Make sure you can finance that new car with a strong credit rating

The new 09 registration plate will hit the roads on 1st March and whilst sales in the new car market are at an all time low there are some great offers to be had. But as Equifax, the instant online credit information provider, is advising, budding car buyers need to make sure their credit rating is looking its best as lenders are being more choosy about who they extend new credit to.

“In the last year we have seen lenders tightening their credit granting criteria quite significantly with the result that many consumers have not been able to get the credit deals they wanted” confirmed Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. “And this could be frustrating for car buyers wanting to make the most of the current downturn in the new car market. There are some great deals available but car buyers need to be able to get credit at a good rate to make the most of those deals.

“Knowing that a consumer will be able repay the credit extended is obviously the number one criteria for lenders. But consumers also need to recognise that lenders need to be able to make money as commercial organisations and, therefore, they will look at customers from a profitability perspective too. “

Lenders make checks with credit reference agencies to see whether an applicant has kept up to date on repaying their credit. Lenders also use a "credit scoring" system to decide whether or not to lend to consumers – and in some instances – at what price. Basically therefore, the better an individual’s credit score, the better the rate they will get, helping them take advantage of the best deals.

The Equifax credit score works by giving an individual points, based on how they compare with people who pay their credit on time. The more favourably someone compares to the national average, the better their score. Consumers will also be told how likely it is that they will be able to get a loan based on their score. And a 'traffic light' signal helps consumers identify information that might be damaging their score.

The Equifax Credit RatingTM dispels the mystery of credit scores, which Equifax research has revealed remains one of the key concerns for consumers. What makes the Equifax Credit RatingTM so powerful is that it is based on all the credit information used by lenders when assessing applications, and it is available online instantly, providing consumers with a valuable insight into their credit rating.

“We think it’s really worthwhile obtaining a copy of your credit rating before you apply for finance for your new wheels” concluded Neil Munroe. “That way you can make sure your credit rating is looking its best before you make an application. And the better your rating, the better finance or loan deal you should be able to negotiate.”

To obtain your Equifax Credit Rating instantly online go to equifax.co.uk. The price is £14.95.

TOP TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE

1. Ensure you are registered on the Electoral Roll.

2. If possible make more than the minimum payment on credit agreements every month. You will benefit by paying back your debt quicker, paying less in interest and you will build a positive payment history.

3. If you have paid any County Court Judgments, make sure the settlement is recorded on your credit file. If not contact the court to get confirmation details and inform the credit reference agencies.

4. If you have been refused credit, obtain a copy of your credit rating. But DO NOT carry on applying elsewhere. Each search by a lender will leave “footprints” on your credit file, this may look like you are over-stretching yourself financially.

5. If your circumstances have changed then say so. You can place a Notice of Correction on your credit file explaining your financial situation, which a lender will review when accessing any credit applications you make. For example if you were made redundant or have recently divorced and have fallen behind on credit repayments.

6. Avoid carrying a balance that is more than 30% of your credit limit (creditors may view it as excessive debt and that you may not be able to keep up with repayments).