The American Financial Services Association (AFSA) announced it will host a webinar on Thursday, February 19, examining trends reshaping auto finance in 2026, including rising delinquencies, tighter margins, and regulatory pressures.Â
According to AFSA’s newsletter, the webinar will delve into the increasing auto loan delinquencies and challenges faced by current servicing models amid economic pressures. Industry leaders are expected to discuss strategies aimed at modernizing payment workflows, reducing costs, improving on-time payments, as well as exploring regulatory trends and flexible payment options for lenders.
Bankrate reports that Texas currently holds the highest average auto loan delinquency rate at 7.92 percent, with Florida following at 6.54 percent. These figures reflect regional economic pressures stemming from high vehicle costs and interest rates, which present significant challenges for borrowers in maintaining their payments.
TransUnion forecasts that serious auto loan delinquencies—defined as loans overdue by 60 days or more—will reach 1.54 percent nationally by the end of 2026. This marks a slight increase from 1.51 percent in 2025 and reflects ongoing high vehicle prices coupled with economic uncertainties affecting payment performance.
Founded in 1916, AFSA serves as the national trade association for the consumer credit industry. It advocates for ethical lending practices and consumer access to credit while providing policy guidance and supporting financial education initiatives.



