My Car Was Repossessed. What Should I Do?

If your vehicle was repossessed, find out the timeframe for making your balance current. Your lender may also have some ways to help you out.

Ashley Bradshaw | 

Dec 15, 2021 | 3 min read

Updated March 24, 2026

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If you’re aiming to get your repossessed car back, there are a few things to keep in mind. Let’s dive into some commonly encountered questions on what happens when your car gets repossessed.

• Can I get my car back if it was repossessed?
• How do I recover my personal belongings?
• Do I still owe after a repossession?
• What else can I do?

Can I Get My Car Back If It Was Repossessed?

It depends. State laws and regulations largely control your rights after your vehicle is repossessed. In some cases, lenders may have policies in place that provide you with additional options following the repossession of your vehicle.

You may be able to get your car back if you fulfill certain steps in a timely fashion:

• Pay off any late payments and all associated fees. Your lender might have some options to help you with this process. For example, the lender could offer a type of loan extension or modification that can extend the terms of the loan. Check with your lending institution to learn what they can do to help you get your account in order.
• Cover the repossession cost and fees.
• Confirm if the lender has transported the vehicle to an auction house. There could be additional fees as a result that must be paid in full.
• Know the timeframe to get your vehicle back. Check your state’s rules and regulations regarding car repossessions to learn more.

How Do I Recover My Personal Belongings From My Car?

Any items or property left in the car still belong to you, not your lender. Personal belongings that happened to be in the vehicle at the time of repossession should be held at the repossession (repo) agency for a certain period of time in accordance with state laws and regulations. You’ll need to contact the repo agency directly to schedule a time to pick up your belongings. The lender will notify you with the repo agency’s contact details. You’ll also be able to reach out to your lender to obtain additional details about the agency, including their working hours for you to contact them.

If your lender is Capital One and you would like to find out which repo agency to contact for your personal belongings, please contact our support center or refer to the communication you should have received from us.

Do I Still Owe After Repossession and the Vehicle Sale?

In some situations, you may still owe a balance even after your car is repossessed and sold at auction. If the sale of the repossessed vehicle cannot cover the balance owed to the lender, then you may need to pay the remaining balance after the sale. The lender will typically add on the cost of repossession and any necessary repairs to the vehicle to the remaining balance owed. Certain states prohibit a lender from collecting on a deficiency balance in some circumstances.

Finally, if the lender sells the repossessed vehicle and receives more money from the sale than the amount you owed, they should send you the surplus funds.

What Else Can I Do After Repossession?

Understanding your options after a repossession helps you navigate a difficult situation so you can begin rebuilding your financing standing. Regardless of your situation’s outcome, it’s a good idea to be mindful of your credit score after experiencing a repossession. Continue to make timely payments across all of your accounts to positively impact your credit score. Although repossession does affect your credit, making payments on time can play an important part in improving your credit score.

Ashley Bradshaw

Ashley Bradshaw is a seasoned writer and editor for Capital One Auto Navigator, where she uses her diverse editorial background to break down automotive tips, research, and other information for consumers. Prior to joining Capital One, Ashley served as a project manager for the Toyota and Lexus newsrooms through an agency partner. With a writing and editing career rooted in Dallas-Fort Worth media, Ashley previously contributed to regional publications including Southlake Style, Plano Magazine, and Addison Magazine. When she's not editing, Ashley enjoys reading, checking out new restaurants, and spending time with her family.