See your chances of getting a car loan approved

Applying for loans isn’t always straightforward, and rejections are frustrating. We give you access to a lender panel that runs a personalised pre-approval check, showing the loans you’re more likely to be accepted for. Pre-approval does not guarantee acceptance and is subject to further lender checks.

Find lenders that are more likely to accept you

Options for all credit backgrounds

Representative 18.6% APR

No impact to your credit score

Step 2: Documents needed for car loan

Preparing your documents in advance can make the application process smoother. Lenders use this information to confirm your identity, understand your financial situation and check that the repayments are affordable for you.

• Proof of identity: usually a UK driving licence or passport.
• Proof of address: recent utility bills, council tax bills or bank correspondence.
• Employment details: your job title, employer name and how long you have been in your role.
• Income information: payslips, statements or other evidence of regular income especially if you are self‑employed.
• Bank details: the account you plan to use for repayments.
• Car details: if you have already chosen a vehicle, you may be asked for basic information such as make, model and mileage.

Not every lender will request the same documents, but having these details to hand can help you complete the application accurately.

Step 3: Understand the total cost of the car loan

Before you submit an application, take a moment to review the overall cost of borrowing. This helps you understand how the repayments fit into your budget and what you are committing to over the full term of the agreement.

• APR: the annual percentage rate that reflects the cost of borrowing, including interest.
• Loan term: the length of time you will be repaying the loan, usually between one and seven years.
• Monthly repayments: the amount taken from your account each month.
• Total amount repayable: the full cost of the loan across the whole term.
• Any fees: check whether the lender charges set-up, documentation or early repayment fees.

Taking the time to review these points can help you avoid borrowing more than you need or choosing a term that feels uncomfortable for your budget. A higher loan amount increases the total cost of borrowing

Step 4: Submit your car loan application

Once you have checked your eligibility and reviewed the key details, you can move forward with the full application. This involves sharing information about your identity, income and financial commitments so the lender can complete their assessment.

• Complete the application form: provide accurate personal and financial information, matching the documents you have prepared.
• Upload or share your documents: lenders may ask to see proof of identity, address and income.
• Affordability checks: the lender will review whether the repayments fit comfortably within your budget.
• Credit check: a hard search is usually carried out at this stage as part of the final assessment.
• Receive your personalised terms: if the application proceeds, the lender will share the rate, repayments and agreement details.

Step 5: What happens after you apply

Once you have submitted your application, the lender will review the information you have provided and complete their final checks. This process helps them confirm your details and assess whether the repayments fit comfortably within your budget.

• Verification of your documents: the lender may check your proof of identity, address and income.
• Full affordability assessment: your regular income and existing commitments are reviewed to understand your financial position.
• Confirmation of car details: if the loan relates to a specific vehicle, some lenders may verify the basic information you have shared.
• Final decision: once the checks are complete, the lender will confirm whether the application can proceed and share the terms.

If the loan is approved, you will receive the agreement to review and sign. If the terms differ from what you expected, take a moment to read through the details so you can make an informed decision.

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