Secured Car Loans

If you need to finance a new car, find a competitive secured car loan with Savvy.

*No obligation. It won't affect your credit score.
Secured Car Loans
Last Updated: 29/05/2025
Fact Checked

Secured car loans are the go-to option if you need to borrow money to purchase a vehicle. By tying the loan to your car, you can access more competitive rates and improve your chances of approval – making it an attractive choice for borrowers across Australia.

If you are looking for a secured car loan, turn to Savvy. It’s our most popular type of vehicle finance, and with a panel of more than 40 lenders and experienced consultants to support you every step of the way, we can help you find the car loan you need. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote today!

Why apply for a car loan with Savvy?

100% online

There’s no need for messy paperwork with us. When you apply, you’ll be able to submit and sign all your forms electronically.

4.9-star customer service

The satisfaction our customers feel is clear when you see our impressive 4.9-star rating for our service on Feefo.

Helping Aussies since 2010

We’ve been helping Australians just like you find their ideal car loan package and save on interest and fees for 15 years.

No impact on your credit score

Our consultants will conduct a soft credit check when assessing your application, so your score won’t be affected.

40+ lending partners

We’re partnered with over 40 car loan providers nationwide, giving you more high-quality options to consider.

Competitive interest rates

We scour our lending panel for the lowest rates and match you with the most affordable deal available for your profile.

How do secured car loans work?

Secured car loans are a common type of common type of car loan where the vehicle you are purchasing serves as collateral. In other words, the car acts as security for the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. If you fail to make payments as agreed, the lender has the right to repossess the vehicle to recover their losses. 

Because the loan is tied to the vehicle, it represents less risk for the lender – which can result in lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits than other types of finance. However, there will typically be other conditions attached, such as restrictions on the age and condition of the car.

Other than this, a secured car loan works like any other loan, where you borrow the money you need, then repay in regular instalments plus interest. 

Secured car loan interest rates

Our car loan interest rates start from as little as 5.50% p.a. (comparison rate 6.56% p.a. as of May 2025), though the rate you’re offered will depend on factors like your credit score, the loan amount and the lender’s criteria.

After you apply, your dedicated Savvy consultant will assess your application and provide an indicative rate, so you’ll have a clear idea of what you can expect to pay.

Car Loan Lenders We Work With

logo money3
Now Finance Logo
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Dynamoney
Westpac car insurance
Capital finance logo
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The pros and cons of secured car loans

Pros

  • Lower interest rates

    Interest rates for secured car loans are often lower compared to unsecured loans because there's less risk for the lender, helping to reduce the overall cost of the loan.

  • Higher chance of approval

    As the car acts as collateral to back the loan, borrowers with lower credit scores or limited credit history may have a better chance of getting approved.

  • Improves credit

    Making consistent and on-time loan repayments can help improve your credit score, demonstrating to future lenders that you are a responsible borrower.

Cons

  • Risk of repossession

    If you fail to make payments, the lender has the legal right to repossess the car to recoup their losses.

  • Restrictions on car choice

    Your car must hold enough value to cover lost funds in case you default on your loan. As a result, there are restrictions on what car you can buy.

  • Mandatory comprehensive car insurance

    Lenders typically require comprehensive car insurance to be taken out on the vehicle, which is the most expensive car insurance option and can increase your overall expenses.

Savvy is rated 4.9 for customer satisfaction by 4565 customers.
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How to apply for a secured car loan with Savvy

  1. Fill out our simple online application form

    Tell us about yourself and the car and loan you’re after. This will include information about your income, employment and credit score and helps us find the best available loan for you.

  2. Supply any required documents

    After you complete your application, we may request further documentation to verify details such as your employment and income. These can be submitted online via our portal.

  3. Discuss your options with us

    Once we have all the information we need, we’ll compare the offers available to you from our lending panel. Your consultant will reach out to you and talk you through your car finance options and process to get the all-clear.

  4. Find your ideal car

    If you haven’t already decided on (or found) your ideal car, our in-house car broker team, Vehicles Direct, can search our national network of dealerships to find the best available model for you.

  5. Have your application prepared and approved

    Once we have all the info we need, your consultant will get to work preparing your application for submission. You can receive formal approval as soon as one business day after it’s submitted.

  6. Sign on the dotted line

    We’ll send through your final loan documents and other forms to sign electronically. Once settlement is complete (which we’ll also handle for you), you’ll be the proud owner of your new or used car!

Secured car loan eligibility and documentation

Eligibility requirements for a car loan can vary between lenders, but the following will typically apply:

You’ll also need to provide certain documents, typically:

How are secured car loans different from unsecured car loans?

Another option to buy a car is to take out an unsecured car loan. This is essentially a type of personal loan that doesn’t require the vehicle to be used as collateral. Instead, approval is based on your credit history, income and other financial factors. Because there’s no security backing the loan, lenders take on more risk, which can affect how much you can borrow and the rate you’ll pay.

Here’s how secured and unsecured loans differ: 

Type of loan Interest rate Monthly repayment Overall cost Total saving
Secured car loan 5.5% p.a. $573 $34,382 $1,686
Unsecured car loan 7.5% p.a. $601 $36,068 N/A

Note: estimates do not include other car loan fees that may apply.

When it comes to choosing, an unsecured loan might be the better fit if you want flexibility, are looking at an older car or need to cover extra costs. However, a secured car loan will usually offer the better deal overall, thanks to its lower rates and higher borrowing limits.

Secured car loan FAQs

Do I have to pay a deposit on my secured car loan?

No – you can apply for a secured car loan without a deposit and borrow up to the full purchase price of the vehicle. However, paying a deposit can help reduce your loan amount, which lowers the total interest you’ll pay over time. It may also improve your chances of approval, as contributing upfront shows the lender you’re financially committed and reduces their risk.

What is the minimum credit score for a secured car loan?

There’s no fixed minimum credit score required for a secured car loan, but generally, the higher your score, the better your chances of approval and of qualifying for a lower interest rate. Many mainstream lenders look for a score above 600, though some specialist lenders may consider applicants with lower scores. If you have bad credit, Savvy can help you compare bad credit car loan options from a range of lenders who are open to flexible criteria.

Can I take out a secured car loan for my business?

Yes – if you’re purchasing a vehicle for 50% or more business use, you can explore a range of business car finance options. These include secured products like chattel mortgages, as well as vehicle leases and commercial hire purchases. Savvy can help you compare compare business car finance solutions to suit your business needs.