Fast cash using your vehicle’s equity. Apply online now and get approved within 24-48 hours – bad credit welcomed.
Need substantial cash quickly but concerned about credit approval? Title loans let Salt Lake City residents access $500–$15,000 by using their vehicle’s title as collateral while continuing to drive it daily. Whether you own a car for commuting to Silicon Slopes, a truck for mountain adventures, an SUV for Utah’s weather conditions, or any vehicle with clear equity, you can leverage its value for emergency funding without selling or surrendering it.
We connect Salt Lake City residents with licensed Utah title loan lenders who specialize in vehicle-secured lending. Apply from anywhere in the valley—Sugar House, The Avenues, Millcreek, Downtown SLC—and schedule vehicle inspection at your convenience. Your vehicle’s value determines approval, not your credit score, making title loans accessible even with bankruptcies, collections, or poor credit history.
Utah regulates title loans under the Utah Consumer Credit Code and requires lenders to operate as or through licensed Credit Access Businesses. The state maintains borrower-friendly regulations while allowing market-driven pricing.
Key Utah Title Loan Framework: No maximum loan amount under Utah law, though lenders typically offer 25%–50% of vehicle’s assessed value. Loan terms range from 30 days to 24 months depending on amount and lender. Utah has no interest rate cap, requiring instead complete disclosure of all fees and APR before signing. Lenders must be licensed with the Utah Department of Financial Institutions and provide written agreements detailing total costs, payment schedules, and default consequences.
Vehicle Requirements: Clear title in your name or substantial equity if lien exists, current Utah vehicle registration, comprehensive and collision insurance coverage, operational vehicle available for inspection. Some lenders accept non-running vehicles at reduced values.
Consumer Protections: Utah law requires transparent disclosure of all terms, prohibits deceptive lending practices, mandates fair repossession procedures, and provides complaint processes through Utah DFI. Borrowers retain driving privileges throughout repayment and receive clear title return upon full repayment.
The title loan process begins with your online application providing vehicle details—year, make, model, mileage, condition—along with personal information and current title status. Lenders conduct preliminary value assessments using tools like Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides to estimate your vehicle’s worth and potential loan amount. You then schedule a vehicle inspection at the lender’s location or arrange mobile inspection at your home, workplace, or convenient Salt Lake Valley location.
During the inspection, lenders physically examine your vehicle’s exterior condition including body damage, paint quality, tire condition, and glass integrity, along with interior condition assessing upholstery, dashboard, electronics, and any odors affecting value. They evaluate mechanical condition through engine performance, transmission operation, brake functionality, and fluid levels while verifying mileage against vehicle age and checking documentation including title authenticity and VIN matching.
After inspection, lenders determine your loan offer based on assessed vehicle value, typically offering 25%-50% of that amount. You receive a detailed loan agreement specifying the exact amount, interest rate, fees, monthly or single payment structure, total repayment cost, and default consequences. Upon acceptance, you sign over your title to the lender who places a lien on it, receive your funds via cash, check, or direct deposit, and continue driving your vehicle throughout the loan term. When you complete all payments, the lender releases the lien and returns your clear title.
Winter Emergency Expenses: When furnaces fail during 10–20°F winters, emergency HVAC repairs cost $500–$2,000 before scheduling full replacement. Title loans provide immediate funding while insurance claims or payment plans process. Frozen pipe repairs requiring emergency plumbing services ($300–$1,500) prevent catastrophic water damage. Heating bill spikes with Dominion Energy reaching $400–$600 during extreme cold snaps create urgent payment needs.
Major Vehicle Repairs: Transmission failures from mountain driving through Parley’s Canyon cost $2,000–$4,000. Engine problems accelerated by Salt Lake City’s 4,226-foot elevation require $3,000–$6,000 repairs. Road salt corrosion from UDOT winter treatment necessitates exhaust system replacement ($800–$2,000) or brake line repairs ($400–$1,200). Title loans fund these repairs using a second vehicle’s equity while keeping the damaged vehicle for eventual repair or replacement.
Medical Emergencies: Utah’s high-deductible health plans leave residents with $3,000–$6,000 immediate out-of-pocket costs for emergency room visits, surgeries, or hospitalization at Intermountain Healthcare or University of Utah Health. Dental emergencies requiring root canals ($800–$1,500), crowns ($1,000–$2,000), or extractions can’t wait for payment plans when pain prevents work.
Avoiding Foreclosure or Eviction: When facing mortgage or rent arrears totaling $2,000–$8,000, title loans provide emergency funding to prevent losing housing in expensive Salt Lake City market where rents have increased 30%+ over five years. Catching up on property tax bills that average 2.8% in Utah prevents liens and foreclosure proceedings.
Business Cash Flow Gaps: Small business owners experiencing seasonal slowdowns, delayed client payments, or unexpected equipment failures use title loans for $3,000–$10,000 to maintain operations, make payroll, or purchase inventory without lengthy business loan processes requiring extensive financial documentation.
Debt Consolidation: Consolidating multiple high-interest payday loans, credit cards, or collection accounts totaling $2,000–$10,000 into one title loan with fixed terms creates manageable repayment structure. While title loan rates are higher, consolidation prevents juggling multiple due dates and collection calls.
Legal Expenses: Divorce proceedings, custody battles, DUI defense, or criminal cases require immediate attorney retainers of $3,000–$15,000. Title loans provide necessary legal representation funding without delays that could compromise case outcomes.
Your loan amount depends entirely on your vehicle’s assessed value and condition. Newer vehicles in excellent condition qualify for higher percentages while older or damaged vehicles receive conservative valuations.
$2,000–$5,000 Vehicle Value: Typical loan $500–$2,500 | Older vehicles (10+ years), high mileage (150,000+ miles), or vehicles with cosmetic damage. Common for basic transportation cars used for local Salt Lake City commuting.
$5,001–$10,000 Vehicle Value: Typical loan $1,500–$5,000 | Mid-age vehicles (5–10 years), moderate mileage (75,000–150,000 miles), good condition. Represents average vehicles in Salt Lake Valley—reliable sedans, crossovers, or older trucks.
$10,001–$20,000 Vehicle Value: Typical loan $3,000–$10,000 | Newer vehicles (2–5 years), lower mileage (under 75,000 miles), excellent condition. Popular SUVs for Utah weather, trucks for outdoor recreation, or well-maintained sedans.
$20,001+ Vehicle Value: Typical loan $5,000–$15,000+ | New or nearly-new vehicles (0–3 years), very low mileage (under 30,000 miles), luxury or specialty vehicles. High-value trucks, luxury SUVs, sports cars, or premium vehicles qualify for maximum amounts.
Vehicle Type Considerations: Trucks hold value well in Utah due to outdoor recreation culture and often qualify for higher loan-to-value ratios. SUVs and crossovers, popular for snow driving, receive strong valuations. Sedans and compacts offer lower values unless newer models. Motorcycles, ATVs, and RVs qualify with specialized lenders, typically receiving 20%–40% of value. Vehicles requiring emissions testing or with check engine lights may receive reduced offers until issues resolve.
Actual amount depends on vehicle value, condition, and mileage. Lenders provide exact offers after physical inspection.
You must be 18 or older and a Utah resident with valid Salt Lake City or Utah address. Vehicle ownership requires clear title in your name or substantial equity with existing lien—some lenders work with vehicles having loans if equity is sufficient. Current Utah vehicle registration with valid tags and comprehensive plus collision insurance coverage naming lender as lienholder during loan term are mandatory. Provide steady income through employment, self-employment, retirement, disability, or other verifiable sources, along with active bank account for potential ACH payments. Valid Utah driver’s license or state ID, working phone number, and email address complete basic requirements.
Documentation includes recent pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns proving income, your vehicle title showing clear ownership, current vehicle registration and insurance cards, Utah driver’s license front and back, utility bill or lease agreement confirming address, and vehicle keys including spare key required by some lenders.
Lenders verify vehicle title authenticity and VIN matching between title and physical vehicle, assess vehicle condition through comprehensive inspection, confirm insurance coverage meets requirements, verify income adequacy for monthly payments, and review existing liens or encumbrances affecting loan amount.
Most title loan applications process within 24–48 hours from initial application to funding. Same-day funding is possible when you apply early on weekdays with vehicle inspection completed by early afternoon and all documentation immediately available. The typical timeline involves submitting your online application in 10–15 minutes, receiving preliminary approval within 1–4 hours based on vehicle information provided, scheduling and completing vehicle inspection taking 30–60 minutes, receiving final loan offer immediately after inspection, signing loan agreement and transferring title taking 30 minutes, and receiving funds via cash, check, or direct deposit within hours or by next business day.
Mobile inspection services where inspectors meet you at convenient locations may add 1–2 hours for travel coordination but provide maximum convenience. Applications submitted Friday afternoon or weekends typically complete Monday–Tuesday as inspections occur during business hours. Vehicles requiring emission testing, having check engine lights, or needing minor repairs before approval may delay funding 1–3 days until issues resolve.
Title loans provide quick access to substantial cash but come with significant risks since your vehicle secures the debt. Borrow only what you genuinely need for true emergencies—furnace failures, medical crises, preventing foreclosure, or essential vehicle repairs—not discretionary purchases or ongoing expenses. Before accepting any title loan, verify you can afford the monthly payment alongside all existing obligations including rent, utilities, food, and other debts. Missing payments risks losing your vehicle through repossession, eliminating your transportation to work and creating cascading financial problems.
Understand total repayment cost by multiplying monthly payment by number of payments, then compare that to the amount borrowed—title loans are expensive, so pay off as quickly as possible. Most Utah lenders allow early payoff without penalties, and even small extra payments toward principal save significant interest. Never ignore payment difficulties—contact your lender immediately to discuss extensions, payment plans, or restructuring options before defaulting. Consider whether selling your vehicle and purchasing cheaper transportation makes more financial sense than title loan costs and risks. Maintain required insurance throughout the loan term as letting coverage lapse violates loan agreements and can trigger repossession rights.
Utah is a “self-help” state where lenders can repossess vehicles without court orders once you default, though they must follow specific procedures. Lenders must provide written default notice specifying the exact amount needed to cure default and giving you typically 10–20 days to bring payments current before repossession. The actual repossession must occur peacefully without breaching the peace—repossession agents cannot use force, threats, enter locked garages or gated properties without permission, or proceed if you or anyone present verbally objects.
After repossession, you retain the right to redeem your vehicle by paying the full loan balance plus repossession costs, storage fees, and any other charges before the vehicle sells. Lenders must provide written notice at least 10 days before selling your repossessed vehicle, allowing time to arrange redemption. The vehicle must be sold in a commercially reasonable manner at fair market value. If the sale proceeds exceed your total debt, you receive the surplus; if proceeds fall short, you remain responsible for the deficiency balance plus collection costs.
Utah law requires fair treatment throughout collections and repossession. Prohibited practices include harassing behavior, threats of illegal actions, misrepresenting their authority or the debt, contacting you at unreasonable hours (before 8 AM or after 9 PM), or continuing contact after you request in writing they cease communication. File complaints with Utah Department of Financial Institutions at (801) 538-8830 if lenders violate regulations.
Payday Loans in Salt Lake City $100–$1,000 for short-term needs with 7–31 day repayment. Best for small emergency expenses you can repay quickly without risking your vehicle. Learn More: Salt Lake City Payday Loans
Installment Loans in Salt Lake City $1,000–$5,000+ with fixed monthly payments over 3–24 months. No collateral required, though rates may be higher than title loans for borrowers with good credit. Learn More: Salt Lake City Installment Loans
Personal Loans in Salt Lake City $2,000–$35,000 with competitive rates (6%–36% APR) for qualified borrowers. Best option for major expenses without risking your vehicle, requires better credit. Learn More: Salt Lake City Personal Loans
Tribal Loans in Salt Lake City $500–$10,000 from Native American tribal lenders. Alternative when traditional lenders say no, no collateral required. Learn More: Salt Lake City Tribal Loans
Allotment Loans in Salt Lake City $1,000–$5,000 exclusively for federal and postal workers. No credit check with automatic payroll deduction, available to Hill Air Force Base employees and USPS workers. Learn More: Salt Lake City Allotment Loans
Emergency Loans in Salt Lake City $100–$5,000 for urgent situations with expedited approval. Same-day approval possible, no vehicle collateral required. Learn More: Salt Lake City Emergency Loans
Missing a title loan payment triggers late fees of $25–$50 and immediate collection contact from your lender. Within 10–20 days of missed payment, you receive written default notice specifying the total amount needed to cure default and timeline before repossession. Many Utah lenders offer alternatives at this stage including payment extensions adding the missed payment to loan end, reduced payment plans for 1–3 months, interest-only periods while you stabilize finances, or loan refinancing creating more affordable terms. Communicate proactively with your lender before default—most prefer working out arrangements over repossession costs and effort.
After 30 days delinquency, your account reports to credit bureaus damaging your score 60–110 points for first missed payment. If you don’t cure default within the notice period, lenders can repossess your vehicle from public property, open driveways, or parking lots—they cannot enter locked garages or continue if you object verbally. After repossession, you have redemption rights by paying full balance plus repossession costs before sale, or you can allow sale and potentially owe deficiency if proceeds don’t cover total debt.
Contact your lender immediately when payment difficulty arises. Lenders prefer modified payment arrangements over repossession which costs them time, money, and storage fees. Nonprofit credit counseling through Utah Community Action Partnership (801) 359-2444 or National Foundation for Credit Counseling (800) 388-2227 can help negotiate with lenders. Consider selling the vehicle yourself if payments become unsustainable—selling privately typically yields better prices than repossession auctions, allowing you to pay off the title loan and potentially have funds remaining. Know your rights under Utah law and file complaints with Utah DFI if lenders engage in illegal repossession or collection practices.
Can I get a title loan if I still owe money on my vehicle? Some Utah title lenders work with vehicles having existing liens if you have sufficient equity. For example, if your vehicle is worth $15,000 and you owe $5,000, you have $10,000 equity and may qualify for $2,500–$5,000 title loan based on available equity.
What happens to my vehicle during the title loan? You keep driving it throughout the loan term. The lender places a lien on your title but doesn’t take physical possession. You must maintain insurance and registration, and drive carefully to preserve vehicle value.
How long does title loan approval take? Most applications approve within 24–48 hours. Same-day funding is possible if you apply early, complete vehicle inspection by afternoon, and accept the offer quickly. Weekend applications typically fund Monday–Tuesday.
Do title loans check credit in Salt Lake City? Most title lenders don’t check credit or only perform soft inquiries that don’t impact your score. Approval depends primarily on vehicle value and equity, not credit history. Bad credit, bankruptcies, and collections don’t disqualify you.
What if my vehicle needs repairs? Lenders adjust loan offers based on vehicle condition. Minor cosmetic damage receives slight reduction. Major mechanical issues may result in lower offers or requirement to complete repairs before approval. Non-running vehicles qualify with some lenders at significantly reduced values.
Can I pay off my title loan early? Most Utah title lenders allow early payoff without prepayment penalties. Paying off early saves interest charges. Always confirm prepayment policy in your loan agreement before signing.
Will a title loan hurt my credit score? Applying typically doesn’t hurt your score as most lenders don’t check credit. Successfully repaying may not help either as not all title lenders report positive payment history. However, defaulting and going to collections severely damages credit for seven years.
What if I move out of Utah during my loan? Contact your lender immediately. Most allow moving but require updated contact information, insurance meeting new state requirements, and continued payment schedule. Some lenders require full payoff before interstate moves.
Can I get multiple title loans on different vehicles? Utah law doesn’t prohibit multiple title loans if you own multiple vehicles. However, lenders may deny additional loans if your debt-to-income ratio is too high even with multiple vehicles as collateral.
What happens to my title after I repay the loan? The lender releases their lien and returns your clear title within 10–30 days of final payment, as specified in your loan agreement. You then own your vehicle free and clear again.
Vehicle Repossession Risk: Title loans use your vehicle as collateral, creating real risk of losing your transportation if you can’t repay. Salt Lake City’s limited public transit makes vehicle loss particularly devastating—evaluate alternatives before risking your car, truck, or SUV.
High-Cost Lending: Title loans typically carry APRs of 100%–300% in Utah. While monthly payments may seem manageable, total interest over 12–24 months can equal or exceed the original loan amount. Calculate total repayment cost before accepting.
Insurance Requirements: Maintaining comprehensive and collision insurance throughout your title loan is mandatory and typically costs $100–$200 monthly. Factor this into affordability calculations. Letting insurance lapse violates loan agreements and can trigger repossession.
Utah Licensing Verification: Confirm your lender operates as or through a licensed Credit Access Business registered with Utah Department of Financial Institutions. Check at dfi.utah.gov or call (801) 538-8830. Unlicensed lenders may not follow legal repossession procedures.
Employment Impact: Losing your vehicle to repossession eliminates transportation to work, potentially causing job loss especially for Silicon Slopes commutes, Hill Air Force Base, or service industry positions requiring reliable transportation. This creates cascading financial problems.
Alternatives First: Before title loans, explore payment plans with creditors, employer emergency loans, credit union small-dollar loans (Mountain America, America First), local assistance programs (United Way 2-1-1, Catholic Community Services), or borrowing from family. These options don’t risk your vehicle.
Mobile Inspection Convenience: Many Salt Lake City title lenders offer mobile inspection meeting you at home, work, or convenient locations throughout the valley. While adding 1–2 hours, mobile service prevents taking time off work for appointments.
Refinancing Options: If struggling with title loan payments, some lenders refinance into longer terms with lower monthly payments. While extending total cost, refinancing prevents default and repossession. Shop multiple lenders for best refinancing terms.
Winter Vehicle Considerations: Utah winters create additional vehicle risks. Road salt accelerates corrosion, snow and ice cause accidents, and cold temperatures stress mechanical systems. Maintain your vehicle carefully during title loan term to preserve collateral value.
Get substantial cash using your vehicle’s equity. Fast approval, keep driving, licensed Utah lenders.