Coronavirus auto loan payment and debt relief: What some auto lenders are doing to help

Updated • 4 min read
Truck hauling coin to represent coronavirus auto loan relief Image: Truck hauling coin to represent coronavirus auto loan relief

In a Nutshell

If your finances have been affected by COVID-19, your auto loan lender may offer payment or debt relief, such as deferred payments or waived late fees. We’ve collected information from many major lenders so you can find out what help they may be offering and how to get it.
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As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, a number of auto loan lenders are stepping in to help support customers in this unprecedented time.

Many lenders are offering auto loan relief programs to help their customers alleviate some of their financial burden.

If you need relief, we’ve compiled a list of major auto lenders and detailed what help they’re offering — if any — along with related eligibility requirements where that information is available. If you’re facing auto loan default, be sure to reach out to your lender as soon as possible to discuss any options you might have.

Ally Financial

What it’s offering: Auto loan customers may defer payments without being charged late fees.  When you defer, the lender will extend your next due date to give you more time to make your payment. After the extension period ends, you resume making your regularly scheduled auto payments, and your contract or agreement will be extended by the number of payments you deferred. Ally Financial has posted a list of FAQs about its auto payment deferral program.

Chase Auto

What it’s offering: Chase is offering relief if you’re having trouble making auto loan payments. For payment assistance, you can enroll online. And if your lease is about to end, Chase Auto is allowing customers to extend their lease agreements for up to six months by continuing to make monthly lease payments. Chase Auto is offering this assistance to bank customers as well as Aston Martin Financial Services, Jaguar Financial Group, Land Rover Financial Group, Maserati Capital USA, Mazda Capital Services, Subaru Motors Finance and Vroom Financial Services customers.

Chrysler Capital

What it’s offering: Chrysler Capital has deferment and extension programs to help customers who have been affected by the coronavirus and are struggling to make payments. If you’re unable to make your payments, Chrysler Capital asks that you call 1-855-563-5635 to discuss potential relief options and asks for your patience if you have to hold longer than usual to connect with someone. Customers may also request assistance online by signing into their account.

Ford Motor Credit

What it’s offering: If you’re having difficulty making your payments because of the coronavirus, Ford is offering payment extensions and may waive late charges upon request. You’re encouraged to log in to your Account Manager to view options. You may also call 1-800-727-7000 for support.

Honda Financial Services

What it’s offering: Honda Financial Services is offering payment extensions, deferrals and late-fee waivers. But keep in mind that interest will continue to accrue during deferral periods. Due to unusually high call volume, Honda recommends logging into your account and making a request online. If you are a lease customer, they recommend you wait until you are within 30 days of your maturity date to contact the Lease Maturity Center.

Hyundai Motor Finance

What it’s offering: Hyundai Motor Finance will make up to six months of payments for Hyundai owners who purchased or leased a Hyundai vehicle between March 14, 2020, and May 17, 2020, if they lose their job because of COVID-19 through Dec. 31, 2020.

Lightstream

What it’s offering: LightStream is offering monthly payment deferrals for those experiencing financial hardship because of an interruption in income. To start that process — or to discuss your auto loan or a loan application — email customerservice@ligthstream.com.

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

What it’s offering: For payment deferral requests, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services is directing customers to log in to their account and follow the instructions on the account home page. For other needs or questions, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services encourages people to call 1-800-654-6222.

Nissan Motor Acceptance

What it’s offering: Nissan Motor Acceptance has a message on its website saying it may offer payment extensions that allow customers who are experiencing coronavirus-related financial difficulty to defer payments. If you need to discuss payment arrangements or have other questions about your account, Nissan is asking that you call customer service at 1-800-456-6622 but warns that hold times may be longer than usual.

Santander Consumer USA

What it’s offering: Santander Consumer USA has programs to help customers experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19. Customers may qualify for an extension, which allows for a delay of one payment by extending the term of the loan and moving that payment to the end of the loan. If you need financial assistance, call 1-888-222-4227. Customers may also log into their online account to contact support and see if they qualify for assistance.

Wells Fargo Bank

What it’s offering: Wells Fargo is offering late-fee waivers and three-month payment deferments. If you need help, you’re encouraged to contact customer service, but be prepared for longer-than-normal wait times.

Other lenders

This list does not cover every auto loan lender, and yours might not be included. If you need assistance making auto loan payments and aren’t sure what your lender is doing to help, we recommend checking your lender’s website or calling its customer service number to discuss the relief it may be able to offer you, such as late-fee waivers, deferred payments or loan extensions.