Car repossession agents find vehicles primarily through advanced technology like Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras, which scan thousands of plates per hour in parking lots and streets. They also use GPS tracking devices, lender-provided addresses, social media, and site visits to locate cars. Agents are trained professionals who stake out homes and workplaces, often finding cars parked in public view.
Can a Repo Man follow you around? Yes, repo agents are allowed to monitor your movements in public places as part of the repossession process. They may wait near your home, workplace, or other common locations until they can legally get to your vehicle without causing a breach of the peace.
If your car has a tracker, repo agents can pinpoint its exact location at any time, which makes repossession faster and easier for them. License plate scanners are another tool repo agents use. These devices quickly scan license plates while cars drive through neighborhoods, parking lots, or other public spaces.
How to check if your car is on the vehicle repossession list?
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 repossession agent conducts skip tracing, an investigative process involving extensive research and data analysis. They delve into various sources, including credit reports, financial records, and contact information associated with the borrower.
A car can be repossessed as soon as the first payment is missed, as lenders can legally act when a loan defaults, but it usually takes 30 to 90 days (1-3 months) or more, often after the second or third late payment, depending on your lender and state laws. Some lenders might wait if you have a good history, while others might act quickly, especially if you've missed payments before.
People hide car trackers in discreet locations for real-time location monitoring, commonly placing them under the dashboard, seats, glove box, or trunk, or externally on the undercarriage, bumpers, or inside wheel wells, often using magnetic mounts or concealing them in compartments like the spare tire well or behind plastic trim for concealment while maintaining a clear GPS signal. Hardwired or OBD-II port plug-in types are also common, with the OBD-II port under the dash being a popular, easily accessible spot, note this YouTube video and this Reddit post.
How Long Will a Repo Man Look For a Car? A repo agent will pursue a vehicle for however long the lender is willing to pay for the services before taking some alternate form of action, such as a replevin.
Repossession Affects Your Credit
It is best for you to proactively address the situation and work with your lender to avoid repossession. But, if you have no other options, remember this is not the end of the world, and there are ways to rebuild your credit.
The repo guys will inform the police (so that people can know their car was repossessed not stolen). You also can't necessarily just wash your hands of it. If the car goes to auction and the bank doesn't recover all its money, it will come after you for the remainder.
In most states, your lender can sue you for a deficiency judgment to collect the balance owed, as long as it followed the rules for repossession and sale.
If you weren't notified that the lender or leasing company was planning to repossess your vehicle, they'll most likely return the car to you if you pay the outstanding balance and repossession fees. If you were made aware of the impending repossession via phone conversation or written notice, it may be more difficult.
If you confront the reposession company and tell them to leave your car alone, they must do so or they risk a Breach of the Peace. This is why cars are frequently repossessed at night. If the owner is sleeping there will be little chance of a Breach of the Peace.
A partial payment might buy you a little time, but it will not prevent repossession. The loan is still considered in default, and it's up to the lender whether to cut you some slack.
Alternatives to Voluntary Repossession
So how long will a repo man look for a car? The answer is simple — until they find it. Therefore, rather than hiding your car, it's probably a better idea to look for different solutions to stopping repossession. If you want to keep your car and are in financial trouble, talk to a bankruptcy attorney.