Do Repo Companies Notify Police Before Repossessing a Car?

When a car loan goes into default, the lender has the right to repossess the vehicle. However, the repossession process is not as straightforward as it may seem. In most states, the repo company is required to notify the local police department of their intent to repossess the car before they can take action.

Notifying the Police

After the lender has given the order to the repo agent to take the vehicle, the repo company is typically required to inform the local police department of their intent to repossess the car. This is a common practice that serves to ensure the safety of all parties involved and to prevent any potential breach of the peace.

Police Involvement

When the police are notified, they may respond to the scene of the repossession. Their role is to maintain order and ensure that the situation does not escalate into a confrontation. However, the police cannot actively assist the repo agent in taking the car, as this could be considered a violation of the borrower’s rights.

Borrower’s Rights

Even though the lender has the right to repossess the vehicle, the borrower still has certain rights that must be respected. The repo agent cannot use physical force, threaten the borrower, or enter private property without consent. If the borrower objects to the repossession, the repo agent must stop and try again at a later time.