Consumer bankruptcy filings in the United States have increased double digits in the first half of 2025. Total individual filings rose by 11% compared to the same period in 2024. Chapter 7 filings, which involve liquidation, increased by 15%, while Chapter 13 filings, for debt reorganization, saw an approximately 3% rise.
Several factors are contributing to this trend, including elevated interest rates, high levels of credit card and household debt, and the resumption of student loan repayments and collections. Student loan delinquency rates have significantly increased, and the restart of collections is expected to further drive up individual filings. Rising living costs and increasing expenses for housing and insurance are also leading more people to rely on credit.
Based on the current rate, total bankruptcy filings could exceed 600,000 cases by the end of 2025. The increasing trend suggests that financial stress on consumers may continue, potentially reaching over 700,000 cases annually by 2027

Bankruptcy records, accessible to the public through PACER, are a valuable source of information for various purposes. PACER is the electronic system that allows users to view case and docket information from federal courts, including bankruptcy courts. While the format differs between courts, the core data remains consistent. The raw PACER data is then processed by our custom-built BEBdata system, which standardizes, segments, and enhances the information to create a user-friendly database.
How We Make it Useful:
1. Data Standardization:
We take the raw data from PACER and run it through custom programs to standardize the information, transforming it into a usable database format.
2. Address Enhancement:
We use USPS CASS software to verify and correct address information, ensuring accurate delivery details.
3. National Change of Address (NCOA) Integration:
The CASS-certified data is further processed against the NCOA file, providing the most up-to-date delivery information available.
4. Custom Database System:
Finally, the enhanced data is integrated into our custom-built database system. This allows for flexible segmentation, categorization, and querying of the information.
Important Notes:
The data is available for various vertical markets and is not used to assess creditworthiness. When used for credit solicitation marketing, the BK Data can only be used for Invitation To Apply (ITA) purposes

We are thrilled to be attending the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show 2026, held in Las Vegas from February 3rd to 6th.
The NADA Show is a premier event for automotive professionals. It attracts thousands of dealers, managers, vendors, and suppliers. They come to explore the latest products, services, and technologies shaping the industry. Bebdata is excited to showcase how its data solutions can help dealerships make smarter decisions. Dealerships can also optimize operations and gain a competitive edge in today’s market.
In the automotive industry, data drives informed decision-making. Bebdata helps businesses make solid data-driven decisions. Expertise in data analysis and predictive intelligence helps dealerships anticipate market trends and make strategic choices.
Dealerships create personalized campaigns with our data that resonate with potential customers by understanding buyer behavior. This increases conversion rates and maximizes ROI.
The NADA Show focus is on innovative products, emerging trends, and networking opportunities across all dealership areas. This aligns with the mission to provide solutions that revolutionize the automotive retail space. The promises to be an invaluable experience for Bebdata and the entire automotive industry. A data-driven approach will help shape the future of automotive retail and empower dealerships to thrive in the years to come.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the landscape of marketing, including the legal sector. For bankruptcy attorneys, AI offers tools to streamline client acquisition and engagement, leveraging its capabilities to optimize marketing strategies. AI can analyze vast amounts of data, helping firms identify potential clients who may be struggling financially and are in need of legal assistance. It can also assist with targeted advertising, ensuring that marketing messages are relevant and reach the intended audience through channels like email and social media.
AI can also be instrumental in content creation and optimization, generating blog posts, articles, and social media updates that address common concerns and questions related to bankruptcy. Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper can assist with brainstorming ideas, outlining content, and even drafting initial versions, saving attorneys significant time and effort. However, JEMSU notes that the sensitive nature of bankruptcy cases requires a delicate balance between informative content and empathetic communication. Human review and refinement of AI-generated content are essential to ensure accuracy, maintain an authentic voice, and address the nuanced and emotional aspects of clients’ financial distress.

Car dealers use bankruptcy data primarily to identify potential customers for auto loans, especially those with poor credit or those seeking to rebuild their credit after bankruptcy. They may also use this data to assess risk when providing financing, especially for dealerships that offer in-house financing.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Identifying Potential Customers:
Post-Bankruptcy Loans:
Bankruptcy filings, while often a sign of past financial difficulties, also indicate a need for transportation and an opportunity for dealers to offer financing, particularly to those looking to rebuild their credit.
Targeted Marketing:
Some dealerships, especially those specializing in subprime lending, use bankruptcy data to target marketing campaigns towards individuals who have recently filed for or been discharged from bankruptcy.
2. Assessing Risk and Providing Financing:
Subprime Lenders:
These lenders specifically work with individuals who have credit challenges, and bankruptcy is a factor they consider when assessing risk and setting loan terms.
In-House Financing (Buy Here, Pay Here):
Dealerships that offer in-house financing may be less concerned with a bankruptcy filing itself, focusing more on income and down payment to determine loan approval.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, where individuals repay debts over time, dealers can work with the bankruptcy trustee to obtain court approval for a car loan

Various industries leverage consumer bankruptcy data for marketing purposes, targeting individuals and businesses in different stages of financial distress or recovery. Here’s a breakdown of the key sectors involved:
Credit Repair Services: These companies focus on individuals post-bankruptcy, offering services to rebuild credit scores and financial standing.
Secured Credit Cards and High-Risk Lenders: They cater to individuals with limited credit options, often accepting higher risk for increased interest rates.
Debt Consolidation & Management: These services help individuals consolidate debts and create repayment plans, typically targeting consumers struggling with multiple debts.
Home Refinancing: Companies in this sector might target individuals who own homes and are looking to restructure their finances post-bankruptcy or during periods of financial difficulty.
Data Brokers & Marketing Analytics Firms: These entities collect and analyze vast quantities of consumer data, including bankruptcy filings.

The subprime auto lending sector is expected to grow as more consumers with credit challenges seek vehicle financing. Industry experts predict annual growth in subprime loan originations between 5-10% over the next few years.

Several factors are driving this trend:

• Rising Used Car Prices: The current market favors used vehicles as consumers prioritize affordability amid high interest rates and economic uncertainty. With used car prices stabilizing, there’s a strong demand for lower-cost options that subprime loans can help finance.
• Post-Pandemic Credit Rebuilding: Many consumers are rebuilding their credit after the pandemic and seek subprime loans as a way to secure transportation and improve their financial standing through timely payments.
• Technological Advancements in Lending: Online lending technology is making subprime financing more accessible through improvements in digital contracting, document processing, and credit risk assessments utilizing data analytics and AI.

However, lenders in the subprime auto industry face the challenge of balancing accessibility with responsible lending practices to mitigate default risks. Key considerations include:

• Customized Loan Structures and Affordability: Tailoring loan structures to individual borrowers’ financial situations, offering flexible terms, and ensuring affordability are crucial to minimizing the risk of defaults and preventing financial hardship for borrowers.
• Enhanced Borrower Education: Providing borrowers with a comprehensive understanding of loan terms, including interest rates, fees, and their impact on overall costs, is essential for making informed decisions and avoiding potential pitfalls.
• Rigorous Lending Criteria and Risk Management: Lenders are implementing stricter lending criteria and employing advanced technology, like collateral monitoring and robust collection strategies, to manage the increased risk associated with subprime loans.

Subprime auto loans serve a vital role in the market by offering financing options to consumers who may not qualify for traditional loans due to poor or limited credit history. While carrying higher interest rates due to the increased risk, these loans can provide access to reliable transportation, help consumers rebuild their credit, and offer flexible financing solutions tailored to individual needs. The long-term future of the industry hinges on responsible innovation, leveraging technology to expand access while maintaining a strong focus on borrower well-being and managing inherent risks effectively.

Automotive lending plays a vital role in consumer finance, with over 113 million outstanding vehicle loans and an aggregate balance exceeding $1.42 trillion as of 2021. Car dealerships are the primary point of origin for more than 80% of these auto loans. Notably, arranging this financing contributes significantly to the profits of car dealerships.

The automotive retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with data playing an increasingly crucial role in shaping dealership operations and success. Gone are the days when guesswork and intuition were sufficient. Today, dealerships that harness the power of data analytics are better equipped to understand their customers, optimize their processes, and adapt to rapidly evolving market trends, including the rise of connected vehicles and shifting consumer preferences. This data-driven approach, coupled with advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, is revolutionizing everything from inventory management and sales forecasting to customer service and marketing strategies.
One key trend is the use of Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) to unify and leverage customer information from various sources. This allows dealerships to gain a comprehensive understanding of individual customer preferences, purchase histories, and behaviors, enabling them to personalize marketing campaigns and create highly targeted offers. For example, analysis of browsing patterns and past purchases can help identify customers interested in specific vehicle types or features, allowing dealers to send relevant promotions at the right time. This level of personalization not only enhances customer engagement but also drives higher conversion rates and fosters long-term loyalty.
Furthermore, data analytics is essential for optimizing dealership operations. Predictive analytics, for instance, helps forecast demand for specific vehicles, enabling dealerships to manage inventory more efficiently and reduce holding costs. Analyzing service history and vehicle data allows for proactive maintenance, ensuring that vehicles are serviced at optimal times and minimizing customer downtime. By leveraging data-driven insights, dealerships can streamline their processes, improve efficiency across all departments, and ultimately drive profitability in an increasingly competitive market. However, as dealerships collect and utilize increasing amounts of customer data, maintaining robust data security and addressing consumer privacy concerns will be paramount.

BEBdata’s experience and approach to data compilation are a key strength. With over 40 years of combined experience, data is gathered daily from courthouses nationwide. This ensures clients receive accurate and current information. This commitment helps clients identify responsive consumers and deliver compelling offers to drive engagement and sales. The team works closely with clients to tailor data solutions to their goals.

BEBdata helps businesses transform data into actionable insights and effective marketing.