Volkswagen Wants to Make Coronavirus Car Buying Less Terrifying

Volkswagen has decided to waive up to six months of payments for customers who lost their jobs due to the economic complications of the coronavirus pandemic. Of course, there’s a catch. Customers have to qualify for VW’s expansion of its “Community-Driven Promise” and must have recently purchased a new vehicle, though avenues exist to help existing customers who aren’t brazen enough to buy a new car after a viral outbreak.

The manufacturer previously said it would defer payments up to 90 days for existing Volkswagen Credit (VCI) customers affected by the economic crisis. While most automakers are trying to sweeten the pot while demand is down, deals and relief packages have rolled out pretty gradually. By contrast, VW seems to be doing quite a bit all at once — here’s how one goes about getting into those programs.

To qualify for the deferments, customers need a decent credit history and must have lost their jobs within the first 90 days of taking ownership on a new VW model. They also must be the recipient of unemployment benefits and have to prove they were cut over economic reasons — throwing a fit and quitting won’t work. While the car could be purchased (not leased) anytime within a 12-month window, interested parties must also prove they’ve been employed full time for at least 12 weeks prior to their termination.

Those stipulations will probably limit the number of takers. But with many Americans out of work right now, VW may still find plenty of applicants. The ones that qualify will see VW waiving up to six months worth of payments, up to $750 per month.

Earlier in the month, the manufacturer launched its Community-Driven Promise initiative aimed at keeping VCI customers from defaulting. It includes deferments of up to 90 days, along with 72-month/zero-interest loans and lease extensions of up to six months. The program only lasts through the end of April, so those wondering if they’re eligible should hit up VW to see all available offers.

If Volkswagen isn’t your brand, most automakers’ financial arms are offering some form of payment relief — most of which expire within a similar time frame. Honda, Acura, Kia, Hyundai and Mitsubishi all have deferment deals of their own. Of course, you may be able to negotiate something with your own auto lender if you’re proactive and jobless. Just remember that interest will continue to accrue during the deferral period, likely leaving you paying more in the long term.

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