BY | December 12, 2021

If you’ve landed on this page, you must currently be wondering whether or not it’s possible to use a car title to pay for your bail bond.

The quick answer: yes, sometimes you can use a car title to pay for your bail bond. However, there are some rules and regulations you should know about before you attempt to try this payment method.

2023 Updates: While this article explores the past practice of utilizing car and vehicle titles as collateral for bail bonds, it's important to note that recent developments have changed this landscape. Following the COVID-19 pandemic's onset, most bail bond companies, including 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, have transitioned to phone and online transactions, making this method less common. At 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, we usually do not accept car or vehicle titles as collateral for bail bonds, as most bail bonds in California typically don't demand such collateral. We assess each bail bond situation individually. For a complimentary price quote and bail details, please reach out to us.

At 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to feel well educated on this issue. As such, we’ve put together this resource to assist you. After taking a look at the following information, let us know if you have any questions—we’d be happy to answer them for you.

Car Titles for Bail Bonds: What You Need to Know

Depending on your specific situation (when and where you’re arrested), using your car title as collateral for a bail bond loan may be necessary.

First, you should know that to use your car as collateral for a bail bond loan:

• You need to own the car
• You need the title to the car
• You cannot currently be making payments on the car
• Your car must be running
• Your car must be in decent condition
• You need to have current registration
• You need to have current insurance
• Your car must be locally owned
• Your car must have a value equal to the amount of the loan

Please note that if your car isn’t paid off, if it’s in bad condition, or doesn’t have current registration or insurance, then it won’t qualify as collateral for your bail bond. Though classic and high-end cars are typically preferred when using a car title for a bond, other vehicles will still be considered as long as they meet all the requirements listed above.

Additionally, you should know that using a car title as collateral for a bond is meant to only be a temporary solution. Oftentimes, this method is used to secure a bond over the weekend or during a holiday and will not likely work for the full term of the loan.

If you’re considering using a car title for a bail bond, contact our bail bond agents today by calling 800-930-8999. This will allow you to share more information with us about your situation, allowing us to determine if you qualify for this method of payment or not. During this time, we can also talk to you about payment plans and other payment options we have available.

What Other Types of Payment Are Acceptable?

For your convenience, we accept a wide range of payments for our services. We fully understand how difficult this time can be for you; we want to make the bail process as fast and smooth as possible.

As such, when it comes to paying for your bail bond, we accept the following:

• Credit Cards
• Debit Cards
• Cash
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Zelle
• Bank Transfers

Additionally, you can make a bail payment online or over the phone—whichever works best for you.

What Are the Different Types of Bonds?

In the State of California, there are different types of bonds, including:

• Cash Bond—Bail is paid for in full with cash, a certified check, credit or debit card, or a money order
• Surety Bond—A surety bond refers to when a family or friend contacts a bail bond agency to help get a defendant out of jail via a bond
• Property Bond—Property is pledged to the court on behalf of the defendant, much like a lien, and held until the end of the case
• Own Recognizance—When a judge allows the defendant to be released from jail without bail
• Federal Immigration—Federal bonds are necessary when a defendant is detained by the Immigration and Naturalization Service; these bonds have the highest bail bond fee percentage

How Much Do Bail Bonds Costs?

The price of a bail bond is determined by various factors, such as location, the nature of the charge, and prior offenses. However, in most cases, the cost of the bond is between seven and ten percent of the bail amount.

Please note that when it comes to bail bonds, we offer free price quotes and payment plans, as well as discounts for all members of the military.

How Does the Bail Process Work?

Bail bond agencies, like 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds, are generally available for you to contact twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This makes sense, as arrests can happen during any time of the day or night.

Once it’s been determined that a bail bond will be used to get the defendant out of jail, paperwork will need to be signed. This paperwork details the collateral used to purchase the bond, the fees involved, and who is responsible for ensuring the defendant shows up to all court proceedings.

For the bail agent to set up the bond, the agent will need the full name of the defendant, the booking number, the charge or charges the defendant is facing, and the location of the jail. Then, the bail agent will bond the defendant out of jail. This entire process can take several hours, depending on how busy the jail is.

If the defendant fails to show up to his or her court proceedings, the person who took out the bail bond stands to lose their collateral and faces additional penalties.

Ready to Contact 24 Hour Online Bail Bonds for Help?

We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family. You don’t have to face it alone, though. We are here to help you move on with your life and without judgment or criticism. Further, we always keep our client’s information safe and secure. We provide discrete, confidential services and never share information with any outside agencies.

Remember, we offer fast and easy payment plans. In many cases, collateral isn't even needed. We'll beat most advertised prices, can be reached 24/7 by phone or online, and offer military discounts on bail bonds.

If you still have questions or concerns about using a car title for a bail bond or would like to speak to an agent about securing a bail bond, please contact us now.