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.
Start the letter by identifying yourself and the property. The lender will need to identify your loan, so include an account number. Give them your name, address and contact information. Tell the lender that you are voluntarily giving the item back because you can no longer make the payments.
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.
There's no hard and fast rule on how much time you have to get a car back before the lender sells it. Generally speaking, the lender must give you notice that allows a "reasonable time" prior to the sale for you to react and exercise your options. At least ten days' notice is usually considered reasonable.
Continue searching: The lender may continue to search for the vehicle, either through the repo agent or by hiring a private investigator. File a lawsuit: The lender may file a lawsuit against the debtor to recover the outstanding loan balance.
Identify yourself and your vehicle. Be sure to include an account number so that your lender can match your letter to your records. Explain that you're unable to make payments and intend to surrender the car. Provide contact information so that your lender can reach you.
The creditor cannot commit a crime, use abusive language, enter a home without permission, or take an item if the owner physically resists; Cars can be towed from public or private lots; A car can be towed from the owner's driveway if no other car is moved, but a car cannot be towed from the owner's garage.
That means you are liable for the entire balance, plus interest and late fees. It would be up to the bank whether to reinstate that loan. As part of that process, they are certainly going to ask for information from you that will enable them to learn where you are repossess the car.
So how long will a repo man look for a car? The answer is simple — until they find it. Therefore, rather than hiding your car, it's probably a better idea to look for different solutions to stopping repossession. If you want to keep your car and are in financial trouble, talk to a bankruptcy attorney.