An insight into car loans and car loan overdrafts

By | March 10, 2014

Many car buyers who opt for borrowing think only of car loan option and are not aware of the other possible options like car overdrafts. Let us take a look at the intrinsic difference between a normal car loan and a car loan overdraft facility and analyse the pros and cons for both.

An Overview of Car Loan and Car Overdraft Loan:

Car loans are the most commonly used financial tools used by a majority of people to realize their dream car purchase. All public sector banks as well as private banks offer car loans for purchase of new and old cars. Car loans are quite simple to avail for new cars, as compared to used cars which have a number of preconditions and available on specific models alone.

For processing car loans, the borrower require to submit his income, bank statements and KYC documents with the bank and the bank processes the same depending on the amount of loan, the down payment and credit rating of the borrower.

Car overdraft loans on the other hand are car loans with an overdraft facility. In simple terms in this overdraft facility, the loan account is linked with an overdraft account, just like any other OD. While calculating the interest component, the overdraft or OD account will be deducted from the principal outstanding on a daily basis.

Difference between Car Loan and Car Overdraft Loan:

Let us take the case of Manish who wants to buy a new car which costs Rs 7.5 Lakhs. Manish pays an amount of Rs 2 Lakhs as down payment for the same. In case if Manish opts for a normal car loan, he pays Rs 2 Lakhs as the down payment to the bank and gets a loan on the balance amount of Rs 5.5 Lakhs. If the rate of interest for the car loan charged by the bank is 11% per annum, and Manish takes a car loan for 7 years, he will have to pay an equated monthly installment of Rs 9416/-.

On the other hand if Manish opts for a car loan with an overdraft facility, he would end up paying a slightly higher equated monthly installment as interest rate for car loan with overdraft facility is usually 0.25% to 0.50% higher than normal car loan. In this case, Manish would be paying an interest rate of 11.25% for 7 years. This comes to an EMI of Rs. 9488/-.

Although Manish pays a slightly higher EMI in car loan with an overdraft facility, there is a catch. Firstly there are no prepayment charges in car loans with an overdraft facility. Car loan with an overdraft facility allows borrowers to pre pay any amount using their overdraft account. Secondly, the final interest rate would be charged only for the balance amount.

Suppose Manish completes paying Rs 4 Lakhs out of the Rs 5 Lakh loan amount after 4 years, through his overdraft account, he would be charged an interest on only the balance of Rs 1 Lakh and not the full amount of Rs 5 Lakh. Also Manish can use the funds in his overdraft account for any other financial needs.

The biggest advantage of car loan with overdraft facility is that the interest is calculated on the effective due amount and not the entire amount. The effective result is far lower repayment compared to a normal car loan. The amount placed in the overdraft loan account can be used as per the financial needs of the borrower. There is no cap on LTV and he can avail up to 100% of the value of the car, if he has the required eligibility in his OD account.   T

On the downside, car loan with overdraft facility is not available with all banks. Only certain specific banks have initialed such a facility for car loans. The second drawback is that such a car loan is usually made available for borrowers seeking more than a threshold limit fixed at Rs 7 Lakhs generally. So if you are seeking to buy a small car, a normal car loan may be the only available option.

Compare car loan offers of various banks and NBFCs at BankBazaar.com. Apply online at BankBazaar.com and get e-approved instantly.

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10 thoughts on “An insight into car loans and car loan overdrafts

  1. RK

    Hi Dhanya,

    One query related to car loan overdraft facility.
    If i borrow a loan of 5 lacs and keep 5 lacs in OD account just in case of any urgency how it will work ?
    Will it be 0% interest loan and all money i will pay will result in principal deduction ??

    Looking for expert advice on this.

    Reply
    1. Team BankBazaar

      Hi RK,

      In the case of an overdraft (OD) Car Loan facility, you need to put in money in the OD account. The interest on your loan will be calculated after subtracting the principal of your loan from the amount you put in the OD account. Since it’s your own money you can withdraw from the OD account any time you need funds.

      Cheers,
      Team BankBazaar

      Reply
    1. Team BankBazaar

      Dear Vish,

      It might not be possible to convert your Car Loan into an overdraft. However, you can always try speaking to your bank to see if they will agree to your request.

      Cheers,
      Team BankBazaar

      Reply
  2. Krishna Rao

    How much money I need to keep/deposit in my account for a OD of 11 lakhs to buy a car ex show room price is between 11 and 12 lakhs. ?

    K Rao

    Reply
    1. Team BankBazaar

      Hi Krishna Rao,

      Thanks for writing to us. Can you please clarify which car loan or overdraft you are talking about? This will help us understand your query better.

      Cheers,
      Team BankBazaar

      Reply
  3. HARISH P NAIR

    Hi mam.
    myself holding an overdraft car loan account. I have money in hand but i dont want to spend all the amount towards loan bacause i have to run hosuehold things also.
    my question is if i transfer the money i have to the od loan account, does it make any diiference to the ineterest and is that money available for me to use. beacuse bank didn’t told anything baout these facility if it is true and how could we withdraw when it needs.No passbook or atm is given for loan od account i remember.
    Please guide.
    awaiting yours

    Reply
    1. Team BankBazaar

      Hi HARISH P NAIR,
      Generally, loan overdraft accounts help you reduce the EMI for the loan. Depositing money in your overdraft account will help reduce the EMI you have to pay. The general rule is that the interest on the deposit helps cancel out the interest on your loan. In your case, we suggest that you check with your bank as to how the overdraft car loan account will work. There might be many terms and conditions attached. Read them carefully before using the account.

      Cheers,
      Team BankBazaar

      Reply
  4. Rajan Dhawan

    Hi Team
    I am currently in discussion with SBI for a car loan with overdraft facility.
    I have a few specific questions which i need your help on

    1. I am taking a loan of 10Lacs. Is it wise to fill the OD account with Rs. 10Lacs on Day 1 to save interest payable (considering I am keeping my account full for the entire tenure of the loan)
    2. Each Year, as i would have paid approx 20% of the loan principal, would it be advisable to withdraw that amount from OD and put into safer assest like FD to generate interest?
    3. If the OD account is full at all times, does the EMI charged to be include the interest component as well (thus reducing my loan tenure) or is only the principal amount as per schedule.

    your response at the earliest shall be very helpful

    Reply
    1. Team BankBazaar

      Hi Rajan, Car Loans with overdraft facility are not the same for all banks. Usually, the balance in the OD account is adjusted against your principal and not interest. Withdrawal of money is your choice. Higher balances in the OD will reduce your interest outgo. We suggest that you speak to SBI to get the details that you need. Cheers,
      Team BankBazaar

      Reply

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