One of the most overwhelming, confusing things that could happen is that your car is repossessed. If the repossession was wrongful, you have rights under Minnesota and federal law.
Ask why the vehicle was repossessed
Car repossession is only legal if you have defaulted on your monthly payments. If you have paid what you’re supposed to on time each month, the car repossession is considered wrongful and you could sue the repossession company. Reach out directly and ask why the car was repossessed.
If your payments were late, you have the right to be notified by the lender. A letter must be sent to you informing you that while late payments were accepted in the past without repossession, you are now required to make timely payments in full or the lender could repossess the car.
It’s also important to always review the terms of your loan if you believe you’re the victim of a wrongful repo.
Determine if you can get the car back
If you fell back on a payment or payments, the lender might give you time to recover your car before it goes to auction. You have the chance to make an outstanding payment or pay in full. However, you are entitled to get your vehicle back if you have always made timely payments and are the victim of wrongful repossession.
If you have to continue fighting because the repossession company will not release the car back to you, you have the right to recover your personal possessions inside the car. You have 30 days to do that.
Your personal property should also be left in the same condition it was in before your car was repossessed. If anything is damaged, you have the right to file a lawsuit because your rights have been violated.
Repo agents are prohibited from breaking into your locked garage. If your vehicle was repossessed that way, it’s unlawful.
