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America’s Car-Mart, Inc. is one of the largest publicly held automotive retailers in the United States. Company stock is traded on the NASDAQ exchange under the symbol ‘CRMT.’
Car-Mart specializes in helping customers to purchase and finance dependable used vehicles with affordable payment terms, whether you have good credit, challenged credit, no credit, previous repossession or bankruptcy. We work with our customers one on one from purchase to payoff and are able to help them stay on the road even when financial troubles occur. We have friendly and compassionate associates who care deeply about the success of our customers. Customers often tell us they feel like part of a family with Car-Mart.
Car-Mart opened the first store in Rogers, Arkansas in 1981. Today, we’ve expanded into 12 states with over 150 locations and have helped over half a million customers along the way.
Car-Mart headquarters are located in Rogers, Arkansas. We have more than 2,000 associates company-wide who work to serve our customers.
Car-Mart was founded by Bill Fleeman. Mr. Fleeman recognized the need to help credit-challenged customers get into affordable, quality, used vehicles. He bought a few cars and opened the first Car-Mart in 1981 in Rogers, Arkansas.
Car-Mart will continue to grow through strategic purchases and acquisitions. Legitimate inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
We offer customers two, stress-free ways to begin the financing process at Car-Mart:
Our associates will work closely with you to understand your current financial situation and budget. Four key areas for consideration are:
Customer satisfaction is our number one goal! Let us show you how easy it is to buy from Car-Mart.
No. If you are unsure and have not decided on a vehicle, a Car-Mart associate will work with you to help determine which vehicle will work best for your budget.
We know your time is valuable. It is recommended you bring the following items:
Customer satisfaction is our number one goal! Let us show you how easy it is to buy from America’s Car-Mart.
No. Your credit score will not be affected. Determining your pre-qualification terms will only generate a soft inquiry. Once a vehicle is selected and your official application is submitted, a hard credit inquiry may be made to a credit bureau that may affect your credit score.
Customer credit applications are good for 30 days.
Previous credit is reviewed to better understand your unique situation, but a traditional credit score is not used to determine financing. We understand you may not have a credit history or may have experienced credit challenges in the past. Our associates will work with you to understand your current financial situation and then develop a plan to fit your unique needs.
We report customer accounts to TransUnion and Experian Credit bureaus each month. As you make payments on time, it will have a positive impact on your credit score.
Colonial Auto Finance, Inc. the affiliated finance company for America’s Car-Mart, will issue a payment report to Experian credit bureau and TransUnion credit bureau each month. You will see the name ‘Colonial Auto Finance’ on your Experian credit report and Americas Car-Mart on your TransUnion credit report.
America’s Car-Mart only reports to Experian credit bureau and TransUnion credit bureau. If you do not see your account information, go to annualcreditreport.com and run a free credit report. If you still do not see your account information, print off your report and take it to your local Car-Mart dealership and a copy will be faxed to the Corporate Office Underwriting Department.
You can run a free credit report for all bureaus at annualcreditreport.com. You can run your credit report for free once every 12 months for each of the three (3) credit bureaus. Currently, all three (3) bureaus will allow you to run a free credit report once every week through April 20, 2022.
Payments are reported to the credit bureaus the month following the payment being made. Customer payment reports are uploaded around the 20th day of each month and detail the previous month’s payment history. Experian and TransUnion typically take about 48 hours to update a customer’s credit information once they receive a report.
We began reporting to Experian payment information for currently open accounts for February of 2013. Any accounts that were paid off, written off or repossessed prior to that are not included in reporting to this bureau. We also began reporting to TransUnion payment information for currently open accounts for October of 2017. Any accounts that were paid off, written off or repossessed prior to that are not included in reporting to this bureau.
All account and payment information will be reported on all customers on the account regardless of if they are the primary buyer or the co-buyer. All customers listed on the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sale Contract will have their account information reported to the credit bureaus.
No. America’s Car-Mart reports all information both positive and negative.
A signed contract termination form will be reported to the credit bureaus so they can delete the entire account from their records. No information good or bad will remain on the bureau report relating to this account.
At any time a car is parked on lot pending repossession, this information is sent to the credit bureaus. When the account is redeemed (e.g., you have picked back up on payments), the credit bureaus will reflect this information as well, but it may take up to a month to update. Even if the car was parked for a short time (e.g., parked and redeemed in the same day), when redeemed, a special comment will be added to the credit bureau report stating, “Redeemed Repossession”.
While your account is active, your account will report monthly. When your account has reached a final status, such as paid off, any negative information will fall off after seven (7) years from the date of the negative event. Positive credit will remain for ten (10) years from the date of last activity.
Car-Mart has specialized in affordable down payments since 1981. The down payment depends on the vehicle you choose, your credit application, as well as any promotion we may have going on during the month. Most of our dealerships also offer a lay-a-way plan that allows you to pay out your down payment. Check with your local Car-Mart manager for details.
In addition to low down payments, we also offer flexible financing with weekly, bi-weekly and monthly payment options that match your pay schedule.
Choose from one of the following convenient options:
Since 1981, Car-Mart has worked one on one with customers to provide transportation solutions during difficult situations. When you purchase a vehicle from Car-Mart you become part of our family. You will have a dedicated Account Representative that will help you with any difficulties that arise. Stop by or call your local Car-Mart immediately to set up an appointment to see your Account Representative or the General Manager for help with your situation. Customer success is a top priority.
You can find your account number on your America’s Car-Mart Sales Contract. You may also call any local dealership or Car-Mart Customer Care at 866.819.9944.
Your bank account will be charged for your payment in the next 1-3 business days.
Yes, all one-time payments made online or over the phone have a fee of $2.20.
The maximum payment amount per transaction is $2000.
We do finance customers who have had previous repossessions. We know that each customers situation is unique to them and your local Car-Mart manager will talk with you about the circumstances that led to the vehicle going back. Car-Mart will work with you to get you financed so you can begin to improve your credit.
Yes, and we can help. We know some people have experienced hardships in their lives, which makes it challenging to obtain financing. Just because you have experienced a bankruptcy in the past doesn’t mean you’re without financing options. We’ll sit down with you to understand your unique situation and determine what options may be available for you.
We will need to know the type of bankruptcy, the status (active, dismissed or discharged), the date filed and the reason for the filing. However, we do not finance those who are experiencing an active bankruptcy. Once the bankruptcy is dismissed or discharged, we will review your financial situation. Our overall goal is to get you in a vehicle and back on the road.
Bottom line, we believe that every person deserves to get into a vehicle they need and can afford, no matter their financial situation.
Customers must obtain liability or full coverage insurance as required by state law to purchase a vehicle at Car-Mart.
Proof of insurance must be presented at time-of-purchase. Insurance documents must include all of the following information:
Car-Mart does not provide or sell insurance for a vehicle.
This varies from state to state. The manager at your local Car-Mart will be able to answer this question.
Car-Mart will provide all the necessary paper work needed to get your used vehicle tagged and registered in a timely manner.
Yes, Car-Mart offers an optional Service Contract Plus Package – Get added protection for your purchase with our Silver, Gold or Platinum service contracts covering unexpected major mechanical repairs and receive roadside assistance and oil changes. *Service Contract Plus packages are based on the purchase price of the vehicle and may not be available at all locations. Check with your local Car-Mart dealer for details. Not available at this time in Illinois.
We also offer an optional Accident Protection Plan – This is a debt cancellation agreement that pays off the remaining debt on your vehicle in case of theft or accident that results in a total loss of the vehicle. *Not available in Indiana. Not available at this time in Illinois.
Car-Mart buys all types of makes and models of used cars.
Car-Mart does not charge to appraise your used vehicle.
A Car-Mart associate will evaluate the condition of the used vehicle and mileage.
You will need to bring your title, keys, registration, and payoff information if you are still paying on your vehicle.
You will have seven days to accept your Car-Mart offer.
Yes, you will have to sell or trade in your car at the same location that gives you an offer.
Yes. A Car-Mart associate will set up a convenient time to conduct your used vehicle appraisal.
Car-Mart offers special promotions from time to time. Promotions may be found on car-mart.com, our social media channels such as Facebook, and by speaking to your local dealership. Please reach out to your local dealership for additional information on specific promotions. You may go to https://www.car-mart.com/locations/ to find the contact information for the dealership nearest you.
If you’re not satisfied, we’re not satisfied. Car-Mart offers 100% Satisfaction with every purchase. If, within 7 days or less than 500 miles (whichever occurs first), you are unsatisfied with your vehicle for any reason, bring it back it us, and we’ll exchange your vehicle for another one of equal or lesser value. Our goal at Car-Mart is to put you in a vehicle that fits your needs, budget, and ultimate satisfaction – and ‘keep you on the road.’ Not available at this time in Illinois.
Yes. Your local Car-Mart will be available from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Saturday to answer your questions. You may also call Customer C.A.R.E at 866.819.9944 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Saturday to speak with a representative, or go to https://car-mart.com/contact and fill out our contact form. Of course, we always love it when our customers drop by in-person to see us.
Car-Mart obtains our vehicles from trade-ins, wholesale dealers, new car dealer trade-ins, and occasionally vehicle auctions.
Car-Mart inspects all our vehicles before we sell them. Our inspections are a two-step process. The initial inspection is made before the purchase by our experienced purchasing agents. Our purchasing agents look at tens of thousands of vehicles each month to find the best quality vehicles for our customers. The final inspection is made after the purchase by the management team at each Car-Mart dealership.
Car-Mart does not transfer vehicles between dealerships.
You may exchange a vehicle for a like-priced vehicle within a full 7 days from the date of the purchase or less than 500 miles whichever occurs first. Not available at this time in Illinois.
Yes, if the 7th day falls on a day the business is closed then time limit shall be 6pm of the next day the business is open.
You can verify the mileage by looking at your mileage listed on the odometer statement you received from the sale.
A down payment increase may be required when exchanging for a more expensive vehicle.
You will be allowed to exchange your vehicle one time per purchase under the 100% Satisfaction Program. Not available at this time in Illinois.
Contact your local dealership and they will be happy to help!
Car-Mart’s Accident Protection Plan is designed to cancel the remaining balance on your vehicle in the event of a total loss. The Accident Protection Plan is purchased at the time of sale. Not available at this time in Illinois.
Once you report a total loss or theft of your vehicle to America’s Car-Mart, we will ask you to provide details of the incident, insurance information, a police report, the vehicle’s location, and pictures of the vehicle. The Claims team will then work with you and the at-fault insurance (if any is involved) to obtain the best settlement possible for you.
You will be required to provide your insurance information, a police or theft report, the location of your vehicle, and pictures of the vehicle.
Your Accident Protection Plan claim will not automatically be approved by America’s Car-Mart. Your documents will need to be reviewed by the Claims team to determine if your claim is approved.
Accident Protection Plan claims are not automatically approved. All documentation will need to be reviewed by the Claims team to determine if your claim is approved.
You will not be entitled to the insurance proceeds, unless the insurance proceeds are greater than the payoff amount of your account. Insurance proceeds on a total loss will be applied to the outstanding balance on the account. If your insurance settlement pays more than your remaining balance on the vehicle, you will receive the difference.
You must turn over possession of the vehicle to the insurance company or America’s Car-Mart for an Accident Protection Plan claim to be approved and any outstanding balance canceled. In the event that the insurance proceeds for an owner retained settlement is greater than the amount owed, you may retain the vehicle.
You are required to file a theft report and provide a copy of the report to the Claims team. We do ask for a 21-day waiting period for the vehicle to be located or recovered before we are able to fully process the Accident Protection Plan.
In the event of a fire, the fire department and police must be contacted and a copy of the fire/police report must be provided to America’s Car-Mart.
Use of the vehicle for primarily commercial use is not covered by the Accident Protection Plan contract. If you are using the vehicle for delivery services such as Uber, Lyft, BiteSquad, etc., you need to carry a separate commercial use policy.
We do not have a waiting period for a new purchase because we understand that everyone needs reliable transportation and needs to get to work, school, etc. on a daily basis. Contact your local America’s Car-Mart location to discuss your options.
The available Service Contract Plus package is based on the purchase price of the vehicle purchased. Not available at this time in Illinois.
Please review your Service Contract Plus agreement provided at the close of the sale for details on covered repairs, limitations and exclusions. You may also contact your local Car-Mart dealership or Customer C.A.R.E at (866) 819-9944 for more details.
Immediately contact a member of Car-Mart management at the dealership where you purchased your vehicle or Customer C.A.R.E at (866) 819-9944
First, you may contact Car-Mart management at your local dealership or Customer C.A.R.E. at 866.819.9944. Next, take your vehicle to your local Car-Mart dealership and provide a diagnostic report listing the mechanical issues.
There is no cost for submitting a claim.
A $75 deductible applies to each approved Service Contract Plus claim.
The Service Contract Plus term may not be extended after purchase.
If you sell, trade or total your vehicle before your agreement term expires, then Car-Mart will issue a credit towards your account for a pro-rated balance.
Please reference the manufacturers service guidelines. Most vehicles using conventional oil requires an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and 5,000 to 10,000 miles for vehicles using synthetic oil.
Please call Customer C.A.R.E at 1-866-819-9944 for remaining vehicle oil changes.
A complete list of in-network oil change providers is available on car-mart.com or call Customer C.A.R.E at 1-866-819-9944. Be sure to mention that your Auto Integrate ID is ‘America’s Car-Mart.’
You will receive The Good Sam membership kit that includes the following:
There are two ways to receive your Good Sam membership kit. The first way is through the U.S. Postal Service. Please allow 7 to 14 days for receipt. If a valid email address was provided, then please allow 24 to 48 hours.
You may call Good Sam Roadside Assistance at 1-866-250-5883 for assistance.
Good Sam Roadside Assistance is available 24/7, 365 days out of the year.
Your Good Sam Roadside Assistance only applies to your vehicle purchased from Car-Mart.
Your vehicle will be towed to the closest certified mechanic. If you choose to have your vehicle towed to a location beyond the designated point, the cost incurred will be the responsibility of the vehicle owner. Please refer to your Good Sam Roadside Assistance terms and conditions.
Your Good Sam Roadside Assistance is unlimited for the life of the Service Contract Plus term as long as your use complies with Good Sam Roadside terms and conditions.
If no Social Security Number is available, we accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number also known as “ITIN”. We also accept a valid passport or other foreign government photo ID.
Since our beginning, America’s Car-Mart has worked individually with customers to provide transportation solutions during difficult situations. When you purchase a vehicle from Car-Mart you become part of our family. And, we will work with you throughout the duration of your contract. Your dedicated Account Representative or a member of management will help you with any challenges that arise in your life. Call your local Car-Mart immediately to schedule a time to speak with your Account Representative or the General Manager for help with your situation. You may also call Customer C.A.R.E at 866-819-9944 Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT. We are here to help you and customer success is our top priority.
At Car-Mart, our mission is about earning your repeat business and keeping you in your vehicle. We understand that this is an unprecedented time in our country right now. We are hyper-focused on clean facilities and the safety of our associates and customers. We are set up to help customers remotely through our website and by phone for those that are unable or uneasy about coming into their local dealership. For us, right now the most important thing is COMMUNICATION. We are deeply committed to taking care of you and keeping every customer in their vehicle. Please reach out to us and allow us to help you during this time.
The down payment depends on the vehicle you choose, your credit application information, and any promotion we may have going on during the month. Most of our dealerships also offer a lay-a-way plan that allows you to pay out your down payment. Please give us a call or stop by your local Car-Mart. We are ready to work with you.
We are currently open for business as our customers and communities need us now more than ever. We are regularly checking local, state and national reports on the developing impact of COVID-19 and based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization and applicable public health agencies, we have developed plans and established a task force that will allow us to respond timely and appropriately. If closures become our only option, we will notify our associates and current customers. You may also call our Customer Care team at 866-819-9944 Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST. for the latest updates. Again, we will work with our customers to help them through these challenging times.
We have enhanced our cleaning and sanitization efforts in our stores, corporate office and vehicles. We are frequently disinfecting high-touched surfaces such as door handles, countertops, keypads and restroom surfaces, as well as vehicle door handles and steering wheels. In these efforts, we are advising our Associates to use disposable gloves, disinfectant spray and cleaning solutions.
You can call your local dealership directly or our Customer Care line is open Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. -6 p.m. at 866-819-9944.
You may contact us online using our chat/text feature or Contact Us form and a member of our Customer Care team will reply to you the next business day in the order we received your inquiry. https://www.car-mart.com/contact-us/
Please reach out to your Account Representative and they can review the file and make a determination. We are happy to work with you during this time and we would like to have an honest discussion about the impact this situation is having on your personal situation.
This fee is administered by a third-party processing company (Repay), and we cannot waive the fee at this time. You may set up recurring payments free of charge for convenience using your bank account and our Auto Pay feature. Please visit https://www.car-mart.com/make-a-payment/ to sign up. You may also use our night drop box at the dealership or visit over 15,000 CheckFreePay locations, including Walmart.
Payment structures are determined on a case-by-case basis at your local dealership. Please work with your Account Representative to determine a long-term solution. We are here to help our customers and communities.