Let me first preface this review by saying pawning your car title for quick cash is NEVER a good idea. However, if you must, make certain it is your absolute LAST RESORT and that you have the ability to pay it back. If not, your car WILL be taken! With that being said, I knew all of this from the beginning, but I was in a serious need for cash and I did not want to borrow from friends or family. Also, I am entitled to disabled veteran benefits, so I get a check every month.
So I went to this TitleMax office thinking the worst because I had to pawn my car title. To tell the truth, the procedure wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. When you first walk in there are a couple of tables with separations and a computer at each separation. I'll say there are about 6 stations. There is a little waiting area with chairs directly across from the stations, but truthfully, I have never had to wait longer than 5 minutes. Once you sit down at a station, the representative goes over the terms of your loan. They work with you on an agreeable amount and they are very patient and understanding. Afterwards, they go and physically check your car. Make sure you walk out there with them when they do. They turn it on, check your mileage and assess any prior cosmetic damage. Then they quote how much they think your car is worth and you come to terms and sign an agreement. Mind you, the interest is SUPER high, so it's best to pay as much as you can as quickly as you can to avoid all those extra fees. The good thing about that is they explain that to you before you even sign the paperwork.
I had a mishap where I had to go to the hospital and wasn't able to pay on time and they did take my car. I called in a fury and they kindly explained they did try to notify me ahead of time. That may be true because I did not get all my calls while I was in the hospital. When I told them what was going on, they were very sympathetic, but they could not release the car to me until the past due payments were made. They had already cleaned out my car to sell for auction in 3 days. I told them I could make the payment in 5 days and not to sell my car and it was agreed. Once I made the past due payments, I asked if they would tow it to my parents house since I had no car. They initially said no, but told me they could tow it to a TitleMax location near there. They did, and I got my car back with no problems.
BOTTOM LINE: It was an unfortunate incident, but they were very nice and helpful. I don't recommend going to any title pawn place, but if I did I would only go to this one. read more
