Can I Buy a Car While I'm in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Due to unforeseen circumstances, sometimes a person in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will need to take out a new loan to get a car. This can happen if, for example, the car that you were driving when you filed the bankruptcy is in an accident or breaks down beyond repair.

You can buy a car while you’re in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. However, you must obtain approval from your Chapter 13 Trustee in order to finance a car while you’re bankruptcy. The Chapter 13 Trustee can generally approve a credit request for up to $15,000.00.

It’s important that you contact your attorney so he or she can advise you how to proceed. You will need to find a car you want to purchase and obtain the terms of the loan from the lender/dealership. It will be necessary for your attorney to update your monthly income and expenses prior to submitting the request for credit authorization to the Trustee. You need to be able to show the Trustee that you can afford your Chapter 13 plan payment and a new car payment.

Your attorney will submit a credit authorization request form to the Trustee, with the terms of the loan, including the amount of the loan, the interest rate and the monthly payment. It can take up to ten (10) days for the Trustee to approve the request. Once you have final approval from the Trustee, the car can be purchased.