Collateral is something, a possession, that the borrower pledges as security when taking out a new loan. If that person defaults, i.e., fails to pay back the money, the lender can seize that item.
The protection that the borrower’s collateral provides typically allows banks and other lenders to lend at lower interest rates. In many cases, the interest rate is several percentage points lower, depending on the value and type of collateral.
Collateral – secured loans
In a secured loan arrangement, the borrower needs to put up an asset such as, for example, a vehicle, house, or boat as collateral or security. If they default, the lender can legally seize that asset as it attempts to recover the money it lent.
In the event of default, the borrower not only risks losing the collateral but may also face legal consequences, including lawsuits or credit score damage, which can affect their ability to secure future loans.
We call the lender’s claim to the borrower’s collateral a lien.
Advantages of using collateral
For the lender
- Their money is safe.
- They can sell the asset to fulfill the debt.
- There is pressure on the borrower to repay (not to lose the asset).
For the borrower
- Makes it easier to get a loan.
- Forces repayment discipline.
- Helps build borrowers’ credit score.
- More attractive interest rates.
Lenders conduct a thorough risk assessment of the collateral’s value and condition to ensure it can adequately cover the loan amount in case of default.
Title loans
If somebody needs a loan, but maybe their credit score is not high enough for the quantity they require, they may consider going for a title loan. In this type of borrowing, applicants use their vehicle as security. In this article, the words security and collateral have the same meaning.
Title loan lenders generally charge very high interest rates. Most financial experts would not advise their clients to apply for title loans.
Etymology of collateral
Etymology refers to the study of the origin of a word or phrase and how its meaning has evolved over time.
The term collateral first appeared in the English language in the 1510s, with the meaning associate or colleague.
It was not until 1832 when it acquired the meaning something of value given as security. At the time, in American English, the term collateral security referred to an asset (property) given to secure the performance of a contract.
Other meanings
Collateral Branch
A subsidiary or secondary branch of a larger company, organization, or family. In a familial context, it might refer to a family line that descends from a common ancestor but is not directly in the primary lineage.
Connected but less important
When discussing meanings – as in ‘the collateral sense of a word’ – we are talking about something that is connected but less important.
Collateral Damage
A military term meaning ‘unintended damage.’ Let’s say that you aim a missile at a building which is the headquarters of a terrorist organization. The missile destroys the building but also kills three innocent pedestrians who were nearby. You would refer to those innocent pedestrian as ‘collateral damage.’
Collateral Learning
Learning that occurs indirectly or unintentionally while studying something. If I enroll into a French language course, my aim is to learn or improve my oral and written French, and also my listening comprehension. However, during the course, I will probably learn about French culture, history, and the geography of the country. This secondary learning is called ‘collateral learning.’
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