When a first-time car buyer walked into VyStar’s Tallahassee Mahan branch with a strict $400 monthly budget, they quickly found out that VyStar employee Ben was along for the ride.
Ben secured a 90% loan-to-value (LTV) approval and didn’t stop there. He spent weeks helping the member research vehicles, compare options and calculate payments, all while keeping their financials goals in mind.
That hard work and persistence paid off when they found the right car at the right price, turning a potentially challenging situation into a milestone moment.
“Thanks to Ben’s dedication, the member drove away in the car they truly wanted, feeling confident and supported,” said Steve, the Tallahassee Mahan Assistant Branch Manager.
Ben’s dedication is just one example of how VyStar employees have helped members secure reliable, cost-effective transportation. From lowering interest rates to explaining protections, our employees pair financial expertise with friendly guidance, ensuring that members can find both the vehicle and loan that fit their lives.
Auto Refinancing That Saves Big
For many members, refinancing — replacing an existing loan with a new one at a lower rate or better terms — can provide much needed breathing room in the budget.
When one member was stuck with an auto loan rate of 18.59% from another lender, Brittney at our Tallahassee Capital Circle branch walked alongside him for six months as he rebuilt his credit. He eventually refinanced to 7.89%, lowering his monthly payment by $242 and saving more than $4,000 over the life of the loan.
Tiffany at our Tallahassee Tennessee Street branch helped a member facing a $782 monthly car payment. Tiffany reduced their monthly payment and extended the original loan’s term slightly to maximize the reduction. As a result, the member saved more than $11,000 over the life of the loan.
Michael on our Express Team helped a married couple who were in a similar situation. They financed their SUV at another institution with a 25.99% rate and a $1,327 monthly payment. After exploring their options with VyStar, Michael helped them refinance their loan at 8.24%, lowering their payment to $871.
“This represents a significant savings of over $450 per month and a dramatically improved financial outlook,” Michael said. “Understandably, they were thrilled with the outcome.”
These are three of many examples of the life-changing difference an auto refinance can make, freeing up hundreds of dollars each month and helping members move forward with greater financial confidence.
Explaining Coverage in Real Terms
Refinancing is just one of the many solutions VyStar offers.
After his truck was totaled in a fire, one member visited our Mount Dora branch in urgent need of a replacement vehicle. Bree determined he was pre-approved for an express draft of $35,000, which was what he needed to shop the same day.
Bree also explained the importance of GAP coverage, which covers the difference between what a car is worth and what’s still owed on a loan if the vehicle is totaled or stolen. The member hadn’t carried GAP on his previous truck and was left paying the remaining balance out-of-pocket. With Bree’s guidance, he drove home in a new vehicle that same day, now protected and with peace of mind about both his car and his finances.
Another member who had been involved in a car accident was overwhelmed and paying out-of-pocket for a rental. They were dreading going through the car-buying process all over again. Courtney at our Mount Dora branch secured a pre-approved auto loan and an express draft, allowing the member to shop with confidence. By the end of the day, the member had a new car with a lower payment than before.
Courtney also helped the member get their previous auto loan fully settled.
“This is what it means to truly show up for our members not just with solutions, but with heart,” said Kayla, the Mount Dora Assistant Branch Manager.
Driving Toward Financial Confidence
Whether it’s guiding first-time buyers, refinancing to reduce payments or explaining protections, VyStar employees are committed to helping members find both reliable transportation and financial peace of mind.
Each story is a reminder that with the right support, our members can move confidently on the road and in life.