In NS, what should I know about using a co-signer for car loans?
In Nova Scotia, utilizing a co-signer for a car loan can significantly enhance your approval prospects and help secure more favourable interest rates, particularly if you have a limited credit history or a lower credit score. Lenders view a co-signer as an additional layer of security, mitigating their risk, which is especially pertinent in the current (2025) lending environment characterized by potentially higher interest rates and stricter credit approval criteria across Canada. However, it is crucial for the co-signer to understand they are equally and fully responsible for the entire debt; this means if the primary borrower defaults on payments, the lender can legally pursue the co-signer for all outstanding amounts, including the full principal, interest, and any associated fees. This joint and several liability means the loan will appear on both credit reports, and any missed payments will negatively impact the co-signer's credit score, potentially affecting their own future borrowing capacity. Therefore, both parties in NS, as with any Canadian province, must thoroughly understand the long-term financial commitment and potential ramifications before entering into such an agreement.