Auto Loan Default Rate Inches Up in February, S&P/Experian Report

NEW YORK —Despite a marginal increase in auto loan default rate, overall consumer credit quality remained healthy in February, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices and Experian.

Data through February 2013 showed a decrease in national default rates during the month. The national composite was 1.55 percent in February, down from 1.63 percent in January.

The first mortgage default rate fell from 1.58 percent in January to 1.48 percent in February, while the bank card rate declined from 3.41 percent to 3.37 percent. The second mortgage and auto loan default rates showed margins increases, rising from 0.69 and 1.10 percent in January to 0.71 percent and 1.11 percent, respectively, in February.

"All loan types remain below their respective levels a year ago," said David M. Blitzer, managing director and chairman of the Index Committee for S&P Dow Jones Indices. "These trends are consistent with other economic news — improvements in employment and overall economic activity and continuing gains in housing.

Additionally, foreclosure activity continues to decline even though it remains at elevated levels compared to the period before the financial crisis,” he added.

Three of the five cities covered by the S&P showed decreases in their default rates in February — New York down 12 basis points, Los Angeles down by 18 and Miami down by 24 basis points.

Chicago was marginally up by one basis point and Dallas was up by seven basis points. Miami had the highest default rate at 3.21 percent, while Dallas has the lowest rate among the five cities at 1.26 percent. All five cities remain below default rates they posted a year ago.