What Lenders Look for When You Apply for a Loan Against Your Car

What Lenders Look for When You Apply for a Loan Against Your Car

Understand the key checks lenders carry out when assessing a loan secured against your vehicle.

Logbook Loans
Understanding Logbook Loans
V5 Solutions
19 August 2025 · 3 min read
What Lenders Review During a Vehicle-Backed Loan Application

When you apply for a loan secured against your car, lenders carry out a series of standard checks to confirm ownership, verify vehicle details, and ensure the agreement can be set up correctly. These checks are part of normal responsible-lending processes and help ensure everything is accurate and compliant.

Vehicle Ownership

Lenders confirm that you are the legal owner of the vehicle. This is typically verified through the V5C document, which shows the registered keeper details. The vehicle must not have active finance recorded against it.

Vehicle Details and Condition

Basic information such as the make, model, age, mileage, and general condition is reviewed. These details help confirm that the vehicle is suitable to secure the loan.

Documentation Checks

Lenders review the documents you provide to ensure they match official records. This may include identification, proof of address, and the vehicle’s V5C. Accurate documentation helps prevent delays during the application process.

Vehicle History

A standard history check is usually carried out to confirm that the vehicle is not recorded as stolen, written off, or subject to outstanding finance. This ensures the car can legally be used as security for the loan.

Know Your Customer (KYC) Requirements

As part of regulatory requirements, lenders must complete KYC checks. These confirm identity and help ensure the application is legitimate. This typically includes verifying proof of identity, proof of address, and basic personal information.

Affordability Checks

Lenders are required to complete affordability checks to ensure the agreement can be set up responsibly. These checks review the information provided during the application to confirm that the loan can be arranged correctly and in line with regulatory standards.

Agreement Understanding

Before finalising the loan, lenders ensure that applicants have received the key information about how the agreement works. This step confirms that the terms have been presented clearly and that the applicant understands the nature of the loan.

Final Notes

These checks form a straightforward part of setting up a loan against your car. With accurate documentation and clear information, the process can be completed quickly and efficiently.

Guides

Read our handy guides to find out more about logbook loans and V5 Solutions.

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A logbook loan is secured against your vehicle.
Missed payments may result in additional charges and/or the recovery of the vehicle.