How to Resolve a Debt with Summit Account Resolution

Debt collectors can make your life miserable. Summit Account Resolution is no exception.

You’ve probably received multiple calls and letters. They might even contact you at work. The embarrassment and stress feel overwhelming.

Good news: you can get Summit off your back. You just need to know the right steps.

What is Summit Account Resolution?

Summit Account Resolution (SUMMIT A•R) is a debt collection agency. They specialize in consumer and commercial debts.

The company collects on:

• Healthcare bills
• Banking debts
• Dental accounts
• Rental car charges

Founded in 1996, Summit has been in the collections business for decades. Their headquarters sits at 12201 Champlin Dr, Champlin, MN 55316.

You can reach them at 888-222-0793. They also offer online payment scheduling.

Summit Account Resolution Reviews

Summit holds an ‘A’ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They’re also accredited by the BBB.

Despite the good rating, consumer complaints exist. Most complaints involve rental car damage charges.

One common scenario: rental companies charge damage fees after customers return cars. Summit then pursues these charges through collections.

Google reviews tell a different story. Summit averages 4.5 out of 5 stars there. Many customers praise their professionalism and willingness to work with consumers.

Validate Your Debt Before Paying Anything

Never pay a debt collector without proof. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you.

You have the right to request debt validation. Send a Debt Validation Letter within 30 days of first contact.

What to Request in Your Validation Letter

Your letter should demand specific information:

• Original creditor’s name and the exact amount owed
• Copy of the original contract with your signature
• Date of last payment or transaction on the account
• Proof Summit has legal authority to collect this debt
• Summit’s debt collection license number for your state

After Summit receives your letter, they must stop contacting you. They cannot resume until they provide the requested proof.

If they continue calling without validating your debt, file a complaint with the FTC. You have rights under federal law.

What Happens After Summit Validates Your Debt

Summit sent you all the proof. Now you know the debt is legitimate.

Ignoring it won’t make it disappear. Summit may file a lawsuit against you. A judgment could lead to wage garnishment or frozen bank accounts.

You have three main options to resolve the debt.

Option 1: Pay in Full

Paying the entire balance is the simplest solution. Contact Summit and arrange full payment.

Once paid, request a receipt. Summit will report your account as paid to credit bureaus.

Full payment works great for smaller debts. Coming up with a few hundred dollars is manageable. Thousands of dollars? That’s a different story.

Option 2: Set Up a Payment Plan

Payment arrangements break your debt into monthly installments. You pay a fixed amount each month until the debt is cleared.

Summit should work with you to find an affordable amount. Be honest about what you can pay monthly.

Remember: the debt stays on your credit report as unpaid. It won’t update to ‘paid’ until you finish all payments.

Option 3: Negotiate a Settlement

Settlements let you pay less than you owe. You offer a lump sum for a percentage of the total debt.

Summit forgives the remaining balance. They then report your account as settled to credit bureaus.

Summit isn’t required to accept your settlement offer. The more you offer, the better your chances.

Most collection agencies accept 40-60% of the original debt. Start lower and negotiate up.

If you’re dealing with a lawsuit from Summit, our partner Solo can help you respond properly and negotiate a settlement.

Settlement Example

Drew owes $400 on an old utility bill. Summit Account Resolution bought the debt and started contacting him.

Drew sends a Debt Validation Letter. Summit responds with all required proof.

Since $400 isn’t overwhelming, Drew chooses a payment plan. He offers $100 monthly for four months.

Summit agrees. Drew sets up automatic payments so he never misses one.

After four months, Summit reports the debt as paid. Drew’s account is resolved.

Protect Yourself from Future Collections

Once you resolve your Summit debt, take steps to prevent future issues.

Check your credit reports regularly. You’re entitled to free reports from all three bureaus annually.

Verify that Summit reported your account correctly. Paid accounts should show as paid. Settled accounts should show as settled.

If you spot errors, dispute them immediately. Credit bureaus must investigate within 30 days.

Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives you powerful protections. Collectors like Summit must follow strict rules.

They cannot:

• Call you before 8 AM or after 9 PM
• Contact you at work if you tell them not to
• Harass or threaten you
• Lie about the amount you owe
• Threaten legal action they don’t intend to take
• Discuss your debt with family, friends, or coworkers

If Summit violates these rules, document everything. Keep records of calls, letters, and voicemails.

You can sue collectors for FDCPA violations. You may recover up to $1,000 plus attorney fees.

When Summit Files a Lawsuit

Sometimes Summit escalates to legal action. They file a lawsuit to collect the debt.

Receiving a summons is scary. Don’t panic and don’t ignore it.

You typically have 20-30 days to respond. The exact deadline appears on your summons.

If you’re being sued by Summit, our partner Solo specializes in helping consumers respond to debt collection lawsuits.

Your response (called an Answer) addresses each claim in the lawsuit. You admit, deny, or state you lack knowledge of each allegation.

Filing an Answer prevents a default judgment. Default judgments happen when you don’t respond.

After you file your Answer, you can negotiate a settlement. Many collectors prefer settling over going to trial.

Take Action Now

Debt collectors won’t stop on their own. You must take action.

Start by sending a Debt Validation Letter. Verify the debt is actually yours and the amount is correct.

Once validated, choose your resolution method. Pay in full, set up payments, or negotiate a settlement.

Each option has advantages. Pick the one that fits your financial situation.

Remember: you have rights. Collectors must follow the law. Document everything and don’t let them bully you.

The sooner you address Summit’s collection efforts, the sooner you’ll have peace of mind.