Repossession

Meaning and Definition

Repossession refers to the legal process through which a lender takes possession of a vehicle from a borrower who has defaulted on their car finance payments. When a borrower fails to make timely repayments as agreed in the car finance agreement, the lender has the right to repossess the vehicle to recover the outstanding debt. Repossession typically occurs when all other attempts to resolve the missed payments or negotiate an alternative payment arrangement have been unsuccessful.

Why it is important to know

Understanding repossession is important for borrowers as it highlights the potential consequences of defaulting on car finance payments. Repossession not only results in the loss of the vehicle but also has negative implications for the borrower's credit score and future borrowing opportunities. It is crucial for borrowers to prioritize timely repayments, communicate with the lender in case of financial difficulties, and explore alternative options, such as loan modification or refinancing, to avoid repossession.

Example in car finance

Suppose a borrower fails to make consecutive monthly repayments on their car finance loan due to financial hardship. After several attempts to contact the borrower and resolve the missed payments, the lender decides to initiate the repossession process. A repossession agent is sent to retrieve the vehicle, which is legally owned by the lender until the loan is fully repaid. The lender may sell the repossessed vehicle to recover the outstanding debt. The repossession remains on the borrower's credit record and may impact their ability to obtain credit in the future.