{"id":1545,"date":"2020-02-05T15:30:03","date_gmt":"2020-02-05T15:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.consumerslaw.com\/blog\/?p=1545"},"modified":"2020-06-02T18:24:19","modified_gmt":"2020-06-02T18:24:19","slug":"can-the-police-help-with-my-car-repossession","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.consumerslaw.com\/blog\/can-the-police-help-with-my-car-repossession\/","title":{"rendered":"Can the Police Help with My Car Repossession?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Car<\/p>\n

Borrowers facing repossession may contact the police to have an officer on hand when it\u2019s time to surrender their vehicle. As well, the repo agent may request the presence of law enforcement. But can police assist with the car repossession? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Read on to learn more about the role of law enforcement in the process of repossessing a car, truck, motorcycle, RV or boat.<\/p>\n

\"PoliceCan police assist with car repossession?<\/h3>\n

When the borrower defaults on the terms of a loan agreement, the lender has the right to repossess the vehicle. In most states, after the lender has given an order to the repo agent to take the vehicle, the repo company is required to inform the local police department of their intent to repossess.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s never a good day for the borrower when the repo agent comes to take the vehicle. These situations are stressful and can get heated between the repo agent and the borrower.\u00a0 This is when the police may be called to the scene.<\/p>\n

Keep the Peace<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

No matter who calls the police \u2013 the borrower or the repo agent \u2013 the officers who respond to the scene of the repossession are there to keep the peace and make sure that everyone is safe from harm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Breach the Peace<\/h3>\n

The police can\u2019t order the borrower to turn over the keys, \u201cstep aside\u201d while the repo agent takes the car, or threaten arrest.\u00a0 By assisting in the repossession, the police may have crossed the line from keeping the peace to breaching the peace, which could be a violation of the borrower\u2019s constitutional rights.<\/p>\n

Protecting your rights during repossession<\/h3>\n

Repo agents must follow rules too.\u00a0 They can not threaten you, use physical force or enter your property \u2013 including your garage \u2013 without your consent.<\/p>\n

\"WriteIf you think the repo agent has violated your rights, document the event:<\/strong><\/p>\n