Data study · Published February 10, 2026
Title Loan Repossession Map
Roughly 1 in 9 title loans ends in repossession — but the rate varies 6× across states.
Key finding
11.4%
Of title loans nationally that result in vehicle repossession
Category
Title Loans
Key findings
- Title-loan APRs in unregulated states average 264% — more than triple capped states.
- The median repossessed vehicle is worth 4.1× the outstanding loan balance.
- Only 8 states require lenders to refund surplus auction proceeds to the borrower.
- Single-payment title-loan structures show 2.7× the default rate of installment-style title loans.
Single-pay, no cap
17.2%
Installment, no cap
11.1%
APR cap 36%
4.8%
Title loans prohibited
0%
Top 5 states by title-loan repossession rate
| State | Repo rate | Avg loan APR | Surplus refund required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 16.8% | 300% | No |
| Tennessee | 14.9% | 264% | Partial |
| Mississippi | 13.7% | 300% | No |
| Missouri | 12.6% | 243% | Yes |
| Alabama | 12.1% | 300% | No |
What it means
- Repossession is a feature of the single-payment title-loan business model, not an exception.
- Surplus-refund laws shift the worst-case outcome from catastrophic to merely painful.
- Switching to an installment-style title loan reduces default risk substantially when APR is similar.
Methodology
We compiled repossession data from state regulator filings in 14 disclosing states, NHTSA vehicle-value benchmarks, and CFPB Title Loan Market Report data through Q4 2025.
Sources
- CFPB Single-Payment Vehicle Title Loan Report
- Center for Responsible Lending Title Loan Research
- NCLC Auto Title Loan State Survey
Cite this study
CashCompassPro Research (2026). Title Loan Repossession Map. Retrieved from cashcompasspro.com/studies/title-loan-repossession-map-2026.
Related tools and guides
More studies
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions before you compare loan options or apply.