Car Repossession: The First 24 Hours Checklist

☐ Take a Breath and pause

Repossession is stressful. Avoid making rushed decisions or emotional calls.

☐ Confirm the repossession

Make sure the car was actually repossessed and not towed or stolen.

☐ Locate your loan paperwork

Find your loan agreement, lender name, and account number.

 ☐ Contact the lender

Ask:

• Who currently has possession of it
• What your options are to get it back
• How long you have before the car is sold 

Write down names, dates, and times.

☐ Ask about reinstatement and redemption

Find out:

• Whether reinstatement is allowed
• The total cost to reinstate
• The total cost to redeem the vehicle

*There may be fees due at the storage lot

 ☐ Picking up your personal belongings

• schedule appointment - Book Appointment  
• Bring ID and Key to car

☐ Review your finances honestly
Determine:

• What you can realistically afford
• Whether borrowing to retrieve the car makes sense
• Whether the car is worth the total cost to recover

•  Storage fees add up daily
•  Deadlines move quickly
•  Not acting can limit your options
•  You still have rights, even after repossession

 ☐ Decide your next step

Choose one:

• Reinstate the loan
• Redeem the vehicle
• Prepare for sale and address the balance later
• Consult a legal or financial professional

 The first 24 hours after repossession matter. Gathering information, staying calm, and acting quickly gives you the best chance to protect your options.