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Home / Loans / Caribou Auto Refinance Review: Pros And Cons

Caribou Auto Refinance Review: Pros And Cons

Updated: October 14, 2024 By Robert Farrington | 6 Min Read Leave a Comment

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Caribou Review | Source: The College Investor

Source: The College Investor

Caribou is a platform that helps you refinance your auto loan by quickly letting you compare different offers.

Everyone loves to save money.  So who wouldn’t want to save on their auto expenses each month? 

Most would love to save money on auto payments and car insurance. But the sometimes time-consuming process stands in the way of many would-be savers.

That’s where Caribou can step in to help! You’ll be able to easily find a refinancing option that offers savings on your auto loan. Plus, you can find savings on your car insurance as well. Let’s take a closer look at what Caribou has to offer. 


Caribou

Quick Summary

  • Instantly compare rates to find the best deal in minutes
  • Save money by refinancing your auto loan
  • Ability to compare auto insurance rates
GET A QUOTE

What Is Caribou?

Caribou was originally launched as MotoRefi in 2016. MotoRefi had the goal of helping customers save money with a painless auto refinance option. Since its founding, the company has helped over 75,000 customers save over $125 million in interest payments for car loans. 

But eventually, the company transitioned its brand to Caribou. The brand change reflected an expanded number of opportunities to save. In addition to saving money through an auto refinance, you can explore other auto-related expenses such as insurance.

What Does It Offer?

Caribou offers several ways for you to save money on your auto expenses. Here’s what the company can offer you. 

Auto Loan Refinancing

If you are paying too much for your auto loan, then you’ll be able to narrow down your choices to the most affordable option with Caribou. 

You’ll need to provide a few pieces of information about your vehicle and your financial situation. From there, Caribou will present the most affordable options for your situation. Depending on your loan details, you may be able to save thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your loan. 

Importantly, your credit score won’t be impacted by checking your rates. In fact, you won’t even need to provide your Social Security Number⁺. However, your credit score will be affected if you choose to move forward with a loan product. 

Caribou review: how much can you save screenshot | Source: Caribou

Source: Caribou

Car Insurance

Car insurance is another big expense associated with owning a vehicle. Although car insurance is essentially unavoidable, you may be overpaying. The good news is that you can work with Caribou to find a more affordable car insurance rate. 

Again, Caribou will use your information to find the best available deal. From there, you can decide whether or not to make the switch.

Make Two Money-Moves In One Spot

If you want to save money, refinancing your auto loan and searching around for the right insurance are both good moves. But making the time to check out your loan refinance options and find a better car insurance rate may be too time-consuming. 

But when working with Caribou, you’ll be able to tackle both tasks in a matter of minutes. The streamlined nature of this option makes it a great choice. 

Are There Any Fees?

If you work with Caribou, there may be fees involved. Technically, Caribou charges the lender a $399 processing fee. But in many cases, that fee may be passed along to the borrower. 

That’s a substantial fee to keep in mind. Before moving forward with a loan product, read the fine print to determine if the lender you want to work with charges additional fees.

How Does Caribou Compare?

Caribou is not the only option to compare auto loan refinance or car insurance options. But the fact that it offers both comparison tools in the same place sets it apart. 

If you want to compare auto refinance options, LendingTree is a good choice. But if you want to compare auto insurance options, the Gabi is a better fit.

How Do I Open An Account?

You can get started with Caribou to compare auto refinance options by selecting ‘Check your rate for free!’. Once at the application page, you’ll need to provide your name, email, phone number, date of birth, residency status, and information about any co-borrowers. 

Beyond your personal information, you’ll need to share some details about your vehicle, including the VIN, license plate number, and make/model. With that information, you should find your car refinance options shortly. 

You can choose whether or not to move forward with the available loan products. Each lender will request additional information.

Is It Safe And Secure?

Caribou shares your information with lenders while searching for the best loan rate. However, they will not do so without your knowledge and consent. Although your information is shared, the result of finding a better loan might be worth it. 

How Do I Contact Caribou?

You can contact Caribou via email at contact@gocaribou.com. Additionally, you can call 1-877-445-0070 from Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM EST and Saturday to Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM EST.

If you prefer to get in touch via social media, the company is available on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook @gocaribou. Plus, Instagram @go_caribou.

You can expect a positive customer experience because Caribou has earned 4.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on over 600 reviews. Additionally, the company has earned an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.

Is It Worth It?

Caribou offers an opportunity to potentially save money on your auto loan. If you want to find a way to save on this loan, then Caribou is worthwhile. Plus, you can explore your car insurance options to potentially find more savings.

Without a hard credit pull, it won’t hurt to explore your options. Ready to give Caribou a try? Get started today!

Caribou Features

Account Types

  • Auto Refinance
  • Auto Insurance

Minimum Credit Score

650+

Maximum Loan Amount

Not Disclosed

APR

5.48% to 36.00% APR**

Lender Fees

Processing Fee: $399

Application Processing Time

Up to 24 Hours

Customer Service Number

877-445-0070

Customer Service Hours

Monday-Friday: 9 AM-9 PM (EST)

Saturday-Sunday: 9 AM-4 PM (EST)

NMLS

#1746612

Promotions

None

Disclosures

* This information is estimated based on consumers who were approved for an auto refinance loan through Caribou on or after 1/1/2022, had an existing auto loan on their credit report, and accepted their final terms. As of10/14/2024, borrowers who refinance save an average of $130 per month. Refinance savings may result from a lower interest rate, longer term, or both. There is no guarantee of savings. Your actual savings, if any, may vary based on interest rates, the repayment term, the amount financed, and other factors.

+ To check the refinance rates and terms you qualify for, we conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a loan product and continue your application, we or one of our lending partners will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

  • ++ Social security number is required should you choose to move forward in the loan application process.

  • ** APR is the Annual Percentage Rate. Your actual APR may be different. Your APR is based on multiple factors including your credit profile and the loan to value of the vehicle. APR ranges from 5.48% to 36.00% and is determined at the time of application. Lowest APR is based on loan amount of $45,000, 36-month term, and is available to borrowers with excellent credit and only in certain states. Conditions apply. Advertised rates and fees are valid as of 10/14/2024 and are subject to change without notice. Insurance savings will not result from lower APR. 

    Caribou Review
    • Features
    • Tools
    • Pricing
    • Customer Service
    Overall
    3.5

    Summary

    Caribou allows you to save money on your vehicle by offering auto loan refinancing and car insurance comparison options.

    Pros

    • Soft credit check to explore options
    • No Social Security number required to see options
    • Streamlined online application

    Cons

    • Expensive processing fee
    • Get A Quote
    Robert Farrington
    Robert Farrington

    Robert Farrington is America’s Millennial Money Expert® and America’s Student Loan Debt Expert™, and the founder of The College Investor, a personal finance site dedicated to helping millennials escape student loan debt to start investing and building wealth for the future. You can learn more about him on the About Page or on his personal site RobertFarrington.com.

    He regularly writes about investing, student loan debt, and general personal finance topics geared toward anyone wanting to earn more, get out of debt, and start building wealth for the future.

    He has been quoted in major publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, ABC, NBC, Today, and more. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes.

    Editor: Claire Tak Reviewed by: Colin Graves

    Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, or other advertiser and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
    Comment Policy: We invite readers to respond with questions or comments. Comments may be held for moderation and are subject to approval. Comments are solely the opinions of their authors'. The responses in the comments below are not provided or commissioned by any advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any company. It is not anyone's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
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