How dangerous is the repossession business?

Answer 1

== == * It can be very dangerous because you don't know what state of mind the individual(s) who's cars you're ordered to take back when they miss payments on them many repossessors have to catch the person when they least expect it like when they're at work or home, but using another vehicle. Some repo people do come across folks who are armed with guns to keep them from taking your car. Word to the wise don't buy a car if you can't pay the note on time because repo people are paid by the banks and car dealer ships to take back cars and items if people can't make the monthly notes on time. == == * Case in point. In Texas, the tow driver went on private property in the early morning hours, and was hooking a vehicle. The owner came out and shot and killed him. He was found not guilty. Our constitution gives us the right to protect our property. But in NJ you cannot use force unless you believe your life, or that of another is in danger. The defense is when someone whom is on your property at 2 or 3 in the morning and does not belong there, you may feel that you were in danger. But you better make sure the weapon is registered and you have a permit. There has been an some talk about new legislation. This pertains to the lender and the debtor having a contract that if the debtor cannot fulfill the agreement, he will turn the car back in to the dealership in which the lender will authorize the sale. If the owner does not comply, he will receive a summons to appear in court. At the hearing, the judge will order the owner to turn the vehicle in. This is now a court order and you will be held in contempt if you do not. You will then be arrested and have to post bail. What this law will do, once it is introduced, is to keep someone (tow driver) from sneaking around private property at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning,and prevent possible injury to another property damage, harassment, etc., and the repo man will be extinct. This will also prevent the loss of personal property, (which the tow company states they know nothing about) and to keep the registration plates from falling into the wrong hands. It is the responsibility of the tow company to return ALL personal items, and to remove the plates off the vehicle and return them to the owner. We have had some cases where the plates from a repo'd car were used on another vehicle that was used in a felony crime. Since the tow company has possession, they are held responsible. This is only in the "talk" stage", but it would certainly prevent a tragedy in the future. Sorry guys, I have to agree with this even though it means the loss of your job as a "repo" man. == == * In response to the proposed legislation...I can appreciate the frailty of human life. When lenders have the alternative to place the danger on the repo company..$300 or so dollars, or the alternative of multiple appearances in court from an attorney not to mention the countless tax dollar expenses of law enforcement to now be bill collectors...IF the "new" law will clarify things, protect everyone involved (debtor, lender and repoman), REDUCE the costs associated with a repossession, I agree wholeheartedly. Loss of a job will hurt those who only have one skill, it will merely be an inconvenience to others. IF it only increases costs to debtors, FORGET it. Case in point, the "new" repo law that took effect in Jan, 2005. It wasn't a "reform" law, it was a REVENUE law. The ONLY reason repomen are needed is because people cant/wont face the fact that they have overloaded their budget. We will NEVER be able to change this with ANY law. You cant change human nature with laws. Once people figure out they cant pay the notes, fear takes over. It goes downhill from there. IMHO == == * In response to "our Constitution gives us the right to protect our property", it is ILLEGAL TO PROTECT PERSONAL PROPERTY WITH DEADLY FORCE. In all states, why would you think the government would give you the right to KILL someone over a CAR??? == == * because you are trespassing on Private Property, that is why. == == * In Texas you can use deadly force during the night time. It's a old cattle law from the 1800's that is still on the books and still used. A repo man was killed a couple years ago. The repo agent had the vehicle on the hook and was leaving the property and was shot in the back of the head with a hunting rifle the guy was never charged for the shooting. The law's take on this. If your on someones property at night and you shoot and kill them. Your just stopping them before they do anything else. * "it is ILLEGAL TO PROTECT PERSONAL PROPERTY WITH DEADLY FORCE" - this is simply not accurate. * ** Example from the California Penal Code: ** *** 197. Homicide is also justifiable when committed by any person in any of the following cases:

*** **** 1. When resisting any attempt to murder any person, or to commit a felony, or to do some great bodily injury upon any person; or, **** 2. When committed in defense of habitation, property, or person, against one who manifestly intends or endeavors, by violence or surprise, to commit a felony, or against one who manifestly intends and endeavors, in a violent, riotous or tumultuous manner, to enter the habitation of another for the purpose of offering violence to any person therein;