Exeter Finance is a prominent subprime auto finance company headquartered in Irving, Texas. Founded in 2006, it specializes in providing financing solutions to individuals with less-than-perfect credit who are seeking to purchase a vehicle. The company operates nationwide, partnering with franchised and independent auto dealerships to facilitate car loans for consumers who might not qualify for traditional bank or credit union financing.
The business model of Exeter Finance revolves around assessing risk and offering loan products tailored to the subprime market. They utilize proprietary scoring models and analytics to evaluate applicants, taking into account factors such as credit history, employment stability, and debt-to-income ratio. This allows them to extend credit to individuals who may have experienced past financial challenges, such as bankruptcies, repossessions, or late payments.
Exeter Finance provides indirect auto loans, meaning they don’t directly lend to consumers. Instead, they work through a network of dealerships. When a customer with subprime credit seeks financing at a participating dealership, the dealership submits the loan application to Exeter. If approved, Exeter purchases the loan from the dealership, assuming the responsibility for servicing the loan and collecting payments from the borrower.
The company has experienced significant growth over the years, becoming a major player in the subprime auto lending industry. This growth has been fueled by the consistent demand for vehicle financing, even among individuals with credit challenges. However, the subprime auto loan market is also subject to scrutiny, particularly regarding lending practices and the potential for high default rates.
Exeter Finance, like other subprime lenders, faces the challenge of balancing profitability with responsible lending. They have implemented compliance programs and risk management strategies aimed at mitigating potential losses and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements. The company also emphasizes customer service, providing borrowers with various payment options and resources to help them manage their loans effectively.
The company’s presence in Irving, Texas, contributes to the local economy by providing jobs and generating revenue. Exeter Finance is a significant employer in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering opportunities in areas such as loan origination, credit analysis, collections, and customer service.
In conclusion, Exeter Finance plays a crucial role in the auto finance ecosystem by providing access to vehicle financing for individuals with subprime credit. While the subprime lending market presents unique challenges, Exeter Finance continues to adapt and refine its strategies to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and meet the needs of both dealerships and borrowers.