What does it mean to default on a loan?

Defaulting on a loan refers to the failure to fulfill the contractual obligations outlined in the loan agreement. This typically means that the borrower has not made the required payments on time or has failed to meet other terms established in the contract, such as maintaining insurance on the collateral or not exceeding certain debt-to-income ratios. When a borrower defaults, it can lead to serious consequences, including damage to their credit score, additional fees, and potential legal action by the lender to recover the owed balance.

In contrast, the other options describe actions that do not constitute default. Repaying a loan ahead of schedule shows a proactive approach to managing debt, while making scheduled payments indicates compliance with the terms of the loan. Negotiating lower interest rates can be a strategic move to enhance financial management but does not relate to the concept of defaulting. Thus, the essence of default revolves around the failure to meet agreed-upon financial commitments.