What Is Repossession?

What Is Repossession?

By Charles Joseph | Editor, Financial Affairs
Reviewed by Corey Michael | Senior Financial Analyst

Repossession is a legal process where an asset which was bought on credit is taken back by the creditor because the debtor has not fulfilled their contractual obligations, mostly being unable to make the required payments.

This can occur with any asset that was purchased through a contract, such as vehicles, real estate property, etc. Once repossessed, the creditor may sell the asset to recover the amount owed by the debtor.

Related Questions

1. What happens to the repossessed assets?

Once the asset is repossessed, the creditor usually sells it, often at an auction, to recover the money the debtor owes. The debtor is responsible for the difference if the sale doesn’t cover the entire debt.

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2. Can my property be repossessed without any notice?

Usually, creditors provide default notices before repossession. This may vary depending on the type of credit agreement and local laws, but most creditors give a grace period to allow the debtor to catch up with the missed payments.

3. Can I reclaim my property after repossession?

In most cases, you can reclaim your property by either catching up with the payments you’ve missed or by paying off the outstanding debt completely. It depends on the terms of the contract and local laws.

4. Can I dispute a repossession?

Yes, you can dispute a repossession if the creditor didn’t follow the proper legal methods. You might need legal advice to do this.

5. How does repossession affect my credit?

Repossession generally has a negative effect on your credit score and can remain on your credit report for up to seven years. This could make obtaining credit more difficult or expensive for you in the future.



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