A dealer financing customers directly typically uses a retail instalment contract or promissory note, a security agreement, a pre-authorised debit or auto-pay authorisation, insurance and lien documents, and later payment reminders, right-to-cure and repossession notices. The legal requirements for each are strict and local, so use forms that match your jurisdiction and have them reviewed.
The documents
| Stage | Document |
|---|---|
| Before | Credit application, credit check authorisation, risk-based pricing notice (where required) |
| At sale | Retail instalment contract, promissory note, security agreement, co-signer agreement, insurance agreement |
| Payments | Pre-authorised debit or ACH / auto-pay authorisation |
| If late | Payment reminder / late notice, right to cure / default notice |
| If default | Repossession notice, lien registration and discharge |
Why care is needed
Consumer-credit rules are among the most regulated parts of the business. Disclosure of rates and fees, notice periods and repossession procedures vary by jurisdiction and have strict penalties for getting them wrong.
Where Dealer Garage helps
Dealer Garage's set includes these documents, filled from the deal and customer record. It does not manage payments or collections; it produces the paperwork. See dealer paperwork forms.
Why every document matters
If a loan goes bad, the dealer's position rests on the paperwork: a signed contract, a properly perfected security interest and proper notices. A missing signature or a late notice can cost far more than the paperwork took to do.
Questions people ask
Does Dealer Garage track instalment payments?
No. It produces the documents; payment collection is outside the app.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ by state, province and territory and change over time; confirm what applies to you with your regulator or a qualified adviser.
Try Dealer Garage
Dealer Garage is installable dealer management software for independent used-car dealers in the US and Canada: inventory, leads, deals, dealer paperwork, Facebook Marketplace posting and email campaigns, with records stored on the dealership's own computer..