Overview
Ford Motor Credit (Ford Credit) is the financial services arm of Ford Motor Company, providing loans and leases for Ford and Lincoln vehicles. When an account holder passes away, the process for handling the vehicle depends heavily on whether the account is a lease or a loan, and whether there is a surviving co-borrower.
Ford Credit offers a specific "Peace of Mind" program for deceased customers, which may allow the estate or family to return the vehicle and waive the remaining balance (subject to eligibility), avoiding the need to continue payments or sell the car privately.
This guide covers how to contact the Deceased Handling Department, the requirements for the Peace of Mind program, and the documents needed to transfer or close the account.
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with Ford Credit and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Ford Credit of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Ford Credit, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Account Number
- Current mileage of the vehicle (if you plan to return it)
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call the Deceased Handling Department
Contact Ford Credit's dedicated team for deceased accounts (often referred to as the "Peace of Mind" department):
- Phone: (866) 466-6310 ext 72017
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 8 PM ET
Note: If you cannot reach the extension directly, call the main customer service line at (800) 727-7000 and ask for the "Deceased Handling Department."
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity and your authority to speak.
- Explain the "Peace of Mind" program eligibility (allows vehicle return within 60 days).
- Place a hold on the account to stop collection calls (though interest may still accrue).
- Provide a specific case number.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You will typically need to mail or fax the death certificate. The agent will confirm the specific address for your case, but the general correspondence address is:
Mail to:
Ford Credit Estate Services
P.O. Box 35910
Cleveland, OH 44135-0910
Note: Always write the Account Number or VIN on the top of the death certificate.
Step 4: Decide on the Vehicle
You generally have three options:
- Return the vehicle: Under the Peace of Mind program (if eligible), you return the car to a Ford/Lincoln dealer.
- Keep the vehicle: A surviving spouse or heir can often refinance or assume the loan/lease (credit approval required).
- Pay off the vehicle: The estate pays the remaining balance in full.
Required Documents
Documents Ford Credit Requires
The documents needed depend on whether you are returning the vehicle or keeping it.
To Return the Vehicle (Peace of Mind Program)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Required to prove eligibility |
| Odometer Statement | Signed at the dealership upon return |
| Vehicle Return Receipt | Provided by the dealer — keep this for your records |
To Keep/Transfer the Vehicle (Loan Assumption)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | To remove the decedent's name |
| Credit Application | For the person taking over the loan/lease |
| Letters Testamentary / Administration | If the estate is transferring the car to an heir |
| Proof of Insurance | In the new owner's name |
To Pay Off the Vehicle
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | May be required to release the lien |
| Payoff Check | From estate funds or insurance proceeds |
Account Types
How Ford Credit Handles Different Account Types
Leases (Red Carpet Lease)
Leases are strictly handled. If the lessee dies, the estate is technically responsible for the remaining payments. However, the Peace of Mind program typically allows the estate to terminate the lease early without early termination fees by returning the vehicle.
Timeline: Return within 60 days of death to avoid complications.
Auto Loans (Retail Installment Contracts)
If there is a co-borrower, they automatically become responsible for the loan. If the decedent was the sole borrower, the vehicle is part of the estate. The estate can:
- Pay off the loan.
- Refinance the loan into an heir's name.
- Voluntarily surrender the vehicle (check if Peace of Mind applies to waive the deficiency balance).
Timeline: Interest continues to accrue until the loan is paid or settled.
Joint Accounts (Co-Borrowers)
The surviving co-borrower assumes full responsibility. You should still notify Ford Credit to remove the decedent's name from correspondence, but the payment schedule remains unchanged.
Timeline: Immediate transfer of responsibility.
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Ford Credit Process
Ford Credit operates nationally, but state probate laws impact how vehicles are transferred.
- Title Transfer: You cannot legally transfer the car title to an heir until Ford Credit releases their lien (after payoff) or approves a transfer of equity.
- Probate vs. Non-Probate: In many states, vehicles can be transferred outside of probate using a DMV form (e.g., "Affidavit of Heirship" or "Transfer on Death" title) if the estate is small.
- Community Property: In states like Texas, California, and Arizona, a surviving spouse may already have a 50% ownership interest in the vehicle, even if their name isn't on the loan.
Key State Variations
| State | Vehicle Transfer Rule | Community Property? |
|---|---|---|
| California | DMV Reg 5 form for heirship | Yes |
| Texas | Affidavit of Heirship for Motor Vehicles | Yes |
| Florida | DHSMV form for transfer without probate | No |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Ford Credit Takes to Process
| Action | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Peace of Mind Return | {60 days max} | Must return vehicle within this window |
| Death Certificate Review | {7–10 business days} | After mailing |
| Loan Assumption/Transfer | {2–4 weeks} | Requires credit check of new owner |
| Lien Release (after payoff) | {10–30 days} | Varies by state DMV processing speeds |
| Estate Settlement | {3–6+ months} | If selling the car to pay off the loan |
Note: Do not stop payments until Ford Credit explicitly confirms the account is closed or frozen. Missed payments can damage the credit of co-borrowers.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
The "60-Day" Rule
The Peace of Mind program typically requires the vehicle to be returned within 60 days of the date of death. Missing this window can result in the estate being liable for the full lease balance or loan deficiency.
Don't Just Drop the Car Off
Do not simply leave the car at a dealership without prior authorization. You must call the Deceased Handling Department first to get a case number and instructions.
Insurance Coverage
Ensure the vehicle remains insured until it is officially returned or transferred. If the policy lapses and the car is damaged, the estate is liable for the full value.
Automatic Payments
Cancel any automatic payments from the decedent's bank account immediately to prevent overdrafts. Ford Credit can manually stop their side of the autopay once notified.
Personal Items
Remove all personal belongings (garage door openers, sunglasses, documents) from the vehicle before returning it.