Late or missed AutoMoney Trust car finance payments may be reported to the main UK credit reference agencies and can remain on your credit file for up to six years. This may lower your credit score and make it harder to borrow in the future, with lenders potentially offering higher rates or declining applications. The impact depends on how late the payment is and whether arrears continue. If you are struggling, it is better to contact us early than to miss a payment, as we may be able to help. For more detail on how lenders review applications, see our guide to credit checks for car finance.
If you think you may struggle to make your next car finance payment, contact AutoMoney Trust as soon as possible, ideally before the payment is due. Reaching out early gives our team time to discuss your situation and may open up support options such as a short-term payment arrangement or signposting to free debt advice services. Missed payments can affect your credit file and lead to further fees and default interest, so acting quickly helps protect your agreement. We treat every conversation in confidence and will work with you to find a sustainable way forward.
Car finance can affect your credit score in both directions. Consistent, on-time payments build a positive credit history and may improve your score over the life of the agreement, demonstrating to future lenders that you can manage credit responsibly. Missed or late payments have the opposite effect, they are reported to credit reference agencies and can lower your score, making future borrowing harder or more expensive. Applying for finance also creates a hard credit search, which may cause a small short-term dip. Settling your agreement in full further strengthens your credit profile. For more detail, read our guide on Credit Checks for Car Finance.
If you fall behind on payments, AutoMoney Trust will contact you to discuss your situation. Continued missed payments can result in default interest, reminder letter fees, and a record on your credit file for up to six years. If arrears remain unresolved, the agreement may be terminated and the vehicle could be repossessed, though under UK law, once you have paid one-third of the total amount payable, we need a court order to take the car back. You may still owe money after repossession if the resale value does not cover the outstanding balance. For support, visit our Existing customers page or contact us early to avoid this.
Yes, AutoMoney Trust accepts applications from customers with a lower credit score, as we look at your wider financial situation rather than relying on a single number. Affordability, income stability, current commitments, and recent credit conduct are all considered. A lower score may affect the rate you are offered or the amount you can borrow, but it does not automatically rule out approval. Applications remain subject to status and affordability checks. If you are ready to see your options, you can start an application online and receive a decision in minutes.
