Written contracts on auto loans have a four-year limitation in California, but only if the lender attempts to sue you in court. Actual repossession of a vehicle, which doesn't require a lawsuit to begin with, can happen at any time during which you have an active lien on the account.
Dear Borrower Name: You are hereby notified that your description of motor vehicle, year, make, model and VIN #, was lawfully repossessed on Date because you defaulted on your loan with Credit Union Name. The vehicle is being held at location address of vehicle. be sold at public sale.
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.
If you can't make your car payments, there are some clear advantages to voluntary surrender compared with involuntary repossession: You can avoid some of the penalties and fees imposed during an involuntary surrender, like towing and storage fees.
Trying to reinstate or redeem your auto loan typically has to happen within a short time period, such as about two weeks, so you could have your car back soon after it's repossessed. You may have to wait longer, perhaps several months, if the car is sold at auction due to the time of the auction process.
A creditor can repossess your automobile, but only if it can be done peacefully. The creditor cannot trick you into bringing your car to the shop in order to repossess it. The creditor cannot use any force or threats of violence to repossess your car.
Every vehicle purchased with a Garageman Lien as proof of ownership or any vehicle subject to the DMV Salvage Vehicle Program must receive first be titled before it will be allowed to be registered.
How to perform a voluntary repossession of your vehicle Proactively inform your lender that you are unable to maintain making timely, monthly payments. Work with the lender to arrange a time and place for dropping the vehicle off.
You can also use websites like Carfax, Auto Trader, Buy It Now, eBay and CarsDirect. All these websites provide information about repossessed cars.