How can you get the title to your vehicle if the lender has not recovered it after it was included in a bankruptcy 7 years ago?

Answer 1

You will have to pay in full or settle the debt with the lender before the title will be cleared and released. The lender/lien holder does not have to recover the vehicle and will not do so if it has greatly depreciated, is not in running order, etc. The lender may be able to sue the borrower for the full amount of the loan plus legal costs and other fees. A vehicle is a secured debt and cannot be discharged in a bankruptcy, the loan must be paid, reaffirmed or settled with the lending institution. I'm not sure the above is right for the circumstances. If the loan was included in the bankruptcy and discharged, with the ownership of the secured property (the car), reverting to the bank, the car became and remains theirs. Frankly, there is a chance albeit small, not only that the loan was discharged but the car became yours during the process. Calling the police or contacting the DMV with the VIN should be able to determine whose name the title is actually in, and hopefully if there is any leinholder still listed. Maybe best thing to do, is contact (phone AND certified mail confirming the discussion) the title holder (bank) and demand they get it off your property, using some language that you feel it is not only a nuisance, but a potential danger to the area is nice too. Perhaps suggest if they don't do so within 7 days or so you may pursue storage and removal costs you incur for clearing their abandonment of property on your premises. If your actually really interested in getting the title, this is the time to give them that alternative - suggest if they don't want to act on the demand now and claim their property, you would consider them agreeing to provide documents proving free and clear title transferred into your name as another resolution. If nothing happens then and it is actually not titled to you, as it is an abandoned vehicle on your premises, call the local tow companies and see who wants to take it away. They will know and have the local paperwork you need to authorize them to take it off your property. Many areas have rules allowing you to reclaim it from them after some period. Or other alternatives as well as methods to apply for an "abandoned title" (which is going to get the bank involved anyway) and involves fee's bonds and such. If it tuens out it's yours, just getting a replacment for lost title is all that is needed.