What Bridgecrest Auto Loans Are
Bridgecrest is a subprime auto lender, meaning it finances car purchases for borrowers with lower credit scores or limited credit history. The company buys loans from dealerships after you sign the paperwork there — you do not work directly with Bridgecrest to get approved. Instead, the dealership arranges the loan, and Bridgecrest purchases it as part of their business model.
Bridgecrest operates in most U.S. states and handles millions of auto loans. The company is owned by Enova International, a larger financial services firm. When you finance a car through a dealership and Bridgecrest ends up owning your loan, you will make monthly payments to them and deal with them if payment problems arise.
This matters because Bridgecrest loans typically carry higher interest rates than loans from banks or credit unions, reflecting the higher risk the lender takes on borrowers with weaker credit. You should understand the terms before you sign at the dealership, because once the loan is sold to Bridgecrest, changing it becomes harder.
Key Takeaways
- Bridgecrest buys auto loans from dealerships after you sign — you cannot go directly to Bridgecrest to get a car loan.
- Interest rates on Bridgecrest loans are typically higher than traditional bank loans because the lender serves borrowers with lower credit scores.
- You make payments to Bridgecrest and contact them if you have payment issues, questions about your loan, or need to modify your agreement.
- Bridgecrest loans often include GPS tracking and starter interrupt devices, which allow the lender to disable your car if you fall behind on payments.
- Reading your loan contract at the dealership before signing is critical, because the terms are set once the loan transfers to Bridgecrest.
How Bridgecrest Loans Get Originated at the Dealership
When you buy a car at a dealership and finance it, the dealership's finance manager presents loan options. One of those options may be a loan that Bridgecrest will purchase. The dealership handles the entire transaction — you sign the paperwork with them, not with Bridgecrest. The dealership then sells that loan to Bridgecrest, usually within days or weeks.
This is standard practice in the auto lending industry. Dealerships often do not hold loans themselves; they originate them and sell them to lenders. From your perspective, the key point is that the terms you agree to at the dealership — the interest rate, the loan amount, the payment schedule, and any add-ons like GPS tracking — are locked in before Bridgecrest ever enters the picture.
You should ask the dealership finance manager directly whether a loan will be sold to Bridgecrest, and if so, request a copy of the full contract before you sign. Many dealerships will provide this. Read it carefully, because once you sign, you are bound to those terms even after the loan moves to Bridgecrest.
Interest Rates and Loan Terms You Will Encounter
Bridgecrest loans typically carry interest rates between 9% and 29%, depending on your credit score, the age and condition of the vehicle, the loan term, and your down payment. Borrowers with credit scores below 620 often see rates at the higher end of that range. Rates vary by state and by the specific dealership, so two people with similar credit scores might receive different offers.
Loan terms usually run 36 to 72 months, though longer terms are common for subprime borrowers. A longer term means lower monthly payments but more total interest paid over the life of the loan. For example, a $15,000 loan at 18% interest costs significantly more if spread over 72 months than over 48 months.
Bridgecrest loans often include add-ons that increase the total cost. These may include GPS tracking, starter interrupt devices (which allow the lender to disable the car remotely if you miss payments), extended warranties, or gap insurance. Ask the dealership which add-ons are included in your specific loan and whether they are optional or mandatory.
GPS Tracking and Starter Interrupt Devices
Many Bridgecrest loans include technology that allows the lender to monitor your vehicle and, in some cases, disable it. A GPS tracking device lets Bridgecrest know where your car is at all times. A starter interrupt device (also called a starter interrupt or immobilizer) prevents the engine from starting if you fall behind on payments.
These devices are disclosed in your loan contract, but borrowers often do not fully understand them until they experience a payment problem. If you miss a payment, Bridgecrest may disable your car without warning, leaving you unable to drive it. You typically regain access by making the missed payment plus any fees the lender charges for the interrupt.
Before you sign a Bridgecrest loan, ask the dealership whether these devices are included and under what circumstances they will be activated. Some states have laws limiting when and how lenders can use starter interrupt devices, so the rules may vary where you live. If you have concerns about this technology, discuss them with the dealership before signing.
Making Payments and Managing Your Account
Once Bridgecrest owns your loan, you will receive payment instructions by mail or email. Most borrowers pay online through Bridgecrest's website or mobile app, by phone, by automatic bank draft, or by mail. Set up automatic payments if possible — this reduces the risk of missing a due date and triggering a starter interrupt or late fee.
Bridgecrest charges late fees if your payment arrives after the due date. The amount varies by state and by your contract, but typically ranges from $10 to $25 or more. If you fall 30 days behind, the late payment will appear on your credit report and may damage your credit score. If you fall 60 or more days behind, Bridgecrest may set up a starter interrupt device or begin repossession proceedings.
If you are having trouble making a payment, contact Bridgecrest before the due date. The company may offer a payment deferment, a loan modification, or a temporary payment reduction. These options are not may provide, but lenders often prefer to work with borrowers rather than repossess vehicles, because repossession is expensive and time-consuming.
What Happens If You Fall Behind on Payments
Missing a single payment on a Bridgecrest loan triggers several consequences. You will incur a late fee, and Bridgecrest may set up your starter interrupt device, preventing you from starting your car. This can happen without warning and without a court order, because the device was installed as part of your loan agreement.
If you miss two or more payments, Bridgecrest may begin the repossession process. In most states, the lender can repossess your car without notifying you in advance or obtaining a court order. Once repossessed, the vehicle is sold at auction, and you are responsible for any difference between the sale price and the amount you still owe on the loan — this is called a deficiency judgment.
If you receive a notice that your car will be repossessed, contact Bridgecrest when ready. Explain your situation and ask about payment plans, loan modifications, or other options. Some states have laws requiring lenders to work with borrowers before repossessing, so your rights may be stronger than you think. Contact a local legal aid organization if you need help negotiating with the lender.
Refinancing or Paying Off a Bridgecrest Loan Early
If your credit score improves after taking out a Bridgecrest loan, you may be able to refinance with a bank or credit union at a lower interest rate. Refinancing means taking out a new loan to pay off the Bridgecrest loan in full, then making payments to the new lender instead. This can save you thousands in interest over the remaining life of the loan.
To refinance, contact banks and credit unions in your area and ask about auto refinance options. You will need to provide proof of income, your current loan documents, and information about the vehicle. The new lender will order a vehicle inspection and appraisal. If approved, they will pay off Bridgecrest in full, and you will begin making payments to them.
You can also pay off a Bridgecrest loan early without refinancing — straightforward pay more than the minimum payment each month, or make a lump-sum payment toward the principal. Bridgecrest does not charge prepayment penalties, so there is no fee for paying the loan off ahead of schedule. Contact Bridgecrest to confirm the exact payoff amount before sending a large payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I contact Bridgecrest before I buy the car to see if I will be approved?
No. Bridgecrest does not work directly with consumers before a purchase. The dealership arranges the loan, and Bridgecrest buys it after you sign. You can improve your chances of getting approved by working with the dealership's finance manager and being honest about your credit situation.
What if my starter interrupt device activates and I cannot start my car?
Contact Bridgecrest when ready and make the missed payment plus any fees. Once payment is received and processed, Bridgecrest will remotely disable the interrupt device, and you will be able to start your car again. This may take a few hours or up to a business day depending on when you call.
Does Bridgecrest report to credit bureaus?
Yes. Bridgecrest reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. On-time payments help your credit score; late payments hurt it. If you default on the loan, that will also appear on your credit report for seven years.
Can I get out of a Bridgecrest loan if I change my mind?
Once you sign the contract at the dealership, you are legally bound to the loan. Some states allow a short "cooling-off period" of a few days, but this is rare and varies by state. Check your contract or contact your state's attorney general's office to learn whether this right applies to you.
What should I do if I think Bridgecrest is treating me unfairly?
Document everything — keep copies of all communications, payment records, and notices from Bridgecrest. If you believe the company violated your rights, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. You can also contact your state's attorney general or a consumer protection attorney.