This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Debt Collection & Repossession issues in Pennsylvania.
Debt Collection Practices
There are state and federal laws to protect people from debt collectors who use unfair, abusive, or deceptive practices. These laws do not excuse you from paying your debts, but they do protect you from improper collection practices. Continue Reading Full Resource. . .
Repossessions
When you owe money to a bank, finance company, or seller (the creditor), often the creditor has a security interest in some of your property. This property is called collateral. The security interest gives the creditor the right to take back (repossess) that property if you ever fail to make a payment .Continue Reading Full Resource. . .
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Automobile Repossession
Most people finance the purchase of their truck or automobile. In most cases, the consumer enters into a loan agreement which allows the consumer to pay for the vehicle over time and gives the lender a "security interest" in the vehicle. The security interest gives the lender the right to repossess the vehicle if the consumer breaches the agreement with the lender. This provides information from the Erie County Bar Association on your rights regarding the repossession of your vehicle. August 22, 2018.
Motor Vehicle Repossessions: Consumer Debt Advice from NCLC
When buying a car on credit, you almost always must put up the car as collateral for the loan. Sometimes consumers also use their cars as collateral for an unrelated small loan. If your car is collateral for a loan and you get behind on your payments or violate other loan terms, you risk the immediate repossession of your car. The focus of this article from the National Consumer Law Center is on motor vehicle repossession including limits on self-help repossessions, ten strategies to prevent repossessions, six steps to take after your car is repossessed, and advice on responding to the creditor’s demand for additional payment even after the repossession. (June 2018)
Repossessions
When you owe money to a bank, finance company, or seller (the creditor), often the creditor has a security interest in some of your property. This property is called collateral. The security interest gives the creditor the right to take back (repossess) that property if you ever fail to make a payment. This is information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on a creditors' right to repossess your property.
What can I do if my car is repossessed with my personal belongings in it?
Even if your car has been repossessed, you have rights including the right to get your personal belongings back. You also have options available to try and obtain the return of the vehicle itself, including paying off the amount due, making a new loan agreement with the lender, or filing for bankruptcy to get rid of the debt. This information from the Upsolve Learning Center explains these options. Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps you file bankruptcy for free.
Repossessions
When you owe money to a bank, finance company, or seller (the creditor), often the creditor has a security interest in some of your property. This property is called collateral. The security interest gives the creditor the right to take back (repossess) that property if you ever fail to make a payment. This is information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on a creditors' right to repossess your property.
Automobile Repossession
Most people finance the purchase of their truck or automobile. In most cases, the consumer enters into a loan agreement which allows the consumer to pay for the vehicle over time and gives the lender a "security interest" in the vehicle. The security interest gives the lender the right to repossess the vehicle if the consumer breaches the agreement with the lender. This provides information from the Erie County Bar Association on your rights regarding the repossession of your vehicle. August 22, 2018.
Motor Vehicle Repossessions: Consumer Debt Advice from NCLC
When buying a car on credit, you almost always must put up the car as collateral for the loan. Sometimes consumers also use their cars as collateral for an unrelated small loan. If your car is collateral for a loan and you get behind on your payments or violate other loan terms, you risk the immediate repossession of your car. The focus of this article from the National Consumer Law Center is on motor vehicle repossession including limits on self-help repossessions, ten strategies to prevent repossessions, six steps to take after your car is repossessed, and advice on responding to the creditor’s demand for additional payment even after the repossession. (June 2018)
What can I do if my car is repossessed with my personal belongings in it?
Even if your car has been repossessed, you have rights including the right to get your personal belongings back. You also have options available to try and obtain the return of the vehicle itself, including paying off the amount due, making a new loan agreement with the lender, or filing for bankruptcy to get rid of the debt. This information from the Upsolve Learning Center explains these options. Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps you file bankruptcy for free.