{"id":286816,"date":"2021-01-27T10:50:38","date_gmt":"2021-01-27T15:50:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/bankruptcy\/after-bankruptcy\/how-long-can-i-keep-my-car-after-filing-chapter-7.html"},"modified":"2025-08-25T08:46:39","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T13:46:39","slug":"how-long-can-i-keep-my-car-after-filing-chapter-7","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/after-bankruptcy\/how-long-can-i-keep-my-car-after-filing-chapter-7.html","title":{"rendered":"How Long Can I Keep My Car After Filing Chapter 7?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

How Long Can I Keep My Car After Filing Chapter 7?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n

It’s possible to keep your vehicle\u00a0after filing Chapter 7.\u00a0How long you keep it depends on your equity, your state or federal exemptions, and whether you stay current on the loan. If your car’s equity is fully covered by an applicable motor-vehicle or wildcard exemption, and you’re current on payments, you can usually retain it through filing bankruptcy and after the case, often by reaffirming the loan with the lender. If your equity exceeds the exemption, the trustee may sell the vehicle and pay you the exempt portion, unless you protect it in\u00a0another way. Even during bankruptcy, falling behind on payments can lead to repossession. Exemption amounts and options vary by state. A\u00a0skilled\u00a0bankruptcy attorney<\/a>\u00a0can help you choose the best strategy to keep your car.<\/i><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Filing bankruptcy is a difficult decision, even\u00a0for people in dire financial straits. You may worry about keeping your house and car in a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy case. You may also\u00a0be concerned\u00a0about whether the\u00a0Bankruptcy Court<\/a>\u00a0will approve your bankruptcy petition, giving you the much-needed fresh start you’re hoping for.<\/p>\n

Regardless of the\u00a0type of bankruptcy<\/a>\u00a0you file, there is a good chance you’ll be able to keep your motor vehicle. As long as your equity is exempt and you stay current, you can often keep your car by reaffirming with the lender or redeeming it.<\/p>\n

This article\u00a0explains\u00a0how the\u00a0Chapter 7 bankruptcy process<\/a>\u00a0works and how it impacts your car loan. It also\u00a0discusses\u00a0the factors the bankruptcy trustee considers when deciding whether reaffirming your auto loan makes sense.<\/p>\n

If you’ve already filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or are considering it, contact a local\u00a0bankruptcy attorney<\/a>\u00a0for help. We’ve also included helpful links to related FindLaw articles at the bottom of the page.<\/p>\n

Factors That Determine Whether You Can Keep Your Car After Bankruptcy<\/h2>\n

Whether you can keep your car after filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy depends on several factors. These\u00a0include\u00a0its value, whether you are currently behind on payments, and your\u00a0state’s bankruptcy laws<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can often keep your vehicle after your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case is over if you meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n