Voluntary Surrender

Meaning and Definition

Voluntary surrender refers to the act of willingly returning a financed or leased vehicle to the lender or dealership before the end of the agreed-upon finance or lease term. It is an option available to borrowers who may be experiencing financial difficulties or no longer wish to keep the vehicle.

Why it is important to know

Understanding voluntary surrender is important for car finance borrowers as it provides them with an alternative if they find themselves unable to continue making payments or no longer want to keep the vehicle. Voluntary surrender allows borrowers to proactively return the vehicle to the lender or dealership, potentially avoiding additional charges or repossession proceedings.

Example in car finance

Suppose a car finance borrower is facing financial challenges, making it difficult for them to afford the monthly payments for the financed vehicle. Instead of falling behind on payments or defaulting on the loan, they may choose to voluntarily surrender the vehicle to the lender. By doing so, the borrower returns the vehicle and terminates the finance agreement. However, it's important to note that voluntary surrender does not absolve the borrower from any outstanding balance on the loan. Depending on the circumstances and the terms of the finance agreement, the borrower may still be responsible for any remaining balance or potential fees associated with the voluntary surrender. It's advisable to consult with the lender or seek financial advice before deciding on voluntary surrender as a potential solution.