When a lender finances a car, they retain the right to repossess it if the repayment terms are not paid as agreed. The laws of each state set limits on lenders who take back possession of cars. Most state take-back laws are based on Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). Article 9 states that you must be in default with a loan before the repossession process can begin. The definition of default is disclosed in the repayment agreement for the financial loan. Most loans have a language that says a default begins after one, two, or three missed payments. Once the loan is in default according to the financial agreement documents, the lender has the right to take possession of the car. In most states, once the car loan defaults for 90 days, the lender can reclaim the car. The specific terms of the loan and any redemption measures can be found in the repayment agreement for the financial loan; signed by the buyer of the vehicle.
The lender can pick up the car from any location, including: (1) your home, (2) work, or (3) another location where it is stored. In most states, the lender can take the car without a court order. Although many state laws stipulate that a car can only be repossessed if the lender can do so without “breaking the peace.” The term “breach of the peace” means that the lender is able to take possession of the car without endangering the borrower or using force. A breach of the peace could be as simple as if the borrower tells the creditor that he will not cooperate. If force or threats are used to gain possession of the car, the lender may be held liable for any damage caused by the repossession. The lender must obtain court permission at this time. You will need to document the failure and wait for the court to grant permission to repossess the car. Once the court grants permission to repossess the car, the lender will likely require local police to help with the repossession. Once the creditor is in control of the car, he can repair it if he chooses it before selling the car.
If the lender takes possession, he must inform the borrower of his intention to sell the car. At this time, the borrower’s only option would be to pay the loan and the additional costs associated with taking full possession of the car. If the borrower decides not to pay the loan and cost before the announced date of sale, the car can be sold at an auction. If the creditor sells the car for less than the balance of the original loan, he can file a deficiency judgment on the difference against the borrower. In order for the creditor to be able to make a deficiency judgment against the borrower, the car must be sold commercially (no private sales).
For a car repossession or in any other legal matter, it is in the best interest of the borrower (defendant) to seek legal counsel.
commercial auto loan
#specifics #autorepossession #process
Wendy is now a financial analyst and writer. Wendy has been writing about finance and personal finance since she was a sophomore in high school. She has also been writing for several online publications and published in The Huffington Post, and Forbes Woman.
Wendy is a credentialed financial analyst and has experience working with financial institutions and businesses. Wendy is also a certified financial planner. When Wendy's not writing, she enjoys tending to her many plants, watching TV, and spending time with her family.
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