815 ILCS 375/1 This Act may be cited as the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act
(815 ILCS 375/1) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 561) Sec. 1. This Act may be cited as the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 2163.)
815 ILCS 375
815 ILCS 375
in effect815 ILCS 375/2
(815 ILCS 375/2) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562) Sec. 2. For the purposes of this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms specified in the following Sections preceding Section 3 have the meanings ascribed to them in those Sections. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/2.1
(815 ILCS 375/2.1) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.1) Sec. 2.1. "Motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in the Illinois Vehicle Code but does not include bicycles, motorcycles, motor scooters, snowmobiles, trailers, farm equipment, and manufactured homes as defined in subdivision (53) of Section 9-102 of the Uniform Commercial Code. (Source: P.A. 98-749, eff. 7-16-14.)
815 ILCS 375/2.2
(815 ILCS 375/2.2) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.2) Sec. 2.2. "Retail buyer" or "buyer" means a person who buys a motor vehicle from a retail seller, primarily for personal, family, household or agricultural purposes in a retail installment transaction, but does not include a buyer for use in business (not including farming or a profession). (Source: P.A. 76-1781.)
815 ILCS 375/2.3
(815 ILCS 375/2.3) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.3) Sec. 2.3. "Retail seller" or "seller" means a person engaged in the business of selling motor vehicles to retail buyers in retail installment transactions. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 2163.)
815 ILCS 375/2.4
(815 ILCS 375/2.4) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.4) Sec. 2.4. "Retail installment transaction" means a credit sale of a motor vehicle by a retail seller to a retail buyer for a deferred payment price payable in one or more installments. (Source: P.A. 76-1781.)
815 ILCS 375/2.5
(815 ILCS 375/2.5) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.5) Sec. 2.5. "Retail Installment contract", "installment contract" or "contract" means an instrument or instruments prescribing the terms of a retail installment transaction and entered into in this State. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/2.6
(815 ILCS 375/2.6) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.6) Sec. 2.6. "Cash sale price" means the price stated in a retail installment contract for which the seller in good faith and in the regular course of business would have sold to the buyer, and the buyer would have bought from the seller, the motor vehicle if the sale had been a sale for cash. The cash sale price may include any taxes, registration, certificate of title, license, and cash sales prices for accessories and their installation and for delivering, servicing, repairing or improving the motor vehicle. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 2163.)
815 ILCS 375/2.7
(815 ILCS 375/2.7) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.7) Sec. 2.7. "Official fees" means the taxes and fees prescribed by law that actually are, or will be, paid to public officials for determining the existence of, or for perfecting, releasing, or satisfying a security interest. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/2.8
(815 ILCS 375/2.8) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.8) Sec. 2.8. "Amount financed" means the cash sale price of the motor vehicle plus all other charges individually itemized, which are included in the amount financed, including the amount actually paid or to be paid by the seller pursuant to an agreement with the buyer to discharge a security interest, lien interest, or lease interest on the property traded in, but which are not a part of the finance charge, minus the amount of the buyer's down payment in money or goods. (Source: P.A. 91-411, eff. 8-6-99.)
815 ILCS 375/2.9
(815 ILCS 375/2.9) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.9) Sec. 2.9. "Finance charge" means the sum of all charges payable, directly or indirectly by the buyer and imposed directly or indirectly by the seller as an incident to or as a condition of the extension of credit, whether payable by the buyer, the seller, or any other person on behalf of the buyer to the seller or a third party including any of the following types of charges: (1) Interest, time price differential, and any amount payable under a discount or other system of additional charges. (2) Service, transaction, activity, or carrying charge. (3) Loan fee, points, finder's fee, or similar charge. (4) Fee for an appraisal, investigation, or credit report. (5) Charges or premiums for credit life, accident, health, or loss of income insurance, written in connection with any credit transaction unless (i) the insurance coverage is not required by the creditor and this fact is clearly and conspicuously disclosed in writing to the customer; and (ii) any customer desiring such insurance coverage gives specific dated and separately signed affirmative written indication of such desire after receiving written disclosure to him of the cost of such insurance. (6) Charges or premiums for insurance, written in connection with any credit transaction, against loss of or damage to property or against liability arising out of the ownership or use of property, unless a clear, conspicuous, and specific statement in writing is furnished by the creditor to the customer setting forth the cost of the insurance if obtained from or through the creditor and stating that the customer may choose the person through which the insurance is to be obtained. (7) Premium or other charge for any other guarantee or insurance protecting the creditor against the customer's default or other credit loss. (8) Any charge imposed by a creditor upon another creditor for purchasing or accepting an obligation of a customer if the customer is required to pay any part of that charge in cash, as an addition to the obligation, or as a deduction from the proceeds of the obligation. If itemized and disclosed to the customer, any charges of the following types need not be included in the finance charge: (1) Fees and charges prescribed by law which actually are or will be paid to public officials for determining the existence of or for perfecting or releasing or satisfying any security related to the credit transaction. (2) The premium payable for any insurance in lieu of perfecting any security interest otherwise required by the creditor in connection with the transaction, if the premium does not exceed the fees and charges described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph which would otherwise be payable. (3) Taxes not included in the cash price. (4) License, certificate of title, and registration fees imposed by law. (5) Other charges as authorized by this Act. A late payment, delinquency, default, reinstatement, or other such charge is not a finance charge if imposed for actual unanticipated late payment, delinquency, default or other such occurrence. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/2.10
(815 ILCS 375/2.10) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.10) Sec. 2.10. "Deferred payment price" means the total of (1) the cash sale price of the motor vehicle purchased, (2) all other charges individually itemized which are included in the amount financed but which are not a part of the finance charge, and (3) the finance charge. (Source: P.A. 76-1781.)
815 ILCS 375/2.11
(815 ILCS 375/2.11) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.11) Sec. 2.11. "Sales finance agency" means a person engaged, in whole or in part, in the business of purchasing or making loans upon the security of retail installment contracts. The term includes, but is not limited to, banks, trust companies, private bankers and industrial bankers authorized to do business and to accept deposits in this State, if so engaged. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/2.12
(815 ILCS 375/2.12) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.12) Sec. 2.12. "Holder" of a retail installment contract means the retail seller of the motor vehicle under the installment contract or sales finance agency or other assignee which purchases or makes a loan upon the security of the retail installment contract. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/2.13
(815 ILCS 375/2.13) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 562.13) Sec. 2.13. "Annual percentage rate" means the nominal annual percentage rate of finance charge determined in accordance with the actuarial method of computation with an accuracy at least to the nearest 1/4 of 1%; or at the option of the seller, by application of the United States rule so that it may be disclosed with an accuracy at least to the nearest 1/4 of 1%. (Source: P.A. 76-1781.)
815 ILCS 375/2.14 Truth-in-Lending Act
(815 ILCS 375/2.14) Sec. 2.14. Truth-in-Lending Act. "Truth-in-Lending Act" means the federal Truth-in-Lending Act, 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq., and Regulation Z, 12 C.F.R. Part 226. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/2.15 Precomputed
(815 ILCS 375/2.15) Sec. 2.15. Precomputed. A contract is "precomputed" if the debt is expressed as the sum of the amount financed plus the amount of the finance charge computed in advance. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/3
(815 ILCS 375/3) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 563) Sec. 3. (a) Every retail installment contract must be in writing, dated, signed by both the buyer and the seller, and, except as otherwise provided in this Act, completed as to all essential provisions before it is signed by the buyer. (b) The printed or typed portion of the contract, other than instructions for completion, must be in size equal to at least 8 point type. (c) The contract must contain printed or written in a size equal to at least 10 point bold type: (1) Both at the top of the contract and directly above the space reserved for the signature of the buyer, the words "RETAIL INSTALLMENT CONTRACT"; (2) A specific statement that liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused to others is not included, if that is the case; and (3) A notice as follows: "Notice to the buyer. 1. Do not sign this agreement before you read it or if it contains any blank spaces. 2. You are entitled to an exact copy of the agreement you sign. 3. Under the law you have the right, among others, to pay in advance the full amount due and to obtain under certain conditions a partial refund of the finance charge." (Source: P.A. 76-1781.)
815 ILCS 375/4
(815 ILCS 375/4) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 564) Sec. 4. Every retail installment contract must contain the names of the seller and of the buyer, the place of business of the seller, the residence of the buyer as specified by the buyer, and a description of the motor vehicle. The contract must clearly state and describe any security taken or retained by the seller. No charge may be made to a buyer under an installment contract for insurance against loss or damage caused to the motor vehicle, for insurance against liability for personal injury or property damage caused to others by reason of ownership or operation of the motor vehicle, for credit life insurance, for credit health and accident insurance or for any other kind of insurance, unless the installment contract separately specifies for each kind of insurance the type of coverage, the term of coverage and the separate, identified charge made therefor. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/5
(815 ILCS 375/5) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 565) Sec. 5. Every retail installment contract shall disclose the following items, as applicable: (1) The cash price of the motor vehicle, using the term "cash price". (2) The amount of the down payment itemized, as applicable, as down payment in money, using the term "cash down payment", down payment in property, using the term "trade-in" and the sum, using the term "total down payment". (3) The difference between the amounts described in subparagraphs (1) and (2) of this paragraph, using the term "unpaid balance of cash price". (4) All other charges, individually itemized, which are included in the amount financed but which are not part of the finance charge. (5) The sum of the amounts determined under subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this paragraph, using the term "unpaid balance". (6) Any finance charge paid separately, in cash or otherwise, directly or indirectly to the seller or with the seller's knowledge to another person, or withheld by the seller from the proceeds of the credit extended and any deposit balance or any investment which the seller requires the buyer to make, maintain, or increase in a specified amount or proportion as a condition to the extension of credit, using as applicable, the terms "prepaid finance charge" and "required deposit balance", and if both are applicable, the total of such items using the term "total prepaid finance charge and required deposit balance". (7) The difference between the amounts determined under subparagraphs (5) and (6) of this paragraph, using the term "amount financed". (8) The total amount of the finance charge, with description of each amount included, using the term "finance charge". (9) The sum of the amounts determined under subparagraphs (1), (4), and (8) of this paragraph, using the term "deferred payment price". (10) The finance charge expressed as an annual percentage rate, using the term "annual percentage rate". (11) The number, amount, and due dates or periods of payments scheduled to repay the indebtedness and the sum of such payments using the term, "total of payments". If installment payments are stated in terms of a series of scheduled amounts and if the amount of the final installment payment does not exceed the scheduled amount of any preceding installment payment, the maximum number of payments and the amount and date of each payment need not be separately stated and the amount of the scheduled final installment payment may be stated as the remaining unpaid balance. The due date of the first installment payment may be fixed by a calendar date, by reference to the date of the contract or by reference to the date of delivery or installation of the goods. (12) The amount, or method of computing the amount, of any default, delinquency, or similar charges payable in the event of late payments. (13) A description or identification of the type of any security interest held or to be retained or acquired by the seller in connection with the extension of credit, and a clear identification of the property to which the security interest relates. (14) A description of any penalty charge that may be imposed by the seller or his assignee for prepayment of the principal of the obligation with an explanation of the method of computation of such penalty and the conditions under which it may be imposed. (15) Identification of the method of computing any unearned portion of the finance charge in the event of prepayment of the obligation and a statement of the amount or method of computation of any charge that may be deducted from the amount of any rebate of such unearned finance charge that will be credited to the obligation or refunded to the buyer. (16) The date on which the finance charge begins to accrue if different from the date of the transaction. The disclosures required to be given by this Section shall be made clearly, conspicuously and in meaningful sequence. Where the terms "finance charge" and "annual percentage rate" are required to be used, they shall be printed more conspicuously than other terminology required. A retail installment contract which complies with the federal Truth in Lending Act, amendments thereto, and any regulations issued or which may be issued thereunder, shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this Section. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or any other law of this State, there is no obligation or duty to disclose to an obligor under a retail installment contract: (i) any agreement to sell, assign, or otherwise transfer the contract to a third party for an amount which is equal to, in excess of, or less than the amount financed under the contract; or (ii) that the assignee of the contract or the person who funded it may pay the seller or the person who originated the contract all or a portion of the prepaid finance charges and other fees or a portion of the finance charge to be paid by the buyer over the term of the transaction or any other compensation irrespective of how the compensation is determined. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/6
(815 ILCS 375/6) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 566) Sec. 6. (a) Except as provided under subsections (b) and (c), every retail installment contract must provide for a schedule of periodic installment payments from the due date of the first installment payment to the date of the final maturity of the contract. (b) Retail installment contracts may provide for balloon-note financing. For the purpose of this Section, balloon-note financing shall mean the manner of purchase whereby a consumer agrees to select and perform, at the conclusion of a pre-determined schedule of installment payments made in periodic or monthly amounts, one of the following options: (1) satisfy the balance of the contractual amount owing; (2) refinance any balance owing, on the terms previously agreed upon at the time of executing the retail installment contract; or (3) surrender the vehicle at such time and manner agreed upon at the time of executing the retail installment contract. (c) Retail installment contracts may provide for deferred payment of a down payment provided any deferred portion of a down payment is payable not later than 10 days prior to the due date of the first regularly scheduled payment and is not subject to a finance charge. (d) Retail installment contracts may be precomputed or interest bearing. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/7
(815 ILCS 375/7) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 567) Sec. 7. Notwithstanding the provisions of any retail installment contract to the contrary, the buyer may prepay the contract in full, whether by payment in cash, extension, renewal or otherwise, at any time before maturity, and if he does so shall receive a refund credit thereon for that prepayment. The amount of refund credit shall represent at least as great a proportion of the finance charge less an acquisition cost of $25, as the sum of the periodical time balances beginning with the next payment period bears to the sum of all the periodical time balances under the schedule of installment payments in the contract. In those instances where a buyer's overpayment requires the refund credit to be given through the issuance of a negotiable instrument by the holder, no refund credit need be made if the amount of refund credit is less than $5, provided that a buyer may obtain a cash refund at the seller's or holder's location. In all other cases where the buyer's prepayment permits the refund credit to be given to the buyer as a credit on the buyer's account, no refund credit need be made if the amount of refund credit is less than $1. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/8
(815 ILCS 375/8) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 568) Sec. 8. (a) A seller under a retail installment contract may require insurance against substantial risk of loss of or damage to the motor vehicle, protecting the seller or holder as well as the buyer, and may, if the buyer elects, include therefor in the contract an amount not exceeding the premiums chargeable for such insurance in accordance with rate filings made with the Director of Insurance. No seller or holder may require as a condition precedent to, or as a part of, a retail installment transaction that such insurance be purchased from or through the seller or holder, or any employee, affiliate, or associate of seller or holder. A seller under a retail installment contract may not require other insurance; but if the buyer voluntarily contracts therefor, the seller may then include in the contract an amount for that other insurance not exceeding the premiums paid or payable by the seller or holder. In those transactions where the buyer elects to select the insurance company, broker or agent for the purpose of obtaining insurance required by the holder under this Section, the buyer must, on or before the date when buyer takes possession of the motor vehicle, furnish the holder with satisfactory evidence of insurance in a company acceptable to the seller or holder. (b) If the obligor fails to furnish evidence that he has procured insurance on the property, the licensee may purchase substitute insurance that may be substantially equivalent to or more limited than coverage the obligor is required to maintain. Such insurance must comply with the Collateral Protection Act. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/9
(815 ILCS 375/9) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 569) Sec. 9. The seller may not decline existing required insurance and must afford the buyer the privilege of purchasing any required insurance from an insurance company authorized to do business in this State, from or through any broker or agent selected by the buyer, if the insurance company is approved by the holder and satisfactory evidence of binding coverage is furnished the seller or holder. Such approval may not be arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld by the holder. All insurance which is purchased by the seller or holder and for which an amount is included in a contract must be written by an insurance company authorized to do business in the State. The holder of a contract which includes an amount for insurance purchased by the seller or holder must, within 30 days after the date of the contract, cause to be sent to the buyer the policies or certificates of insurance clearly setting forth the amount of the premium, the types of insurance, the coverages and all the terms, exceptions, limitations, restrictions and conditions of the insurance or, in respect to group credit life insurance and credit accident and health insurance, a notice or statement for that insurance clearly setting forth the name of the insurer, the identity of the insured buyer by name or otherwise and a description of the coverage. If, however, the holder or seller is unable to obtain insurance for the buyer within a reasonable time, the holder or seller shall notify the buyer by certified mail of this fact, and 10 days after this notification the seller or holder of the contract shall cease to be liable for the insurance except for the credit or refund to the buyer of the premiums included in the contract. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/9.01
(815 ILCS 375/9.01) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 569.01) Sec. 9.01. Credit life insurance and credit accident and health insurance issued in connection with a retail installment contract or retail charge agreement and any charge therefor made to the buyer, must comply with Article IX 1/2 of the "Illinois Insurance Code", approved June 29, 1937, as now or hereafter amended, and all lawful requirements of the Director of Insurance related thereto. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 2163.)
815 ILCS 375/9.02
(815 ILCS 375/9.02) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 569.02) Sec. 9.02. In any situation in which a person has purchased a motor vehicle under an installment sales contract and has purchased credit life or credit disability insurance with such contract, the installment sales contract must include a notice containing the following information: (1) IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED EITHER CREDIT LIFE OR CREDIT DISABILITY INSURANCE, OR BOTH, TO GUARANTEE PAYMENTS BEING MADE IN CASE OF YOUR DEATH OR DISABILITY, ON YOUR VEHICLE PURCHASED UNDER AN INSTALLMENT SALES CONTRACT, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO A PARTIAL REFUND OF YOUR PREMIUM IF YOU PAY OFF YOUR INSTALLMENT LOAN EARLY. (2) IN CASE OF EARLY COMPLETE PAYMENT OF YOUR LOAN, YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE SELLER OF YOUR CREDIT LIFE OR CREDIT DISABILITY INSURANCE TO SEE IF A REFUND IS DUE. IF YOUR VEHICLE DEALER FINANCED YOUR LOAN, THE SELLER OF YOUR CREDIT LIFE OR CREDIT DISABILITY INSURANCE IS YOUR VEHICLE DEALER. The above provisions shall be in large block print at least 1/8" in height. The notice form shall also be captioned: "NOTICE OF POSSIBLE REFUND OF CREDIT LIFE OR DISABILITY INSURANCE PREMIUM." The willful failure to provide such a notice shall subject the insurance seller to liability to the purchaser for 3 times the amount of refund due or $100, whichever is greater. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/9.03
(815 ILCS 375/9.03) Sec. 9.03. Disclosure of consideration paid to seller. Consideration or another thing of value may be paid to or retained by the seller or holder or an affiliate of the seller or holder in connection with any insurance, debt cancellation contract, or other such product purchased pursuant to the retail installment sales contract made or held by the seller or holder and all or a portion of the consideration may be included in the amount charged to the obligor, so long as the seller discloses to the obligor that the seller, holder, or any of their affiliates may receive something of value in connection with the purchase. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/10
(815 ILCS 375/10) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 570) Sec. 10. If any insurance for which an amount is included in the contract is cancelled, any unearned insurance refund exceeding one dollar received or receivable by the holder or, if the amount included for insurance in the contract exceeds the premiums paid or payable by the holder, any unearned portion of the amount so included exceeding one dollar shall be credited on the final maturing installments of the contract except to the extent those amounts are applied toward payment for similar insurance protecting the interests of the buyer and the holder or either of them. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/11
(815 ILCS 375/11) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 571) Sec. 11. Delinquency charges. A retail installment contract may provide for a delinquency and collection charge, on each installment in default for a period of not less than 10 days, in an amount not exceeding 5% of the installment on installments in excess of $200 or $10 on installments of $200 or less. Only one delinquency and collection charge may be collected on any installment regardless of the period during which it remains in default. In addition, a retail installment contract may provide for the payment by the buyer of reasonable attorney's fees incurred in the collection or enforcement of the contract. Any clause or provision of any retail installment contract entered into after December 31, 1973, to the contrary notwithstanding with respect to attorney's fees incurred in the collection or enforcement of such contract, the court in its discretion may award attorney's fees to either party as the interests of justice may require. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/11.1
(815 ILCS 375/11.1) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 571.1) Sec. 11.1. (a) A seller in a retail installment contract may add a "documentary fee" for processing documents and performing services related to closing of a sale. The maximum amount that may be charged by a seller for a documentary fee is the base documentary fee beginning January 1, 2008 until January 1, 2020, of $150, which shall be subject to an annual rate adjustment equal to the percentage of change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. Every retail installment contract under this Act shall contain or be accompanied by a notice containing the following information: "DOCUMENTARY FEE. A DOCUMENTARY FEE IS NOT AN OFFICIAL FEE. A DOCUMENTARY FEE IS NOT REQUIRED BY LAW, BUT MAY BE CHARGED TO BUYERS FOR HANDLING DOCUMENTS AND PERFORMING SERVICES RELATED TO CLOSING OF A SALE. THE BASE DOCUMENTARY FEE BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2008, WAS $150. THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THAT MAY BE CHARGED FOR A DOCUMENTARY FEE IS THE BASE DOCUMENTARY FEE OF $150, WHICH SHALL BE SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL RATE ADJUSTMENT EQUAL TO THE PERCENTAGE OF CHANGE IN THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. THIS NOTICE IS REQUIRED BY LAW." (b) A seller in a retail installment contract may add a "documentary fee" for processing documents and performing services related to closing of a sale. The maximum amount that may be charged by a seller for a documentary fee is the base documentary fee beginning January 1, 2020, of $300, which shall be subject to an annual rate adjustment equal to the percentage of change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. Every retail installment contract under this Act shall contain or be accompanied by a notice containing the following information: "DOCUMENTARY FEE. A DOCUMENTARY FEE IS NOT AN OFFICIAL FEE. A DOCUMENTARY FEE IS NOT REQUIRED BY LAW, BUT MAY BE CHARGED TO BUYERS FOR HANDLING DOCUMENTS AND PERFORMING SERVICES RELATED TO CLOSING OF A SALE. THE BASE DOCUMENTARY FEE BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2020, WAS $300. THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THAT MAY BE CHARGED FOR A DOCUMENTARY FEE IS THE BASE DOCUMENTARY FEE OF $300, WHICH SHALL BE SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL RATE ADJUSTMENT EQUAL TO THE PERCENTAGE OF CHANGE IN THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. THIS NOTICE IS REQUIRED BY LAW." (Source: P.A. 101-31, eff. 6-28-19.)
815 ILCS 375/11.2
(815 ILCS 375/11.2) Sec. 11.2. Final installment. Fifteen days after the final installment is due as originally scheduled or deferred, the holder may compute and charge interest on any balance remaining unpaid, including unpaid default or deferment charges, at the annual percentage rate stated in the retail installment contract until fully paid or reduced to judgment. At the time the final installment is due, the holder shall give notice to the buyer stating any amounts unpaid. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/12
(815 ILCS 375/12) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 572) Sec. 12. No provision in a retail installment contract under which, in the absence of the buyer's default, the holder may, arbitrarily and without reasonable cause, accelerate the maturity of any part or all of the amount owing thereunder is enforceable. No provision in a retail installment contract relieving the seller from liability for any remedies provided by law which the buyer may have against the seller is enforceable. No provision in a retail installment contract purporting to waive any of the provisions of this Act is enforceable. (Source: P.A. 83-345.)
815 ILCS 375/13
(815 ILCS 375/13) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 573) Sec. 13. The seller shall deliver to the buyer a copy of the retail installment contract signed by the seller. Any acknowledgment by the buyer of delivery of a copy of the contract must be printed or written in a size equal to at least 10 point bold type and, if contained in the contract, must appear directly above the legend required above the buyer's signature by Section 3. The buyer's written acknowledgment of delivery of a copy of the contract conforming to the requirements of this Act is conclusive proof of the delivery and of compliance with this Section in any action by or against an assignee of the contract without knowledge to the contrary when he purchases the contract. Until the seller delivers a copy of the contract to him or her, a buyer who has not received delivery of the motor vehicle has the right to cancel his agreement and to receive a refund of all payments made and a return of all goods traded in to the seller on account of or in contemplation of the contract, or, if those goods cannot be returned, the value thereof. However, this Section does not apply when the merchandise has been specially ordered or custom made to the specifications of the purchaser and evidence of such order is provided by the seller. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/14
(815 ILCS 375/14) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 574) Sec. 14. Notwithstanding Sections 4 and 5 and paragraph (a) of Section 3 of this Act, if delivery of the motor vehicle is not made at the time of the execution of the retail installment contract and the contract so provides, the identifying number or marks of the motor vehicle or similar information and the due date of the first installment may be inserted by the seller in the seller's counterpart of the contract after it has been signed by the buyer. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 2163.)
815 ILCS 375/15
(815 ILCS 375/15) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 575) Sec. 15. The seller or holder of a retail installment contract must give the buyer a written receipt for any payment made in cash. Upon the buyer's written request the holder of a retail installment contract shall give or forward to the buyer a written statement of the amounts of payments and the total amount unpaid under the contract. Upon written request, a buyer is entitled to such a statement once every 6 months without charge. The holder may require payment of a reasonable charge not exceeding $10 for each additional statement furnished. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/16
(815 ILCS 375/16) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 576) Sec. 16. An agreement by a buyer that he will not assert against the assignee or the holder of a retail installment contract executed by the buyer any claim or defense which he may have against the seller and the rights of a holder in due course of any negotiable note executed in connection with a retail installment contract are enforceable by an assignee or holder who takes his assignment or indorsement for value in good faith and without notice of a claim or defense unless: (a) the assignee or holder is an affiliate of the seller. "Affiliate" includes a parent or subsidiary corporation, any person holding substantial common ownership of stock of the assignee and the seller and any person having the common ownership of the legal or commercial entities of assignee and seller; (b) the assignee or the holder has actual knowledge or has received notice before the contract or note is acquired (1) of repetitive complaints of a substantial nature by other buyers to any governmental agency that the seller has failed or refused to perform his agreements with such buyers and (2) of the failure of the seller to perform his agreements with such buyers within a reasonable time after the governmental agency has determined that the complaints are well-founded and has notified seller thereof, and the assignee, if known; or (c) the assignee or the holder has actual knowledge or has received notice from its course of dealing with the seller or from its own records of substantial complaints by other buyers that the seller has failed or refused to perform his agreements with such buyers within a reasonable time after such complaints are made. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 2163.)
815 ILCS 375/17
(815 ILCS 375/17) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 577) Sec. 17. All defenses available against a holder in due course of a negotiable instrument under subsection (2) of Section 3-305 of the Uniform Commercial Code are available to a buyer under a retail installment contract notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 2163.)
815 ILCS 375/17.1
(815 ILCS 375/17.1) Sec. 17.1. Seller may not keep keys. For contracts entered into after January 1, 1998, unless otherwise provided for in the retail installment sales contract, a seller or holder cannot take or retain possession of the keys (or copy thereof) to a motor vehicle purchased under a retail installment sales contract. (Source: P.A. 90-437, eff. 1-1-98.)
815 ILCS 375/18
(815 ILCS 375/18) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 578) Sec. 18. Each person, other than a seller or holder, who signs a retail installment contract may be held liable only to the extent that he actually receives the motor vehicle described or identified in the contract, except that a parent or spouse or any other person listed as an owner of the motor vehicle on the Certificate of Title issued for the motor vehicle who co-signs such retail installment contract may be held liable to the full extent of the deferred payment price notwithstanding such parent or spouse or any other person listed as an owner has not actually received the motor vehicle described or identified in the contract and except to the extent such person other than a seller or holder, signs in the capacity of a guarantor of collection. The obligation of such guarantor is secondary, and not primary. The obligation arises only after the seller or holder has diligently taken all ordinary legal means to collect the debt from the primary obligor, but has not received full payment from such primary obligor or obligors, or after the primary obligor has become insolvent, or service of summons cannot be obtained on the primary obligor, or it is otherwise apparent that it is useless to proceed against the primary obligor. No provisions in a retail installment contract obligating such guarantor are valid unless: (1) there appears below the signature space provided for such guarantor the following: "I hereby guarantee the collection of the above described amount upon failure of the seller named herein to collect said amount from the buyer named herein."; and (2) the guarantor, in addition to signing the retail installment contract, signs a separate instrument in the following form: "EXPLANATION OF GUARANTOR'S OBLIGATION You ........... (name of guarantor) by signing the retail installment contract and this document are agreeing that you will pay $......... (total deferred payment price) for the purchase of ........... (description of goods or services) purchased by ............ (name of buyer) from ........... (name of seller). Your obligation arises only after the seller or holder has attempted through the use of the court system to collect this amount from the buyer. If the seller cannot collect this amount from the buyer, you will be obligated to pay even though you are not entitled to any of the goods or services furnished. The seller is entitled to sue you in court for the payment of the amount due." The instrument must be printed, typed, or otherwise reproduced in a size and style equal to at least 8 point bold type, may contain no other matter (except a union printing label) than above set forth and must bear the signature of the co-signer and no other person. The seller must give the co-signer a copy of the retail installment contract and a copy of the co-signer statement. (Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)
815 ILCS 375/19
(815 ILCS 375/19) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 579) Sec. 19. The holder of a contract, upon request by the buyer, may extend the scheduled due date of all or any part of any installment or installments, or renew or restate the unpaid time balance of the contract, the amounts and due dates of the installments, and may collect for that extension, renewal or restatement a refinance charge computed as follows: If the unpaid time balance of the contract is extended, renewed or restated, the holder may compute the refinance charge on an amount determined by adding to the unpaid balance the cost to the holder for insurance and official fees incidental to the refinancing, and accrued delinquency and collection charges and deducting any refund credit which may be due the buyer for prepayment under Section 7 of this Act at the rate of finance charge applicable to the age of the motor vehicle at the time of refinancing. (Source: P.A. 76-1781.)
815 ILCS 375/20
(815 ILCS 375/20) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 580) Sec. 20. Unless otherwise limited by this Act, the parties shall have the rights and remedies provided in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code with respect to default and disposition and redemption of collateral. If the holder of a retail installment contract repossesses a motor vehicle that was used as collateral, the holder shall be subject to the requirements of and shall transfer the certificate of title pursuant to Section 3-114 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. (Source: P.A. 90-343, eff. 8-8-97; 90-437, eff. 1-1-98; 90-655, eff. 7-30-98; 90-665, eff. 1-1-99.)
815 ILCS 375/21
(815 ILCS 375/21) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 581) Sec. 21. The finance charge on any motor vehicle retail installment contract shall be no more than the maximum rate permissible under the Predatory Loan Prevention Act. (Source: P.A. 101-658, eff. 3-23-21.)
815 ILCS 375/22
(815 ILCS 375/22) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 582) Sec. 22. No retail seller whose sales are regulated under this Act may advertise to the public on price tags, on signs, in public media, or in any other manner that indicates or implies that the finance charge, finance or interest rates he charges are in any way "recommended", "approved", or "set" by the State government or by this Act. (Source: P.A. 76-1781.)
815 ILCS 375/22.1
(815 ILCS 375/22.1) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 582.1) Sec. 22.1. (a) This Section applies to any advertisement to aid, promote, or assist directly or indirectly any motor vehicle installment sale, or other extension of credit subject to the provisions of this Act. (b) If any advertisement to which this Section applies states the rate of a finance charge, the advertisement must state the rate of that charge expressed as an annual percentage rate. (c) If any advertisement to which this Section applies states the amount of the down payment, if any, the amount of any installment payment, the dollar amount of any finance charge, or the number of installments or the period of repayment, then the advertisement must state all of the following items: (1) The cash price. (2) The down payment, if any. (3) The number, amount, and due dates or period of payments scheduled to repay the indebtedness if the credit is extended. (4) The rate of the finance charge expressed as an annual percentage rate. An advertisement which complies with the federal Truth in Lending Act, amendments thereto, and any regulations issued or which may be issued thereunder, shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this Section. (Source: P.A. 82-169.)
815 ILCS 375/23
(815 ILCS 375/23) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 583) Sec. 23. The Attorney General or the State's Attorney of any county in this State may bring an action in the name of the State against any person to restrain and prevent any violation of this Act. In the enforcement of this Act the Attorney General or the State's Attorney may accept an assurance of discontinuance of any act or practice deemed in violation of this Act, from any person engaging in, or who has engaged in, that act or practice. Failure to perform the terms of any such assurance constitutes prima facie proof of a violation of this Act. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 2163.)
815 ILCS 375/24
(815 ILCS 375/24) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 584) Sec. 24. (a) Any person who knowingly violates this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. (b) No person who violates this Act, except as a result of an accident or bona fide error of computation, may recover any unpaid finance charge, delinquency or collection charge, or refinance charge in connection with the related retail installment contract. (Source: P.A. 90-343, eff. 8-8-97.)
815 ILCS 375/25
(815 ILCS 375/25) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 585) Sec. 25. If any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Act which can be effected without the invalid provisions or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 2163.)
815 ILCS 375/26
(815 ILCS 375/26) (from Ch. 121 1/2, par. 586) Sec. 26. This act does not apply to any contract entered into before January 1, 1968. Contracts entered into before January 1, 1968, and the rights, duties and interests flowing from them, remain valid thereafter and may be satisfied, completed, consummated and enforced as required or permitted by the Retail Installment Sales Act, approved June 17, 1957, as amended. (Source: Laws 1967, p. 2163.)
815 ILCS 375/26.1
(815 ILCS 375/26.1) Sec. 26.1. Rulemaking authority. The Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation and his or her designees shall have authority to adopt and enforce reasonable rules, directions, orders, decisions, and findings necessary to execute and enforce this Act and protect consumers in this State. The Secretary's authority to adopt rules shall include, but not be limited to: licensing, examination, supervision, and enforcement. (Source: P.A. 101-658, eff. 3-23-21.)
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.aspFetched: 10/17/2026