Car Loan Glossary ab

In AB, what should I know about loan-to-value (LTV) for car loans?

In Alberta, Loan-to-Value (LTV) for a car loan is calculated by dividing the total amount financed by the vehicle's appraised market value. Lenders utilize LTV as a primary risk assessment metric, indicating their exposure against the collateral's worth. While no specific LTV caps are provincially mandated, Canadian lenders typically cap new vehicle loans around 100-120% (to accommodate GST and fees) and often lower for used vehicles, generally 90-100% of wholesale or retail value, depending on the vehicle's age and condition. A key provincial nuance in Alberta is the absence of provincial sales tax, meaning only GST is added to the vehicle price, which can result in a comparatively lower LTV for the same vehicle price than in provinces with PST. For you, a consumer, understanding LTV is crucial because a lower LTV often leads to better interest rates, easier loan approval, and reduces the risk of being "upside down" on your loan - owing more than the car is worth - which is particularly relevant in the potentially volatile used car market of 2025. Making a substantial down payment or having significant trade-in equity directly lowers your LTV, signaling less risk to the lender.

References:

Related Topics: ab province topic

Need more help?

Explore our full glossary or get in touch with our financing experts.

Top