What Happens if the Repo Man Takes the Wrong Car?

Repossession can be a daunting experience, but what happens if the repo man takes the wrong car? In this blog post, we will explore the unfortunate scenarios of mistaken vehicle repossessions. We will delve into the stories of two fictitious consumers, Bill and Katelyn, both of whom faced distinct challenges.

From understanding basic repo rights to seeking legal remedies, we will examine the rights of consumers and the steps they can take to address the repercussions of these unsettling situations. If you are a consumer and think your bank, lender or a repo man has done something unlawful, contact a repo rights lawyer at Thompson Consumer Law Group for a free case review.

Read More About: Can a Repo Man Take Your Car With You in It?

Understanding Basic Repo Rights

Before delving into the stories of Bill and Katelyn, let’s first establish some basic repo rights. As a consumer, it’s important to be aware of the following:

• Notice: Generally, lenders must provide notice before repossessing a vehicle. This notice should inform you of your rights and the opportunity to cure the default (e.g., by making payments). But it’s often hard to prove “no notice” cases so if you are behind on payment(s), pay close attention to your mail for correspondence from your lender.
• Breach of Peace: Repo agents must not breach the peace during the repossession process. This means, for example, that repo men cannot use physical force, threaten violence, or enter a closed property without permission. They also can’t lift or tow occupied vehicles or even take the vehicle over protest. Breach of peace cases can be easy to prove with video footage, or in the absence of, witness statements from the repossessed consumer and anyone else present.
• Redemption: In many cases, you have the right to redeem your vehicle by paying off the outstanding balance and associated repossession costs.
• Deficiency Balance: If your car is sold at auction and the proceeds do not cover the outstanding loan balance, you may still be responsible for the remaining deficiency.

Read More About: TCPA Violations in Post-Repossession Robocalls and Texts

Losses Due to a Mistaken Repo

Bill owned a blue sedan, which was mistakenly repossessed by a repo agent. Unfortunately, the repo man took a vehicle identical in make and color, but it belonged to a different individual. As a result, Bill faced significant challenges and losses.

Not only did Bill experience a loss of wages due to being without a car for an extended period, but his work equipment stored in the vehicle was also stolen during the wrongful repossession. Distraught and seeking resolution, Bill contacted his lender first to discuss the situation, before contacting a repo rights lawyer. And then he unwittingly signed a release when redeeming the vehicle, unknowingly waiving his right to pursue damages for the stolen equipment and lost wages.

Bill’s case highlights the importance of being cautious when signing any documents during the redemption process. It is crucial to thoroughly review and understand the terms before relinquishing any rights.

In Bill’s unfortunate situation, he lost the opportunity to seek compensation due to signing the release without fully comprehending its implications. Had Bill seeked out a free consultation from a law firm such as Thompson Consumer Law Group, he would have been provided help in analyzing the release and its terms as to not waive his rights.

Timely Payment Yet Still Repossessed

Katelyn’s experience with mistaken repossession stemmed from a different circumstance. Having fallen behind on her car payments, Katelyn managed to pay the outstanding bill just before the repo man arrived. However, due to a lack of coordination between the lender and the repo agent, the repossession order was not updated to reflect the payment.

As a result, the repo man repossessed Katelyn’s car, despite her having resolved the outstanding debt. Upon discovering the lender error, Katelyn immediately reached out to a lawyer focusing on repossession cases to understand her rights and explore legal remedies.

Katelyn’s proactive approach played a vital role in seeking justice for the mistaken repo. She had proof of payment and proof that the repossession occurred after. Her attorney carefully reviewed the details of her case, highlighting the timely payment and the lack of confirmation of the repo order’s validity. Armed with this information, the lawyer pursued a claim against the lender and repo company for wrongful repossession and damages.

By promptly contacting a lawyer, Katelyn was able to build a strong case supported by evidence of her payment and the repo agent’s failure to verify the repo order. As a result, she successfully obtained damages to compensate for the inconvenience and additional expenses incurred as a result of the repossession process.

Consult a Repo Rights Lawyer if You Suffer a Wrong Vehicle Repossession

Mistaken vehicle repossessions can have significant repercussions for consumers. Understanding your repo rights and taking swift action when facing a wrongful repo is crucial.

Whether it involves signing release documents or resolving unconfirmed repo orders, seeking legal counsel knowledgeable about repossessions is highly recommended. As the stories of Bill and Katelyn demonstrate, signing without fully understanding the implications may limit your ability to pursue damages, while proactive legal support can lead to a successful resolution.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, consult with Thompson Consumer Law Group. Our stellar team of attorneys have a strong focus on repossession cases. They will guide you through the process, help you understand your rights, and explore the appropriate legal remedies to address the losses and damages resulting from a mistaken repo.

Remember, timely action and legal support can significantly strengthen your case and help you achieve a fair outcome. Get in touch with us to schedule a free consultation and let us guide you through the process of seeking damages from a wrongful repossession.