Car Repossession Laws: How To Stop the "Repo Man"
Going through financial ups and downs in life, you might have experienced a car repossession. If you are defaulting on your loan or missing payments, your lender has the right to take back your vehicle and pursue you for the remaining balance (deficiency payment).
While repossession can be a challenging experience, silver lining like car repossession loopholes do exist. These are legal avenues that can potentially challenge a repossession or minimize its negative effects.
Let’s discuss more about car repossession loopholes, explore the relevant laws and find alternative ways to recover from car debt in a legal manner.
Table of Contents
The Two Laws That Facilitate Loopholes
The car repossession loopholes that you can use right now involves two simple laws:
- The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) is a standardized set of rules related to commercial and business transactions (like car loans) in the United States.
- The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects consumers from deceptive, abusive, and unfair debt collection practices. It aims to prevent harassment, deception, and unfair practices by debt collectors while also protecting legitimate debt collection activities.
Use these loopholes, under the UCC:
- Loophole #1: Breach of Peace
- Loophole #2: Invalidate Car Repossession
- Loophole #3: Challenge Repossession Sales Price
Use these loopholes, under the FDCPA:
- Loophole #4: The FDCPA
- Loophole #5: Debt Validation
Uniform Commercial Code: Article 9
The UCC features nine articles, each dealing with separate aspects of banking and loans. Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code is the most related article on car repossessions.
According to it, if a borrower fails to make loan repayments, the creditor has a legal right to repossess the collateral provided to secure the loan. Basically, it gives lenders a legal platform to exercise their rights in case of default.
Loophole #1: Breach of Peace
UCC, besides allowing the repossession of vehicles by creditors after a default, safeguards the debtor from abusive or illegal repossession practices.
One significant car repossession loophole is linked with the breach of peace. That being said, the “breach of the peace” clause refers to any acts by the repossession agent that break public peace or contravene the rights of the borrower.
Breach of Peace examples:
- Physical Force or Threats: Violence, intimidation, or threats of violence against the borrower or any person who happens to be there when repossession is being done.
- Trespassing: Entering a private property as opposed to getting the owner’s permission. For example, breaking the garage door that has been locked or getting into someone’s house without their consent. This is a clear violation of law and can be leveraged under car repossession loopholes.
- Damage to the Property: causing damage to the vehicle or other property in the process of repossession
- Ignoring The Borrower’s Objections: Refusing to acknowledge or address the borrower’s concerns or requests. You have the right to retrieve your personal belongings from the vehicle before it is towed. The repossession agent cannot unreasonably deny you this right.
- Repossession companies that engage in breach of peace tactics face serious consequences. You can hold them liable for damages, including statutory damages under the UCC, FDCPA, or state law; their conduct may also result in criminal charges and the revocation of their operating license.
What To Do When a Repo Man Breaches The Peace?
1. Take photos and videos, and document any damage to your property or vehicle (including any.
2. If injuries were sustained during the process, note the time and location and get witness statements, if possible.
3. Get CCTV or security footage from your property or nearby businesses that may have captured the repossession.
4. Witness Statements: Document the statements of all the people who have witnessed the repossession.
5. Call the Police: Most repossession agents are trained professionals. However, things can go out of hand. If you feel threatened by the repossession agent or think he is acting illegally (excessive force, trespassing), call the police right away.
6. Seek advice from a consumer protection attorney on your rights and possible legal actions. They can also help you collect evidence and walk you through the process of filing a claim against the repossession company.
Breach of Peace: Your Financial Recovery
Once your evidence proves a Breach of Peace, you can recover monetary losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Improper repossession
- Repossession finance charges
- Car damages sustained during towing (scratches, dents, or mechanical issues)
Loophole #2: Invalidate Car Repossession
Another car repossession loophole can be found in situations where the lender fails to follow proper legal procedures.
If the lender fails to follow proper steps, they must provide you money for damages, return your vehicle and remove the wrongful repossession from your credit reports!
Follow these steps to report the lender’s failure to provide adequate notice of default or their failure to follow the proper steps (for repossessing your vehicle).
Step 1. Document the repossession
To build your case that there was a legal error or procedural misstep (on the part of the creditor), Gather all relevant documentation, including:
- Communications with the lender
- Payment records
- Notices received
- Photos of the scene
Step 2. Contact the lender
Step 3. File a dispute
Step 4. File a complaint
Step 5. Consider legal action
If you can obtain a judgment against the repossession company, you may recover your claim from your insurance company. You are also entitled to sue the person who initiated the dispute – for attorney’s fee.
A repossession will appear on your credit report for up to seven years, make getting a loan more difficult (or more costly to acquire in the future) and boost your insurance rates – so if a lender made even the smallest misstep, you can nvalidate the repossssion quickly!
Loophole #3: Challenge Repossession Sales Price
If your vehicle is repossessed, you will be responsible for any deficiency balance. A deficiency balance is when the sale price is less than the total amount you owe, which in most cases includes the loan balance plus repossession fees. On the contrary, if the sale price exceeds the amount you owe, you are entitled to any surplus funds.
Lenders are legally bound to sell your repossessed vehicle in a commercially reasonable manner. That is, they must take steps to ensure that they achieve a fair market price for the same. In case of an unreasonably low sales price, you can challenge it in court – this can be a powerful car repossession loophole to reduce your deficiency balance or even eliminate it entirely.
Example:
For instance, your car was repossessed and sold at auction for $5,000. Your outstanding loan balance is $10,000, and repossession fees are $500. This results in a deficiency balance of $5,500.
You could have an independent appraisal that indicates that the fair market value of your vehicle at the time of sale was nearer $8,000. Use it as a car repossession loophole and argue that the lender did not act commercially reasonably.
This can increase your chances of achieving a lower deficiency balance (or even eliminate it).
Three Things You Need To Challenge Repossession Sale Price
1. Selling the Vehicle at Low Price: Obtain an honest assessment of the market value of your car. If the selling price is substantially lower than the vehicle’s fair market value, you may be able to argue that the lender did not make reasonable efforts to get fair market value.
2. Poor Advertisement: Poor advertisement of the auction will result in fewer bidders, thus lowering the selling price.
3. Improper Sale: If the auction was not properly conducted or the bidding was imperfect, you can challenge the price sale.
How To Challenge Repossession Sales Price
Please note that State laws vary: Repossession laws differ by state, so understand your specific rights and legal protections in your jurisdiction.
It’s also important to act quickly: You usually have 10 to 15 days to dispute a repossession.
1. Collect Evidence
Secure independent appraisal of your vehicle’s market value and record the auction (including bidding numbers and bids).
2. Consult a Lawyer:
Discuss it with an experienced attorney specializing in consumer law. An experienced lawyer can guide you in filing a complaint with the FTC and explore different car repossession loopholes. You can file a complaint online, by mail, or by phone at (202) FTC-HELP (382-4357).
3. File a Lawsuit:
Loophole #4: Use the FDCPA
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) establishes a fair playing field for debt collectors and promotes consistent state action to protect consumers from abusive debt collection practices.
How Does FDCPA Protect Consumers?
Understanding FPCDA can be valuable in navigating potential car repossession loopholes and identifying any violations that might have occurred during the process:
- Limits how debt collectors can contact consumers
- Prohibits debt collectors from using deceptive or abusive conduct
- Gives consumers the right to fair Debt Validation
- Removes debt from your credit reports
- Rewards a consumer $1000 when debt collectors violate the FDCPA
How Debt Collectors Violate the FDCPA?
Debt collectors violate your FDCPA rights, when they do the following:
- Contacting consumers at odd hours
- Making repeated phone calls
- Threatening legal action that isn’t real
- Revealing debts to others
- Contacting consumers at their place of employment after they’ve said it’s not okay
- Contacting consumers who an attorney represents
How To Report FDCPA Violations
When debt collector violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you should:
- Document all interactions with the collector,
- Send the debt collector a Cease and Desist letter, asking them to stop contacting you.
- And consider contacting your state Attorney General’s office or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to file a complaint.
Loophole #5: Request Debt Validation
Under the FDCPA, debt validation is part of the car repossession loophole that allows you to carefully review the debt (that triggered repossession) to ensure its accuracy – giving you a a fighting chance to effectively challenge the repossession.
If the information about a debt is inaccurate, then under the FDCPA, a consumer has the right to request Debt Validation – and (potentially) get that debt deleted!
Debt collectors must validate debt. Debt collectors are legally required to verify a debt when a consumer requests it. This means they have to provide accurate information such as the amount owed, the original creditor, and proof of the debt’s existence.
Consequences for Debt Collectors (if they can’t validate):
How to Report Debt Collectors Violations:
If a debt collector continues to collect a debt, that they cannot verify, the consumer can file a complaint with the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) or the state Attorney General and sue the debt collector for as much as $1000 for each lawsuit (not per infraction)!
How to Write a Debt Validation Letter
Here's what you must include in a debt validation letter:
1. A request for verification: State that you’re requesting verification of the debt
3. The debt’s account number
4. The amount owed
5. The date the debt became delinquent
6. A copy of the last billing statement
7. A detailed explanation of any interest added or payments made
– If you are unsure whether the debt is correct, you should send a debt validation letter to the creditor. This letter begins the validation process. Once you dispute the debt in writing, the debt collector must respond with the required information.
– Request to be removed from credit report: If the debt collector doesn’t respond within 30 days, request that the account be removed from your credit reports.
– Send the debt validation letter by certified mail to establish when the letter was received and keep a copy of the letter (for your records).
After the Dispute Is Filed
While not a car repossession loophole, filing a dispute provides relaxation from collection efforts. Once you have filed a dispute, the collector cannot contact you to collect the debt until they have verified its validity with the original creditor. If you have paid the debt, send copies of all proof of payment (e.g., canceled checks and bank statements).
In case the creditor fails to validate the debt, they are legally required to cease collection activities and potentially remove the debt from your credit report under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Get $1,000 per FDCPA Violation Lawsuit!
Filing suit after Debt Has Been Verified.
Can I Really Collect $1000 per FDCPA Violation?
Here are some other things to know about suing a debt collector:
1. You can sue in state or federal court within one year of the violation.
2. The $1,000 is per lawsuit, not per violation.
3. You don’t have to prove that the violation caused harm.
4. You can also recover actual damages, such as lost wages or psychological distress.
5. You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state Attorney General’s office.
6. A group of people can sue for up to 1% of the collector’s net worth or $500,000, whichever is less.
How to File a Suit for FDCPA Violations
1. File the Lawsuit in the State Court
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA, you can file a lawsuit against them in state court. In case of winning the suit, you will be rewarded with the following:
Statutory damages: Up to $1000 per lawsuit.
Lawsuit fee: Cost of the Lawsuit and reasonable attorney’s fee.
2. Report the Action to the Relevant Government Agency
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) safeguards the rights of consumers by ensuring that the rights of FDCPA are not violated. Consumers can also reach out to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB registers consumer complaints, forwards them to the creditor, and works with both parties to find a resolution.
3. Report the Action to the State Attorney
The debt collector might violate both federal (FDCPA) and state laws. In such a case, you should contact your state Attorney General’s office for guidance on potential FDCPA lawsuits and any applicable state law actions against the debt collector.
Conclusion
Understanding car repossession loopholes can be a valuable tool to deal with the challenging legal and financial situations. Familiarize yourself with the relevant car repossession laws such as the UCC and the FDCPA. Along with that, knowing your rights as a buyer can potentially reduce the negative effects of repossession on your credit and financial records.
The best approach is to prioritize responsible financial management and choose a car that fits comfortably in your budget. This proactive strategy helps you sustain your vehicle ownership and avoid the stress of legal and financial hurdles.
FAQs
Yes, repossessions can be stopped by filing bankruptcy – but it will only be stopped temporarily. Filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help if you are having problems with making payments and if you are facing repossession. When filing bankruptcy, it initiates an “automatic stay” providing you with legal protection. It helps temporarily stop creditors and lenders from taking any collection actions and repossessions against you.
If you are unable to secure any car repossession loophole, forbearance helps you to temporarily pause or reduce your payments.
To negotiate forbearance you need to:
- Connect with your lender(s) immediately and discuss your temporary financial problems.
- Using your recent payments, medical bills, or a layoff notice can help you to support your financial problem claim.
- Suggest and outline a repayment plan along with forbearance timeframe and repayment schedule on completion of forbearance.
- Be open to discuss and accept options like paused payments, reduced payments or a combination of both.
Get everything in writing:
After laying out the agreement of the terms and conditions, ensure a written forbearance agreement reflects all of these details.
Important considerations:
- Impact on Credit score: As forbearance may impact your credit score, discuss options to minimize the impact.
- Seek professional help**: Consult a credit counselor or financial advisor to help you with negotiations. After all, subject expertise matters!
Ensure Completion: Adhere to agreed terms and conditions of the forbearance agreement till its completion. It will help ensure a positive relationship with your lender.
To get your fees waived, voluntary repossession is the best strategy. It involves voluntarily surrendering your vehicle to the lender. Doing so can help you get a reduction in repo fees or get fees waived off off completely. By voluntarily surrendering your vehicle, you help your lender to avoid the cost of actively repossessing your car.
Note: Always ensure to get any agreements regarding fee waivers in writing.
Key Points to Remember In a Voluntary Surrender:
Negotiate with your lender:
Discuss and negotiate with the lender about the repo fees waving or a repayment plan while surrendering your car. You may also explore the possibility of repaying the loan by selling the vehicle yourself.
Benefits for the lender:
The lender’s time and money are saved associated with repossession. There are possibilities that the lender may reimburse it by waiving off partial or full fees.
Many times, lenders tend to work along with you if you opt for voluntary repossession of your vehicle. Communicate with your lender well in advance about your plan. This will help both the lender and yourself by saving time and money involved in the repossession process.
First, inform your lender about your inability to make payments. Also inform them about your intentions to surrender your vehicle to them..
To do a Voluntary Surrender:
- Contact your lender: Connect with your lender well in advance. Inform them about your inability to make payments and intentions about voluntarily surrendering the vehicle.
- Communicate surrender details: Coordinate a convenient time and location to return the car and keys to the lender.
- Empty personal belongings: Check and remove all personal belongings from the vehicle.
- Record important details like the date, time, location, and name of the person to whom you will surrender your car to.
Important points to remember:
Credit Impact:
Voluntary surrender will negatively impact your credit score (as it is viewed as a default on your loan).
Potential Deficiency Balance
At the auction, if your car sells for less than the amount you owe, you may still be responsible to pay the remaining balance.
Alternatives To Consider
Don’t get disappointed if car repossession loopholes aren’t viable options in your situation. Explore other popular options like opting for a loan modification, exploring to sell the car by yourself, or connecting with a credit counselor.