in mind that many lenders will only approve one deferment, where others may approve two or more. Those stipulations could also apply yearly, or to the life of your entire loan.

How many deferments can you get?

If you qualify for deferment, you can request one for up to 12 payment periods under most circumstances. However, you cannot ask for these deferments consecutively. Once you apply for one, you should wait at least a year before you request another one.

What you need to know about deferring your car payments

37 related questions found

Can you get deferred twice?

While policies can vary by institution, most colleges and universities typically allow students to defer their admission for up to a year. However, deferring twice, or for more than one academic year, is generally not accepted at most universities.

What is the deferment limit?

Elective deferral limit

The amount you can defer (including pre-tax and Roth contributions) to all your plans (not including 457(b) plans) is $23,000 in 2024 ($22,500 in 2023; $20,500 in 2022; $19,500 in 2020 and 2021; $19,000 in 2021).

What is the 10 car payment rule?

Finally, apply the 10% rule.

Take your monthly income and divide it by 10. Your total car costs each month should be no higher than that. That includes your car payment, insurance, maintenance, and gas.

What is a good reason to defer a car payment?

Deferring your payment will give you additional time to sell your vehicle, which is possible if you still have equity left in your car.

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 I pause car payments?

Options for Car Payment Relief
  1. Ask Your Lender to Skip or Defer a Car Payment. Some lenders offer borrowers deferred payments. ...
  2. Push Back or Change the Payment Due Date. ...
  3. Refinance Your Auto Loan. ...
  4. Find Someone to Take Over the Car Payments. ...
  5. Sell the Car. ...
  6. Surrender the Car Before Repossession.

How long can you defer payments?

Key takeaways

Deferment allows qualified borrowers to pause student loans repayment — and, in some cases, suspend interest — for up to three years.

How many months can you be behind on 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.

How many times can you defer your loans?

For loans made under all three programs, a general forbearance may be granted for no more than 12 months at a time. If you're still experiencing a hardship when your current forbearance expires, you may request another general forbearance. However, there is a cumulative limit on general forbearances of three years.

What do I do if I can no longer afford my car payment?

I Can't Afford My Car Payments – What Are My Options?
  1. What Happens When I Miss a Payment? ...
  2. Talk to Your Lender. ...
  3. Refinance the Loan. ...
  4. Sell, Trade, or Try Transit. ...
  5. Use Home Equity. ...
  6. Voluntarily Surrender Your Car. ...
  7. Car Repossession. ...
  8. Get a Budget, Stick to It, and Make Your Car Affordable.

How many car payments can you miss in a row?

Most lenders won't begin repossession until you've missed three or more payments. Although there usually is a grace period between 60 and 90 days, a more staunch lender has the right to give notice of repossession for even one missed payment.

Can I defer my car payment twice?

Can You Defer Your Auto Loan Payments More than Once? The number of times you can defer your car payment depends on your lender. If you're considering applying for deferment, ask the lender if this is your only opportunity to do so, or if you can defer payments more than once.

How often can you defer a car loan?

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. Whether this number applies yearly or to your entire loan term will also vary by lender.

What are the downsides to deferring a loan payment?

Disadvantages of a Deferment Period
  • During the deferment period, interest is being accrued.
  • The overall loan balance is increased due to accrued interest.
  • In some cases, borrowers are subject to additional fees.
  • The borrower must prove they are experiencing financial hardship.

What is the 50 30 20 rule for car payments?

Set your car payment budget

50% for needs such as housing, food and transportation — which, in this case, is your monthly car payment and related auto expenses. 30% for wants such as entertainment, travel and other nonessential items. 20% for savings, paying off credit cards and meeting long-range financial goals.

What is the 25 car rule?

Under federal vehicle-import laws, cars that are at least 25 years old can be brought into the U.S. even if they don't pass all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (you still need to be emissions-compliant, depending on region).

What is the maximum deferral?

The limit on employee elective deferrals (for traditional and safe harbor plans) is: $23,000 ($22,500 in 2023, $20,500 in 2022, $19,500 in 2021 and 2020; and $19,000 in 2019), subject to cost-of-living adjustments.

How long can a deferral be?

“Deferred admission is an option that allows an admitted student to postpone their enrollment at a college or university for a specified period, typically one year,” says Victoria Romero, vice president for enrollment at Scripps College in California.

How many times can you ask for an extension on a car loan?

The number of times you can defer a car payment will depend on the lender. Some may allow you to defer several payments, but others will only let you defer one.