The timeline for regaining possession of a repossessed car can vary depending on your specific circumstances and location. In California, you may have the right to "redeem" or "reinstate" your vehicle, which involves paying off the remaining contract balance, fees, and complying with legal requirements.
Good afternoon. If the bank does not have a lien on your car, then even if you are in default, the bank cannot simply repossess your car. The bank has to first file suit against you for your loan default.
Tells the sheriff to take action to enforce a judgment. Used with instructions to the sheriff to levy bank accounts, garnish wages, or take possession of personal property.
In California, you may have the right to "redeem" or "reinstate" your vehicle, which involves paying off the remaining contract balance, fees, and complying with legal requirements.
You can also use websites like Carfax, Auto Trader, Buy It Now, eBay and CarsDirect. All these websites provide information about repossessed cars.
The first thing you need to do is call your finance company. You need to do this even if you know where the vehicle was taken and you feel that it was wrongfully repossessed. They will advise you on what you need to do to get the vehicle released, and then put you in touch with the recovery company.
You may request a copy of a lien filed by another entity by visiting the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (Recorder) website or calling the Recorder at (800) 201-8999.
After repossession, a consumer may have the option to redeem the vehicle before it is sold by paying the entire outstanding balance of the car loan, including interest, costs, and fees.
Direct Dispute with the Lienholder: Even though the lienholder has refused to remove the repossession, consider sending them a formal dispute letter. In the letter, outline the timeline of events, provide evidence of the insurance payout, and explain why the repossession should not be considered a default on your part.