What is a guarantor?
In the world of finance, a guarantor designates a person who provides a financial guarantee during a transaction. More broadly, the guarantor is a person, natural or legal, having subscribed to a legal commitment which requires him to serve as a guarantee.
A guarantor is a person or company that undertakes to guarantee the payment of a debt or a financial obligation in the event of non-payment by the principal borrower. The guarantor thus undertakes to repay the debt in the event of default by the borrower. This can be used to obtain a loan or credit, or to secure a lease or contract.
Here are some examples of situations where a person can be a guarantor:
- Bank loans: a guarantor may be necessary to guarantee the repayment of a personal loan or a mortgage
- Rental contracts: a guarantor may be required to guarantee the payment of rents in the event that the main tenant cannot pay them
- Insurance contracts: a guarantor may be necessary to guarantee the payment of insurance premiums in the event of default by the main underwriter
- Commercial transactions: a guarantor may be required to guarantee the payment of invoices or installments in the context of commercial transactions
- Financial leasing: a guarantor may be required to guarantee the payment of rents under a financial leasing contract.
What are the ideal characteristics of the guarantor?
The ideal characteristics of a guarantor may vary depending on the situation, but in general it is desired that he be:
- Financially solvent: a guarantor must have the means to fulfill its obligations in case of need
- Credible: a guarantor must have a good reputation and be considered reliable
- Available: a guarantor must be accessible and ready to act when needed
- Competent: A guarantor must understand the terms and conditions of the contract they are guaranteeing
- Committed: a guarantor must be committed to fulfilling his obligations as a guarantor
It is important to note that the requirements may vary depending on the type of guarantees and the context in which it is provided.