FAQs

I’m interested in checking my rates. What’s involved?

To check your rates through Caribou, you’ll fill out a short application that provides us with general information about you, your current auto loan, and your vehicle. Then our technology gets to work, searching for competitive refi loan options for you in minutes. If you qualify, you’ll see offers from our lenders with no obligation, no impact to your credit score,+ and no SSN required.++ Learn about the application steps.

Will checking my rate impact my credit score?

No. To check the rates and terms you qualify for, we conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a loan product and continue your application, we or one of our lending partners will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

What information do you need about my vehicle?

When checking your rate, we’ll need either your VIN, license plate number or make/model/trim of your vehicle. This is because we’ll use the value of your vehicle to find you the refi loan options available to you.

Where can I find my VIN number?

You can find your VIN where the dash and windshield meet on the driver’s side of your vehicle and on the end of the driver’s side door. You can also find your VIN on your vehicle’s registration paperwork and insurance card.

Can I refi with a co-borrower?

Yes. With Caribou, you can add a co-borrower to your new loan, as long as you’re a resident of a state allowing the addition of a co-borrower.

Do you need my social security number?

You can view your refi offers without submitting a Social Security Number (SSN). However, in order to complete your application and lock in your savings, you will need to provide your SSN as part of your loan application. Your privacy is important to us, and we use the latest security methods to ensure that your personal information stays safe.

Will I need to confirm my income?

To provide you with competitive offers, our lending partners may require that we confirm your income via documents you submit (e.g., a pay stub or W-2). To be approved, the income stated on your loan application must match what is reported in your submitted documents.

Are there any fees involved with my refi?

Caribou provides services to the lender to help close your loan, such as processing documents and retitling your vehicle. Caribou charges the lender a $399-$499 processing fee solely to cover the costs of these services. Your lender may include the $399-$499 processing fee or other fees in your refinanced loan amount and in the APR that your lender will disclose to you.

I picked my refinance loan option. What’s next?

Once you’ve selected the loan option that works best for you, you’ll lock in your rate by creating an account and uploading a few documents using our secure online platform.

How do I upload my documents?

When it’s time to upload your documents, there’s a few different ways you can send them. You can upload via the online platform or send your documents using email or text messaging. Read more about how to send us your documents.

Does Caribou offer products that can preserve the value of my vehicle?

Yes. If your refi is eligible, you’ll have the option to select Total Loss Protection, Extended Vehicle Protection, Key Replacement, and other products! Visit our Products page to learn more about these tools to help you protect the value of your vehicle.

What’s the final step in my refinance process?

To complete your refinance, you’ll e-sign your loan agreement with your new lender via our online platform. Then, we will work with your new lender to ensure that your old lender is paid off and your refinance is complete. This is the very last step in the refi process. After that, you can relax and enjoy your newfound savings!

How do payments work during and directly after the refi process?

While refinancing, you’ll continue paying monthly on your current loan, until your new lender pays off your old loan. Concerned that you overpaid on your old loan in the process? Don’t worry - your old lender is required to send you a refund if there is any overpayment.

Have questions on your current insurance policy?

If you worked with Caribou in the past in order to obtain insurance coverage through one of our partners and have questions about your policy or coverage, please see the below chart for who to contact with questions.