Are You Still Hiding Your Car from the Repo Man?
Updated on 29 November 2023
The Right to Repossess Your Car Loan
If you have defaulted on your car loan, the lender has the right to repossess it provided he does not "
breach the peace" This can put you in a terrible
bind if you rely on your car to get to work or to run errands for your household. Sure, you can keep your car in a locked garage, where the repo man can’t get at
it. But if you park on the street, in your company’s employee parking lot, or in the lot of your local Kroger’s, the repo man can haul your ride away. The repo man
can also enter upon your property to take a car that is plain view, either in the driveway or an open garage. These circumstances often drive debtors to take extreme
steps to hold onto their vehicles.
Extreme Steps to Avoid Repossession
Some debtors, after getting a written notice of vehicle repossession in the mail, start putting together a strategy for evading the repo man. They suspect he’s staked out
their home and workplace, so they park on side streets blocks away from their destination to throw the repo man off their trail. These maneuvers may delay the
inevitable for a short period, and they do infringe on the rights of the lender, but they are not going to get the debtor into additional trouble. However, some
debtors do get carried away to the point of physically barring the repossessor from taking the car, giving him the choice of breaching the peace or leaving the
scene. Such actions are highly problematic, and especially in this age of cell phone video, could result in civil and criminal liability for the debtor.
Bankruptcy as a Solution to Stop Repossession
There is a better way to stop vehicle repossession.
Debtors who file for bankruptcy get the protection of an
automatic stay, a court order that prohibits creditors from attempting to collect from them directly. Bankruptcy filers are often able to hold onto their cars
as an exemption, or by restructuring their debt under a court-approved repayment plan. Stop hiding from the repo man and assert your legal right to bankruptcy
protection.
Seek Legal Help to Protect Your Rights
An experienced bankruptcy attorney(repossession lawyer) at DebtStoppers can show you how.For a free consultation and case evaluation, call DebtStoppers at 678-673-2142 or
contact our office online.
In conclusion, defaulting on a car loan can be a stressful experience, especially when faced with the possibility of auto repossession. While some debtors may resort to extreme measures to hold onto their vehicles, such as physically barring the repossessor from taking the car, this can result in civil and criminal liability.
Instead of hiding from the repo man, debtors should consider filing for bankruptcy to get the protection of an automatic stay. This court order prohibits creditors from attempting to collect from them directly and can help debtors hold onto their cars as an exemption or through a court-approved repayment plan.
It is important to remember that defaulting on a car loan is not the end of the road. Seeking help from an experienced bankruptcy attorney like those at DebtStoppers can make all the difference in protecting your legal rights and finding a way to manage your debt.
If you are struggling with car loan payments or facing the possibility of repossession, don't wait until it's too late. Contact DebtStoppers for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you explore your options and provide you with the guidance you need to get back on track.
Understanding the Implications of Hiding Your Car
While hiding your car from the repo man might seem like a temporary solution, it can lead to long-term consequences. Continuously evading repossession is not only mentally exhausting, but it can also negatively impact your credit score and future borrowing opportunities. Moreover, taking extreme measures to prevent repossession might result in legal complications for the debtor.
Considering Alternatives to Hiding Your Car
Instead of hiding your car, it's essential to explore other options that can provide more permanent solutions. Debt consolidation, refinancing, and negotiating with the lender are some ways to manage your car loan payments and avoid repossession. However, if these options aren't feasible, bankruptcy might be a viable solution to help protect your assets and regain financial stability.
Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy can halt the repossession process and provide relief to those struggling with overwhelming debt. The automatic stay that comes into effect once you file for bankruptcy prohibits creditors from pursuing repossession and other collection activities. Depending on your situation, you might be able to keep your car through exemptions or a court-approved repayment plan under Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Consulting with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney can help you determine the best course of action for your specific circumstances. They can assess your financial situation, explain your legal rights, and guide you through the bankruptcy process. It's crucial to take control of your financial future and seek professional help before it's too late.
Conclusion
Hiding your car from the repo man is not a sustainable solution and can lead to further complications. Instead, consider viable alternatives such as negotiating with the lender, refinancing, or filing for bankruptcy. A skilled bankruptcy attorney can provide valuable guidance and support during these challenging times. Don't let the fear of repossession dictate your life; take charge and explore the options available to you to secure your financial future.
