Apr 20, 2023

William 14 mins ago Caribou Assessments at a Glance Caribou’s product and service offerings underscore the company’s commitment to accelerating auto refinance for car owners and potentially keeping money in their pockets through auto loan savings. According to Caribou, you can potentially save over $110 per month+. All you need to access the company’s network of trusted lenders that funds its seamless refinance program is an internet-enabled device and a stable internet connection. The automatic refinance process is quick, easy and highly streamlined. You can easily be matched with a suitable lender and get your refinance options by following these three short steps. Step 1: Check your rate This is the first step in the three-step refinancing process. Here you provide your personal information, vehicle details (including name and model) and monthly payment, then follow the prompt on the page. You do not need to provide your SSN* or full credit report for this prequalification, which means your credit score will not be impacted**. Additionally, Caribou supports co-borrowing as long as the borrower’s state allows it. If you add a co-borrower, you will also need to provide their information on the application. Step #2: Select your loan offer Following your submission, Caribou distributes your information to its network of lenders. This involves a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score but provides lenders with the data they need to make a loan offer**. You can select a refinance offer that suits you best. At this point, the lender does a credit check by asking for a copy of your credit report. This high demand for credit can impact your credit score. Keep in mind that the loan offer you have chosen locks in your interest rate during the application review and underwriting process. Step #3: Finalize your refinance The final step is to upload the required documents and sign them online. The Caribou framework is online and compatible with mobile devices. You can easily use your phone’s camera to scan the necessary documentation from the online platform. The platform also offers electronic signature tools allowing you to electronically sign your documents. Once the paperwork is complete, Caribou works with the relevant financial institution to complete the refinancing process with your previous lender. Car insurance In addition to automobile refinancing, Caribou provides automobile insurance services to car owners through its insurance subsidiary, Caribou Insurance Services, LLC and its partnership with major insurers. Vehicle owners can shop around, compare rates, or view quotes from trusted carriers, saving them the hassle of doing personal research. The company’s insurance experts are readily available to provide professional advice throughout the process of buying auto insurance, from reviewing available options to selecting coverage and drafting paperwork. Caribou’s online car insurance marketplace is one of the fastest and most transparent ways to find a car insurance company. You can request an auto insurance quote with your auto refinance application. Additional protection options In addition, Caribou offers various optional protection options. These products include: Total Loss Protection: Provides Secured Asset Protection (GAP) services. It protects you in the event of a total loss and waives the balance remaining on the loan after application of the insurance proceeds. Extended coverage: Meets unexpected car expenses like car repairs. Key replacement: Covers the cost of replacing your car keys (without any deductible). Cosmetic care: Ensures your car stays in pristine condition. Coverage includes minor dents and dents, windshields, wheels and rims. It’s also worth mentioning that the Caribou website also offers a tool that allows you to search for typical payment savings by vehicle make and model. Benzinga rates Caribou 4.5 out of 5 on product offerings. You can reach Caribou’s team of loan officers and insurance agents by phone, email or online chat. Call anytime 9am-8pm ET, Monday-Friday, and 9am-4pm Saturday and Sunday, and you’ll get all the support you need. Customers can interact with the company through social media, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. In addition to live customer support, the company provides borrowers with a comprehensive resource library and learning centers covering general auto refinance and insurance information. There is also a glossary and a list of FAQs that you can refer to during the application process. However, if you prefer, you can schedule a 15-minute appointment with one of the company’s loan officers to inquire about offers, complete a loan application, or check on your current application status. These many options point to a robust customer service strategy, reflected in the company’s overwhelmingly positive reviews on independent platforms, including Trustpilot – 4.5, Credit Karma – 4.3, and BBB customer rating – 4.86. Additionally, the company is rated A+ by BBB. Benzinga rates Caribou 5 out of 5 for customer service. Caribou charges lenders a processing fee of $399, which lenders can add to the refinanced loan amount or pass on to the borrower. Loan APRs vary between 4.99% and 28.55% and often depend on your creditworthiness, income or financial history, loan repayment terms, loan amounts and loan-to-value ratio (LTV )++. Keep in mind that loan amounts and interest rates differ by lender since the company works with a diverse network of lenders. Borrowers with good or excellent credit (a FICO score of 690 or higher) usually get the best rates. Benzinga rates Caribou 4.5 out of 5 on price. Caribou is dedicated to accelerating auto refinance and insurance for car owners in a way that can help them save money. Its customer-centric approach to car loans and excellent educational materials or learning resources enhance the user experience. All aspects of refinancing, from application submission to loan funding, are completed online in three easy steps, and customers can finalize their new loan in as little as two weeks. The process is quick and intuitive, allowing for excellent ease of use even for those unfamiliar with online applications, as evidenced by the reviews on the platforms. Caribou vs competitors Caribou has a few competitors, such as RefiJet and Auto Approve. All three allow borrowers to renegotiate their auto loans for better rates by taking advantage of the lure of soft credit for pre-qualifying and authorized co-borrowers. They also offer guaranteed asset protection coverage. However, unlike Caribou, RefiJet and Auto Approve also refinance motorcycles and recreational vehicles and allow lease buyouts. Unlike Caribou, Auto Approve and RefiJet are not upfront about their loan processing fees and other applicable fees. Caribou’s transparent fees and low variable annual interest rate for creditworthy borrowers sets it apart from these platforms. Caribou streamlines auto refinance and insurance with its streamlined and personalized application processes allowing auto owners to access optimal refinance and insurance options while potentially saving thousands of dollars. The whole process is carried out online through the company’s website, which is very intuitive, navigable and user-friendly, facilitating the quick granting of loans without hassle. Its competitive rates and flexible loan terms make it a top choice in the auto refinance market and a favorite among car owners. Insurance add-ons, including GAP, cosmetic care, and extended vehicle protection (EVP), make it even more attractive, as do its transparent fees. Although the credit score may be above the “fair” credit category, the ability to save at least $110 per month more than completing the relatively high FICO+ score. Especially considering that such savings could make a substantial difference in car owners’ monthly expenses and contribute to a more stable financial situation. The company’s effective customer-centric approach to service delivery is reflected in its impressive rating on freelance platforms. However, Caribou does not refinance motorcycles, recreational vehicles, ATVs, boats and utility vehicles. The loan processing fee is also relatively high at $399. Based on these facts, Benzinga rates Caribou 4.5 out of 5 overall. Frequently Asked Questions