{"id":352649,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/lemon-law\/how-to-get-a-repossessed-car-back.html"},"modified":"2024-03-25T15:27:04","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T20:27:04","slug":"how-to-get-a-repossessed-car-back","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/how-to-get-a-repossessed-car-back.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Get a Repossessed Car Back"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Get a Repossessed Car Back<\/h1>\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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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
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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

If you choose to finance or lease a new or used car, your creditor can repossess your vehicle if you default on the loan. Repossession is taking back an item<\/a> like a vehicle without a court order and often without warning after a loan default.<\/p>\r\n

There are rules for repossessing vehicles that lenders must follow. Consumer rights regulate some aspects of the vehicle repossession process, including fair debt collection practices<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Since consumers rely on their vehicles to get to work, shop for groceries, and other essential activities, repossession can create a host of new challenges for the debtor<\/a>. Your sales contract establishes the details of what constitutes a default. It can be as simple as missing a monthly payment.<\/p>\r\n

This article focuses on how to get a repossessed car back from your creditor, which is not always an option and varies from state to state.<\/p>\r\n

For more on other consumer protection laws covering vehicle purchases, see FindLaw’s Lemon Law section<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Methods of Vehicle Repossession<\/h2>\r\n

Vehicle repossession laws vary by state, including allowable methods for repossession.<\/p>\r\n

Most states require the repossessor (the lender, creditor, dealership, or finance company) to notify local law enforcement before the repossession. Others require they report the repossession shortly after.<\/p>\r\n

In most cases, the repossessor uses the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)<\/a> and license plate number to locate your vehicle. They can get help from local law enforcement to find your vehicle.<\/p>\r\n

Next, the creditor will use one of the following methods to reclaim your vehicle:<\/p>\r\n