Bridgecrest does not have a formal skip-a-payment program
Bridgecrest, a subprime auto lender owned by Santander Consumer USA, does not offer a standard payment skip or deferral option that you can request in advance. Unlike some lenders that allow you to skip one or two payments per year as a built-in feature, Bridgecrest handles payment relief on a case-by-case basis through their loss mitigation department.
If you cannot make a payment, you need to contact Bridgecrest directly before the payment is due. The company may work with you on a temporary arrangement, but there is no may provide skip period or timeline. What happens depends on your account history, the reason for the hardship, and what Bridgecrest's loss mitigation team decides is possible in your situation.
This matters because waiting until after a payment is late can limit your options and damage your credit report. The difference between calling ahead and missing a payment is the difference between a possible arrangement and a reported delinquency.
Key Takeaways
- Bridgecrest does not have a published skip-a-payment program; payment relief requires contacting their loss mitigation department before your payment is due.
- Any arrangement Bridgecrest offers is negotiated individually and is not may provide—it depends on your account history and the reason for your hardship.
- Calling before a payment is due gives you a chance at a temporary arrangement; missing the payment and calling after will likely result in a late report to credit bureaus.
- If Bridgecrest cannot skip a payment, they may offer a loan modification, a temporary payment reduction, or a deferral that adds missed payments to the end of your loan term.
How to contact Bridgecrest about payment trouble
Call Bridgecrest's customer service line as soon as you know you cannot make a payment. The phone number is on your loan documents, your monthly statement, or the Bridgecrest website. When you call, ask to speak with someone in loss mitigation or hardship services—do not just explain the problem to the first representative who answers.
Be ready to explain why you cannot pay: job loss, medical emergency, reduced hours, or another concrete reason. Vague requests are less likely to result in an arrangement. Have your account number and loan details ready, and be clear about whether this is a one-time problem or an ongoing hardship.
Bridgecrest may ask for documentation—a termination letter, medical bills, a bank statement showing reduced income, or proof of unemployment benefits. Providing this upfront speeds up the process and shows you are serious about working out a solution.
What Bridgecrest might offer instead of a skip
If Bridgecrest cannot skip a payment outright, they may offer a loan modification, which changes the terms of your loan. This could mean extending the loan term (spreading payments over more months) to lower your monthly payment, or it could mean restructuring what you owe. A modification stays on your credit report but is less damaging than a delinquency.
Another option is a temporary payment reduction—paying a smaller amount for one or two months while you get back on your feet, then resuming your normal payment. This is not the same as skipping; you are still making a payment, just a reduced one.
A deferral is also possible, though it is less common with Bridgecrest than with some other lenders. A deferral postpones one or more payments and adds them to the end of your loan. So if you defer a $400 payment, you owe that $400 at the end of the loan term instead of now. This keeps you current on your account but extends how long you will be paying.
The cost of missing a payment without calling ahead
If you miss a payment without contacting Bridgecrest first, the lender will report the delinquency to the credit bureaus after 30 days. This stays on your credit report for seven years and will lower your credit score significantly. A single 30-day late payment can drop your score by 100 points or more, depending on where you started.
After 60 days, Bridgecrest may accelerate the loan, meaning they demand the full remaining balance when ready. After 120 days, they can repossess the vehicle. Even if you catch up later, the late payments remain on your report and affect your ability to borrow for years.
Calling before the payment is due does not may provide you will avoid a late report, but it gives you a real chance at an arrangement that keeps you current. Once the payment is late, your options narrow and the damage to your credit is already done.
What to do if Bridgecrest denies your request
If Bridgecrest's loss mitigation team says no to a skip or modification, ask what options remain. Some lenders will reconsider if you provide additional documentation or if your situation changes. You can also ask whether refinancing with another lender is possible, though with a subprime loan and a recent hardship, that may be difficult.
If you are facing repossession, contact a legal aid organization in your state or a nonprofit credit counselor. Some states have laws that limit when a lender can repossess, and some counselors can negotiate on your behalf. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offers free or low-cost counseling and can connect you with local resources.
Do not ignore the problem. Even if Bridgecrest will not work with you, staying in contact and showing effort to pay keeps the door open for future arrangements and may slow down collection action.
How Bridgecrest's loss mitigation process works
When you call and request help, Bridgecrest's loss mitigation team reviews your account. They look at how long you have been with the company, whether you have been on time with payments, and whether you have used hardship options before. A customer with a clean payment history for two years will get more consideration than someone who is already behind or who has had multiple late payments.
The team also considers the reason for your hardship. A temporary job loss is treated differently from a permanent disability or a medical crisis. If your hardship is temporary and you can show a clear path back to normal payments, you are more likely to get help.
The process typically takes a few days to a week. Bridgecrest will call or email you with a decision and explain what they can offer. If they approve an arrangement, get it in writing before you rely on it. Do not assume a verbal agreement is final until you have confirmation in your account or in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip a payment if I have never been late before?
A clean payment history helps your case, but Bridgecrest does not automatically grant skips based on that alone. You still need to call loss mitigation and explain your hardship. A good history makes them more willing to work with you, but the decision depends on the reason you cannot pay and what Bridgecrest's team decides is reasonable.
What happens if I skip a payment without asking Bridgecrest first?
Bridgecrest will report the missed payment to credit bureaus after 30 days. This damages your credit score and stays on your report for seven years. After 120 days, the lender can repossess your vehicle. Calling before the payment is due gives you a chance to avoid this outcome.
If Bridgecrest defers my payment, do I still owe it?
Yes. A deferral postpones the payment and adds it to the end of your loan term. You are not skipping the money; you are moving when you pay it. This keeps your account current but means you will be paying longer overall.
Can I request a skip more than once?
Bridgecrest may allow multiple arrangements over the life of your loan, but each request is reviewed separately. Using hardship options repeatedly can make future requests harder to approve, so use them only when you genuinely need them.
What if I cannot reach Bridgecrest's loss mitigation team?
Keep calling the main customer service line and ask specifically for loss mitigation or hardship services. If you are having trouble reaching them, send a written request by mail to the address on your statement. Written requests create a paper trail and sometimes get faster attention than phone calls.