Home

Services

Help

About Us

Tell me about:

Glossary

Learn about financial terms

Certificate of Origin:

A document provided by the truck/chassis manufacturer that details that unique information for the truck (Model year, make, Vehicle Identification Number). The "birth certificate" for the truck.

Commitment fees:

A fee charged by the bank for the bank's commitment to provide financing.

Documentation fees:

A fee charged by the bank to prepare financing documents.

Fire District:

A Political Subdivision formed for the special purpose of collecting tax funds and to furnish fire fighting services for a geographic area (District).

Lease purchase agreement (aka installment purchase contract):

An agreement for tax-exempt borrowing which does not have to be included as part of legal debt limitations.

Lien (aka Security Interest):

The recorded financial interest of the lender on the title of the truck.

Municipality:

See Political Subdivision.

Origination fees:

A fee charged by the bank to originate (make) the loan.

Performance Bond:

A bond from an insurance company that insures that a fire truck will be constructed. In case of failure by the manufacturer, the insurance company is financially responsible for completion of the truck.

Points:

A percentage of the loan amount paid as a fee. This is a form of prepaid interest that is not reported as part of the interest rate.

Political subdivision:

A County, City, Township, Borough, Fire District or other politically formed entity for the general purpose of governing the laws, rules, and funds raised by taxes.

Prepayment of truck:

An offer by the manufacturer to offer a discount in exchange for the payment of the truck prior to construction.

Prepayment Discount:

The discount offered by a manufacturer in exchange for the payment of the truck before the truck has begun construction.

Promotional interest rates:

A below-market interest rate for the first few months to entice borrowers that increases to market rates.

Tax-exempt:

A debt that legally entitles the bank to not include the interest received as taxable income. This results in a lower interest rate for the borrower because no taxes have to be paid by the bank.

Teaser rates:

A form of Promotional Interest Rate with a interest rate that few will qualify for or a low introductory rate that will increase to market rates after a few months.

Title:

A document provided by the State that shows ownership and security interest(s) in a vehicle.

Variable interest rates:

An interest rate that can change over time based on changes in market interest rates.

Volunteer Fire Department:

A legal organization separate from a municipality formed to fight fires, with or without paid fire fighters.