Bensley Law Offices, LLC | Representing Consumers In the Philadelphia Area Since 1997

Rated By Super Lawyers William C. Bensley SuperLawyers.com

National Association of Distinguished Counsel - Nation's TOP ONE Percent 2023

Rated By Super Lawyers William C. Bensley SuperLawyers.com

Free Consultation

Consumer & Personal Injury Litigators

What you need to know about unlawful repossessions

On Behalf of | Jul 15, 2021 | Repossessions

Many car owners appreciate the convenience that comes with jumping in their vehicle and going wherever they like on a whim. Most anyone who has access to an automobile couldn’t envision living their life without it.

Most motorists who finance their vehicles assume that their car will remain accessible to them if they pay their monthly payments on time. That, unfortunately, isn’t always the case, though. There are instances in which cars are wrongfully repossessed. You may find it interesting to learn why this happens

Reasons unlawful repossessions take place

Car dealers and their finance companies may request that a repossession agent recover your vehicle if their data shows that:

  • There’s been a lapse in your insurance coverage. You’re likely aware that most insurers require car owners to maintain full coverage insurance. They may record in your system that your coverage lapsed even though that never happened, thus motivating them to repossess your car. This often happens when car owners change to a different insurance company.
  • Your lender records multiple untimely payments. It’s critical that you not only make your monthly payments but that you do so on time. Any instance in which your lender improperly records the correct date for a payment may result in a repossession, even if the recorded date is incorrect. This may occur due to human error or a computer glitch.
  • Repossession agents may pick up the wrong car. These agents must often swoop in, do their best to quickly identify a vehicle, and then take off. They may make a mistake and pick up the wrong car, giving way to an unlawful repossession.

Many borrowers assume that they can easily call the auto dealership when unlawful repossessions occur and get their vehicle back, but it might not be as easy as that. Please continue reviewing the resources about repossessions on our website to find out what your rights are in your situation. 

FindLaw Network
Photo of William Charles Bensley
Philadelphia Bar Association
American Association for Justice
Public Justice | America's Public Interest Law Firm
Naca
Pennsylvania Bar Association
National Consumer Law Center

Witnesses Needed

Searching for persons with information or complaints about a number of banks, dealerships, repossession agents and debt collectors

Click Here For More Information

Email The Firm

Contact The Firm

Office Location

1500 Walnut Street
Suite 900
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Philadelphia Office
Toll Free: 800-254-3497

Phone: 267-838-9654

Fax: 267-299-8079