Can I skip a car payment with Nissan?

[OAdalynn]

Yes, you can skip a Nissan car payment, but only through a formal payment deferment agreement with Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (NMAC). This is not an automatic right; it requires prior approval. During an approved deferment, you temporarily pause payments. However, interest typically continues to accrue on your loan balance, which may increase your total loan cost.

Skipping a payment without NMAC's authorization will result in a late fee, a negative mark on your credit report, and risk default. According to industry data from sources like Experian, a single 30-day late payment can lower a consumer's credit score by up to 100 points, depending on their history. NMAC's standard late fee is often a percentage of the overdue payment, commonly up to 5% or a flat fee as outlined in your contract.

How a Nissan Deferment Works A deferment is a temporary suspension of your payment obligation. You must contact NMAC directly to request this hardship assistance. Eligibility is not guaranteed and is assessed case-by-case, often requiring proof of financial hardship such as job loss, medical emergency, or military deployment. If approved, the specifics—like the number of payments deferred (often 1-3 months)—are formalized in an agreement.

Financial Implications of a Deferment The primary cost is the continued accrual of interest. For example, on a $25,000 loan balance with a 5% APR, deferring a $500 payment for one month adds approximately $104 in interest to your principal. This means you pay interest on the interest later. Your loan term will be extended by the number of deferred months, or your future payments will increase slightly to cover the added cost.

Option	Requires Approval	Impact on Credit	Financial Cost	Best For
Formal Deferment	Yes, from NMAC	No negative impact if agreed	Added interest, possible fee	Planned, temporary hardship
Unauthorized Skip	No	Severe negative impact	Late fees, higher interest	Not recommended
Payoff & Refinance	Yes, from new lender	Varies	Closing costs, new rate	Those with improved credit
Selling the Vehicle	No (but payoff req.)	Can settle debt	Possible loss if upside down	Permanent financial change

How to Request a Deferment from NMAC Initiate contact before your payment due date. Explain your situation clearly to a customer service representative. Have your account number, recent financial documents, and a proposal ready. Be prepared for alternatives they may offer, such as a revised payment plan. Get all agreement details in writing before considering the matter settled.

Alternatives to a Payment Deferment Before requesting a deferment, consider other options. A loan modification might secure a lower interest rate. Refinancing with another lender could reduce your monthly outflow. If the hardship is permanent, a voluntary surrender or selling the vehicle privately might be more financially sound than accumulating deferred debt.

[DiGideon]

I went through this last year when I was between jobs. I called NMAC, explained my situation, and they were pretty straightforward. They asked for a couple of documents to show my income had stopped. They approved a one-month deferment. The key thing they told me—and I didn't fully get it until later—was that the interest didn't stop. My next statement showed a higher balance than before I skipped the payment. It didn't hurt my credit, which was a relief, but it did make my loan a bit more expensive in the long run. My advice? Call them before you miss a payment, and only do it if you really have to.

[DeRebecca]

From a financial planning perspective, viewing a payment deferment as "skipping a payment" is misleading. You are essentially capitalizing the interest. This means the unpaid interest is added to your principal loan amount. For the borrower, this results in negative amortization. Over time, you pay interest on a larger balance. It can be a useful tool for temporary cash flow crises, but it is not cost-free. Before proceeding, calculate the long-term impact. Sometimes, using savings or adjusting other discretionary spending is more economical than deferring an auto loan, especially since auto loans are typically secured debt with the vehicle as collateral. Always review the formal deferment agreement for any administrative fees.

[Colin]

Here’s the straight talk from someone who handles these calls. You cannot just decide to skip a payment. The system will flag it as late, period. To avoid that, you must get an approved deferment coded on your account. We look for customers who communicate early. We have specific programs for hardships. The process involves a review. Saying "I need a skip payment" isn't enough; we need to know why. Common approved reasons include temporary unemployment or medical leave. If approved, we outline the new terms. Yes, interest accrues. No, it doesn't report as late to credit bureaus. The alternative we often suggest is a payment extension, which simply moves your due date, sometimes with less cost.

[VonLeilani]

Think of it as a pause button, not a stop button. You hit pause with Nissan's permission, but the movie of your loan keeps running in the background. The biggest thing people miss is how the interest piles up. Let's say your payment is $400. About $300 might normally go to principal. When you defer, that $300 isn't paid down, and you get charged interest on it plus on everything else. Next month, you're paying interest on a bigger pile of money. It pushes your final payoff date back. If you're in a tight spot, it's a valuable pause button to have. But if you can scrape together the payment by cutting other costs, you'll save money. Always get the new terms in writing so there are no surprises later.