Imagine Mike, a 34-year-old graphic designer from suburban Detroit. In 2018, he financed a used 2012 Toyota Camry with a $15,000 loan.
A few years later, after experiencing layoffs, addiction issues, and mounting medical bills, Mike’s finances collapsed. He started missing car payments, and eventually stopped paying altogether for four years.
Today, the car is still sitting in his driveway, unused, uninsured, and unregistered. It hasn’t been repossessed, but the lender has reported the loan as a charge-off on his credit report.
Now Mike’s wondering what happened to the debt — and whether he can start paying it again.
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What happens when you don’t pay your car loan?
Mike’s lender labeled the loan a “charge-off” — a term used when a debt is seriously delinquent, usually after 120 to 180 days of missed payments. While this means the lender has written off the debt as a loss for accounting purposes, Mike still legally owes the money.
A charge-off doesn’t erase the debt, and the lender retains a lien on the car title, meaning they still have the right to repossess the vehicle.
So, can Mike start making payments again? Yes — but it depends on who owns the debt now.
If the loan is still with the original creditor, Mike might be able to negotiate a reinstatement plan. Most charge-offs are sold to debt collection agencies. If that’s the situation, here’s what he could do:
Contact the creditor: Find out who currently owns the debt. Request a full debt validation letter to verify the amount owed and the legal owner.
Negotiate a payment plan: Some collectors may settle for less than the full balance, especially if the car has little resale value.
Request a lien release: In rare cases, the lienholder may agree to release the lien without full repayment — though this is not common.
Get everything in writing: Any agreements — especially promises to remove the charge-off from Mike’s credit report — should be documented.
The vehicle is still tied to the unpaid loan, and the lender has the right to repossess it until the lien is resolved. That threat won’t disappear until the debt does.
Without settling the loan or getting a lien release, Mike can’t legally sell the car, refinance it, or trade it in.
If Mike is also juggling other high-interest debts, he could explore debt consolidation through a credit union or reputable fintech lender. These options may offer lower interest rates, but they typically require a minimum credit score — something Mike may struggle with due to the charge-off.
He should also be cautious of debt relief scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers guidance on spotting and avoiding fraudulent programs.
Read more: This is how much US drivers saved on car insurance when they switched providers, according to a new Consumer Reports survey of 140,000 policyholders
Starting over
If Mike chooses to walk away from the car entirely — whether it’s eventually repossessed or he saves up to replace it — he’ll need to make smarter financial choices moving forward:
Shop smart: Reliable, affordable models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Mazda3 typically come with lower insurance costs and good resale value.
Compare financing options: Credit unions and online lenders often offer better rates than dealerships, especially for borrowers with damaged credit.
Bundle insurance: Combining auto and renter’s or homeowner’s insurance under one provider can help lower premiums.
Set up autopay and budget: Automating bill payments can prevent missed payments. Building an emergency fund can also provide a buffer during tough times.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.