{"id":401642,"date":"2026-07-13T10:26:34","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T15:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=401642"},"modified":"2026-07-13T09:58:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T14:58:48","slug":"can-you-keep-your-car-after-filing-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-7\/can-you-keep-your-car-after-filing-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy.html","title":{"rendered":"Can You Keep Your Car After Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can You Keep Your Car After Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, 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\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

You can keep your car when filing <\/span>Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/span> if you stay current on your auto loan and can protect your vehicle’s equity<\/span> using bankruptcy exemptions<\/span>. Most people keep their cars by using a motor vehicle exemption<\/span> or wildcard exemptions<\/span> to protect the equity. Then they reaffirm<\/span> the loan with their lender<\/span> and continue making payments after their bankruptcy case<\/span> is complete.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Deciding to file for bankruptcy<\/a> is difficult, even when it\u2019s our best option to get out of debt. Many people worry that they won\u2019t be able to keep their house or car if they file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that regardless of the type of bankruptcy<\/a> you file, there is a good chance the bankruptcy court will allow you to keep your motor vehicle. As long as the motor vehicle exemption covers the equity in your car and you stay up to date with your monthly payments, you should be able to either reaffirm or redeem your auto loan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll briefly explain the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process<\/a> and how it impacts your car loan. We will also discuss important factors to consider when deciding whether to reaffirm your car loan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve already filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or are considering it, contact a local bankruptcy attorney<\/a> for help. They can walk you through your options and help you decide the best path forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Whether you can keep your car after filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy depends on several factors. If there is no equity in the vehicle, the lender may allow you to reaffirm the loan. This means that you continue to make payments on the loan and, as long as you stay current, you can keep your car or SUV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, certain factors affect whether you can keep your car after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. Some of these factors include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n