In Michigan, a creditor can conduct a repossession without sending the consumer a notice beforehand. However, a creditor has to hold a valid lien on the vehicle that they are attempting to repossess and the consumer has to be in default in order for the repossession to be lawful.
Michigan: Repossession agents must obtain a Collection Agency License and a bond through the Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Commercial Services; telephone (517) 241-9288.
What Happens If the Repo Agent Doesn't Find Your Car? But if you make it hard for the repo agent to get it, then the creditor may use another method to get the car back, called "replevin." Replevin can be just as costly as a repossession, if not more so.
Once the car has been repossessed, the lender has to abide by a 15 day redemption period. This allows you 15-day to redeem the vehicle before the lender can attempt to sell the car at auction.
Generally, cars are repossessed once payments are 90 days in default. Just don't expect lenders to give you a heads-up when the Repo Man will come calling. They typically contract that work out to towing services that specialize in snatching cars.
Every state has different laws for vehicle repossession. Some states require you to follow a training course and pass an exam before starting the business. Others just need you to have a commercial driver's license.
While the repossession company may trespass your property to retrieve the vehicle, they cannot legally “break and enter” a closed structure. For example, if they see the car in a closed garage through a window, they cannot legally lift the garage door to repossess the vehicle.