As more U.S. military personnel are deployed to the Middle East, automobile dealers should remain mindful of the requirements of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, creditors must reduce the interest rate on debts to 6 percent for liabilities incurred before the borrower entered active duty, including car loans. That protection applies to National Guard and reserve members who may be called for active duty.
Military personnel may terminate an automobile lease under certain specific circumstances, including a signed lease agreement before being called to active duty, signing a lease agreement and then receiving Permanent Change of Station outside the Contiguous United States, or signing a lease agreement and then receiving orders to deploy.
