Yes, repossession agents can and often do use GPS trackers, sometimes installed by the lender or dealership, to locate vehicles for recovery, along with other methods like license plate recognition and databases, making it very efficient to find cars when payments are missed, though privacy concerns and lack of federal disclosure requirements exist. These devices, sometimes disguised or integrated into the car's systems, allow for real-time location monitoring and even remote ignition disabling, especially in high-risk loans.
Repo agents find your car using technology like Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) that scan plates for delinquent accounts, GPS trackers potentially installed on the car, and traditional methods like staking out your home/work, checking public records, or using informants; they look for the vehicle in high-traffic areas like malls and parking lots, waiting for it to be unattended to tow it without "breaching the peace" (e.g., breaking into a locked garage).
We do not monitor or otherwise track the location of OnStar-equipped cars, unless required to by a valid court order in criminal procedures or under exigent circumstances. Additionally, to prevent the possibility of abuse, we require police involvement for Stolen Vehicle Assistance and missing person requests.
Your car might have a GPS tracker if it's a newer model with built-in telematics (like Hyundai BlueLink, Kia Connect, Subaru STARLINK) or if a previous owner, dealership, or someone else installed an aftermarket device, often hidden near the OBD-II port, under seats, or magnetically attached to the undercarriage or bumpers, requiring a thorough visual check, magnet detector, or bug sweeper to find.
Some lenders use GPS tracking devices, primarily for title loans with high loan amounts, in order to secure the repayment of the loan.
In some cases, vehicles might be equipped with GPS tracking devices. When a borrower defaults on payments, lenders can activate these devices to locate the vehicle's current position accurately. The repo man uses this information to swiftly pinpoint the vehicle and proceed with the car repossession.
Repo agents find your car using technology like Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) that scan plates for delinquent accounts, GPS trackers potentially installed on the car, and traditional methods like staking out your home/work, checking public records, or using informants; they look for the vehicle in high-traffic areas like malls and parking lots, waiting for it to be unattended to tow it without "breaching the peace" (e.g., breaking into a locked garage).
Scan the common hiding places like under the car, inside wheel wells, under seats and in the glove compartment. Check around the vehicle's battery or electrical system as some trackers draw power from the car.
While the act of removing the tracker itself is not illegal, the consequences of doing so can be. In some cases, removing the GPS tracker can be considered a breach of contract with the lender or dealership, which could result in legal action being taken against the car owner.
Procedure
The Repossession Process in California
However, that doesn't mean repossession is immediate or inevitable. Most lenders do not rush to repossess after a single missed payment. Repossession is expensive and time-consuming for them too. It often doesn't happen until the borrower is at least 60 to 90 days past due.
The repo agent will follow you as you drive away. Once you stop and run in the store or into work, they'll pick it up and tow it way. It's not unheard of for repo agents to travel up and down the streets within a few blocks of your home or job looking for your vehicle.
If you own the car, it is generally legal to remove a GPS tracker.
Install GPS trackers for concealment under the dashboard, inside the bumper, or under the car frame. Hardwired trackers go near the fuse box, plug-in trackers use the OBD port, and portable trackers fit in hidden areas. Magnetic trackers attach securely to flat, clean metal surfaces like the car frame or rear bumper.
To check for a dealership GPS tracker, inspect the OBD-II port, under seats, in the glove box, and the trunk for unusual devices or wires; look for a sticker on the door or dash with an FCC ID; and consider using a GPS detector or asking the dealer directly, as trackers are often plugged into the OBD-II port or wired into the fuse block.
Open Settings . Tap Location . Turn Use location on or off.
The Amber Connect Vehicle Tracking System is the first in the industry to employ artificial intelligence. The state-of-the-art system provides real-time GPS location data, generates instantaneous anti-theft alerts, and can remotely and automatically shut down the engine in case of unauthorized use.