How to Go About Getting Your Car Back After a Repossession Has Happened

A loan holder can repossess your car if you fail to make payments. Getting the car back after it has been repossessed can be difficult, and sometimes impossible. The process varies a bit because of different laws in different states, so it is a good idea to contact a lawyer with experience in repossession cases in your state. You also can try to get the car back on your own by contacting the lender and following through with agreed-upon terms.

Instructions

1

Look over the terms of the loan contract to see if the repossession followed guidelines in the contract. If the repossession seems to be outside of the contract, contact a lawyer for guidance, or contact the loan holder, in writing, and ask for the car back based on the broken contract -- for example, if the loan holder repossessed the car on the 7th but payments weren't due until the 10th of the month.

2

Write the loan holder a letter asking for requirements to get the car back. For a quicker response, call and ask. But, follow up with the letter to get the response in writing.

3

Document every step, including dates and times, in a notebook or computer file. Write down the time and date that everything happens, from when the car was repossessed to any communication with the lender. Write down the names of everyone you speak to and make note of the date and time of the phone call and make notes about the conversation.

4

Follow all requirements for getting the car back. This might mean making a lump-sum payment or installing a tracking device on the vehicle.

5

Buy the vehicle back from auction if the loan holder doesn't let you attempt to buy back the vehicle. Repossessed vehicles often go up for public auction, where you can bid on the vehicle.