Honda Financial Services (HFS) is the financing arm of Honda and Acura vehicles. When you finance a vehicle through HFS, they become the lienholder, also known as the *loss payee*, on your car insurance policy. This means that in the event of a total loss or significant damage to your vehicle, any insurance payout will be made payable to both you and Honda Financial Services. Why is HFS listed as the loss payee? Because they have a financial stake in the vehicle. Until your loan is completely paid off, HFS technically owns the vehicle. Listing them as the loss payee protects their investment. If your car is totaled and the insurance company issues a check solely to you, you could potentially pocket the money and not pay off the loan. HFS, therefore, needs to be on the insurance payout to ensure the loan is satisfied. The process typically unfolds like this: After an accident or other covered incident that results in significant damage, you’ll file a claim with your insurance company. The insurance company will investigate the claim and determine the extent of the damage and the amount of the payout. If the vehicle is repairable, the insurance company will issue a check, often payable to both you and the repair shop. If the repairs exceed a certain threshold or the vehicle is deemed a total loss, the insurance payout will be significantly larger. In this case, the insurance check will be made payable to *you* and *Honda Financial Services*. What happens with the check depends on whether the car is repairable or declared a total loss. If the car is repairable, HFS may require that the repairs be performed by a certified repair shop. They may also require proof that the repairs have been completed before releasing their portion of the insurance check. This ensures that the vehicle is properly repaired and maintains its value. If the vehicle is a total loss, the insurance payout will first go towards satisfying the remaining loan balance with Honda Financial Services. Any remaining funds after the loan is paid off will then be disbursed to you. It’s crucial to understand the terms of your loan agreement with HFS regarding insurance coverage. Typically, the agreement will stipulate minimum coverage requirements, including collision and comprehensive coverage, as well as liability coverage. Maintaining adequate insurance coverage is essential not only to protect your investment but also to comply with the terms of your loan agreement with Honda Financial Services. Failure to maintain adequate insurance could be considered a breach of contract and could potentially lead to the repossession of your vehicle. In summary, Honda Financial Services acts as the loss payee on your car insurance policy to protect their financial interest in the vehicle until the loan is fully repaid. Understanding this relationship and maintaining adequate insurance coverage are crucial for a smooth financing experience. Always consult with your insurance provider and Honda Financial Services directly if you have any questions about your specific policy and loan terms.