Title Loans in Mercer, Tennessee: What You Need to Know
Emergencies pop up all the time, and sometimes we find ourselves in need of quick cash. Perhaps your car needs repairs, unexpected medical expenses, or you just need to cover some bills. Whatever the reason, if you’re a resident of Mercer, Tennessee, title loans may be a solution worth considering.
Let’s take a closer look at what title loans are, how they work, and what you should know before you apply.
What Are Title Loans?
A title loan is a type of secured loan where you use your vehicle as collateral. You let the lender hold onto your car’s title until you repay the loan in full.
In Mercer, Tennessee, and many other states, title loans can be relatively easy to obtain, even if you have poor credit. That’s because the loan is backed by the value of your car, so the lender has security in case you default on your payments.
How Do Title Loans Work?
To apply for a title loan, you will usually need to own your car outright and have a lien-free title. You will need to provide proof of income and residency as well as a government-issued ID.
Once you fill out the application and provide all required documents, the lender will appraise your car to determine its value. Typically, you can borrow up to 50% of your car’s value, although some lenders may offer more.
After you sign the loan agreement, the lender will legally hold onto your car’s title until you repay the loan in full. During the loan term, you will need to make regular payments, usually monthly, which will include both principal and interest.
If you are unable to make your payments on time, you risk defaulting on the loan, which could mean the lender has the right to seize your car and sell it to recoup their costs.
Pros and Cons of Title Loans
Like any financial product, title loans have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of applying for a title loan in Mercer, Tennessee.
Pros
- Easy to Obtain: Because title loans are secured, they are more accessible than other forms of credit, even if you have poor credit.
- Quick Cash: If you’re in a bind, a title loan can provide fast access to cash to cover unexpected expenses.
- No Impact on Credit Score: Title lenders usually do not check your credit score, so a title loan will not show up on your credit report, which can impact your credit score.
Cons
- High Interest Rates: Title loans often carry very high interest rates, especially compared to other forms of credit, such as personal loans or credit cards.
- Risk of Default: Since your car is collateral, if you are unable to repay the loan or make your payments on time, you risk losing your vehicle.
- Low Loan Amounts: Title loans are usually for small amounts, typically up to about $5,000 or less.
Interesting Facts About Title Loans in Mercer, Tennessee
Now that we know how title loans work and their pros and cons, let’s take a look at some interesting facts and statistics about title loans in Mercer, Tennessee.
- In Tennessee, the maximum amount you can borrow with a title loan is $2,500.
- The average title loan borrower in Tennessee takes out a loan of about $1,200 for around 20 days.
- According to the Center for Responsible Lending, the average interest rate for a title loan in Tennessee is about 200% APR.
- Since title loans are secured, the state of Tennessee does not require lenders to check a borrower’s credit score, income, or employment status.
Apply Now
If you’ve decided that a title loan is the right option for you, you can apply for one online through TheGuaranteedLoans. We are a connector service, which means we work with a network of potential lenders and will facilitate your connection with them.
To apply, simply fill out our online application and provide all required documents. We’ll take care of the rest, and you could receive your funds as soon as the next business day.
Remember that because title loans come with high interest rates and the risk of losing your car, it’s important to carefully consider whether a title loan is the right option for you.
The Bottom Line
Title loans can be a quick way to access cash when you need it, but they come with risks and high interest rates. Mercer, Tennessee residents can apply for title loans if they own a car outright and have a lien-free title. When considering a title loan, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and to only borrow what you can afford to repay.