No Asset at Risk

Unsecured Car Loans from 7.99% p.a.

Keep your car off the line. Unsecured car loans mean no vehicle security, no PPSR registration, and no risk of repossession. Perfect for older vehicles, lower-value purchases, or borrowers who value flexibility.

Comparison rate 9.15% p.a.* on a $20,000 unsecured loan over 5 years.

Unsecured Car Loan Calculator

No vehicle security required

Loan Amount
$20,000
$2,000$75,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
9.99%
7.00%18.00%
Loan Term
5 years
1 years 7 years
Monthly Payment
$424.84
Total Interest
$5,491
Total Repayment
$25,491
Principal (78.5%)Interest (21.5%)
Principal: $20,000
Interest: $5,491

This calculator provides estimates only. Actual rates and repayments may vary based on your circumstances and lender requirements.

Unsecured Car Loans at a Glance
  • No vehicle security registered — your car cannot be repossessed by the lender
  • Finance any vehicle regardless of age, including cars over 15 years old
  • Rates from 7.99% p.a. — typically 1-3% higher than secured alternatives
  • Sell or modify your car at any time without needing lender permission
  • Ideal for older cars, lower-value purchases, or as a flexible personal loan for car purchase

When an Unsecured Car Loan Makes Sense

While secured car loans offer lower interest rates, there are several scenarios where an unsecured car loan is the smarter choice. Understanding when to use each type can save you money or provide valuable protection:

  • Older vehicles (10+ years old) — most lenders will not accept vehicles older than 10-12 years at the end of the loan term as security. An unsecured loan has no vehicle age restrictions at all.
  • Lower-value cars (under $8,000) — the cost of valuation, PPSR registration, and security documentation on a low-value vehicle can outweigh the interest rate saving of a secured loan.
  • Flexibility to sell quickly — if you may want to sell or trade the car within a year or two, unsecured finance avoids the process of arranging a payout with the lender and release of the PPSR registration.
  • Buying at auction — auction purchases often require fast payment. With an unsecured loan already approved, you can buy and pay immediately without waiting for lender valuations.
  • Peace of mind — some borrowers simply value knowing that even in a financial emergency, their car — which they may depend on for work — cannot be taken away.

How Unsecured Car Loans Differ from Secured

The fundamental difference is risk allocation. With a secured loan, the vehicle absorbs some of the risk, resulting in lower rates but the possibility of repossession. With an unsecured loan, you bear higher rates but retain full control of the asset.

FeatureSecured LoanUnsecured Loan
Interest Rate (from)5.49% p.a.7.99% p.a.
Vehicle Age Limit10-12 years at end of termNo limit
PPSR RegistrationYesNo
Repossession RiskYesNo
Can Sell Car FreelyNo (must pay out loan first)Yes
Maximum Loan AmountUp to $150,000+Typically up to $75,000
Approval SpeedSame day (needs vehicle details)Same day (no vehicle details needed)

The Rate Trade-Off: Is It Worth It?

The interest rate premium for unsecured loans is real but often overstated in its impact. Consider a practical example:

Example: $15,000 Used Car Over 5 Years
  • Secured at 6.99%: $297/month, total interest $2,812
  • Unsecured at 9.49%: $315/month, total interest $3,888
  • Difference: $18/month more, $1,076 total extra over 5 years

For many borrowers, $18/month is a reasonable price for the flexibility and peace of mind that comes with unsecured finance.

Eligibility and Process

Because unsecured loans carry more risk for lenders, the eligibility criteria tend to be slightly stricter than secured loans:

  • Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Aged 18+ with valid identification
  • Good to excellent credit history (preferred but not always required)
  • Stable employment for at least 3-6 months
  • Income sufficient to meet repayments and living expenses
1
Apply Online
No vehicle details needed upfront. Apply based on the amount you need.
2
Get Approved
Approval based on your income and credit. No valuation or PPSR checks needed.
3
Funds to Your Account
Money deposited directly to your bank account. Use it for any car, any seller.
4
Buy Your Car
Purchase from a dealer, private seller, auction — wherever you find the best deal.

WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees, or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Comparison rates are based on a secured loan of $30,000 over 5 years for vehicle finance and $50,000 over 5 years for equipment finance, as required under the National Credit Code.

Unsecured Car Loan FAQs

What is an unsecured car loan?
An unsecured car loan is a personal loan used to purchase a vehicle where the car is not used as collateral. The lender has no security interest registered against the vehicle, meaning they cannot repossess it if you default. Instead, the lender relies solely on your creditworthiness and income to assess the loan. This makes unsecured loans more flexible but typically more expensive.
Why would I choose an unsecured car loan over a secured one?
Unsecured loans are ideal when buying an older car that does not qualify for secured finance (10+ years old), when the vehicle value is too low for secured lending (under $5,000-$8,000), when you want the freedom to sell the car at any time without lender involvement, or when you value the peace of mind that your car cannot be repossessed.
How much more expensive is an unsecured car loan?
Unsecured car loan rates are typically 1-3% higher than secured rates. On a $20,000 loan over 5 years, a 2% rate difference equates to approximately $1,100 more in total interest. However, for older or lower-value vehicles, the flexibility and protection of an unsecured loan can outweigh the extra cost.
Can my car be repossessed with an unsecured loan?
No. With an unsecured loan, the lender has no security interest in the vehicle. If you default, they can pursue you through standard debt recovery processes (calls, letters, default listing, legal action for judgment debt), but they cannot repossess the vehicle itself. This is one of the main advantages of unsecured car finance.
What is the maximum I can borrow unsecured for a car?
Most lenders cap unsecured personal loans at $50,000-$75,000, though some go up to $100,000 for well-qualified borrowers. The amount you can borrow depends on your income, existing debts, credit history, and the lender policies. For larger amounts, a secured loan will typically offer better terms.

Get an Unsecured Car Loan Quote

No vehicle security, no repossession risk. Apply in minutes and get funds to your account.