There are a number of methods that repossession firms use to take possession of the property. The easiest of course is if they have the key. Because some places have to repo cars so frequently, some used car lots actually keep a copy of the key if they’re holding the note on the car. Many late model cars actually have a Key Code. Key codes can sometimes be located on the original purchase order or even on the title slip for the vehicle. Sometimes they can even be obtained from a dealership. If the key code is known then a locksmith (or even sometimes the repossession firm itself) can cut a key based on that key code and in some cases even program a keyless entry remote to gain access to the vehicle. Though this method is the easiest it is probably the most uncommon.

Most repossession companies rely on good old fashion towing for repo cars. If a firm is just starting out they may contract a local towing company to tow the repo cars but this usually isn’t the most efficient way to run a repossession firm. Large pickup trucks with towing rigs or plain old tow trucks are the most common tools used for repossession, the more inconspicuous the better. The goal is to pretty much get in and get out without being noticed. Once the car is identified the driver usually pulls right up the car and blocks it in so nobody can drive off while it’s being hooked up. An individual experienced in repossession can hook up a car and be on their way in less than a couple minutes.

Another method used to repossess a car is to simply ask for the keys. The process is usually done when both the driver and the repossession agent are actively involved in the process and the registered owner happens to walk up during the repossession. After repossession agent identifies the car and the driver has blocked it in if the registered owner comes on scene the agent will notify them of the repossession order and ask them for the keys. They usually try and convince the owner this will make the process run smoothly and will make it easier to get the car back. Some agents will even let the debtor get the belongings out of the vehicle if they provide them with the key. Getting the key avoids accidental damage associated with towing the car and allows the repossession agent time to provide the debtor with information on how to get the car back.

Not all cars can just be towed away using the available tow truck. Sometimes cars are parked at angles that make hooking them up impossible. For these cases Go Jacks are used. Go Jacks are basically small hydraulic lifts on wheels that are placed under the tires of a car then raised by pumping the jack with your foot. Once the car is on these Go Jacks it can simply be pushed into the proper position to be hooked up for towing.

Sometimes in the car repo process it’s necessary to gain access to the inside of the car. For that a Slim Jim, a long flat metal rod, is used to unlock the door. The Slim Jim is used in a similar fashion to the old coat hanger trick. You slide it down between the window and the outer door and latch the locking mechanism and pull up unlocking the door in the process (it sounds easier that it is). Also people don’t realize how much the windows actually bend. If the window isn’t all the way up or if there is no frame above the window a wedge is slid down and the window is bent outward allowing for a hanger or hook to be latched onto either the lock or the door handle itself and after a little creative tugging the door will unlock or open.

While inside the repo cars the agent may decide to just start the vehicles and drive them rather than to tow them. There are several techniques that can be used at this point. Of course if they’re an experienced locksmith they can pick the lock. Older cars that have the key housings located on the dash simply unscrew and then the car can be started with a flat head screwdriver. (Most of these older cars are rarely up for repo anymore). Another similar method for current model cars is by using a Lock Lifter. A Lock Lifter simply goes over the lock housing and forces tension on the lock until the housing is pulled out. Once this is done the car can be started with a flat head screwdriver. There is also a technique of using a dent puller but can cause major damage to the steering column of the repo cars. It’s literally a dent puller, a large rod that has a sliding hammer and a bolt or screw-like attachment on the end, which body shops use to pull out dents. The end is screwed into the lock housing then by holding the rod and yanking you can pop the housing right out.

It is typically unlawful to enter into a closed garage or closed gate, but if it is open and you’re obtaining property that you legally have the right to (which the repossession firm does), the laws aren’t always black and white. In most cases the repo cars will be repossessed while the debtor is unaware of what is going on like while they are at work or at the grocery store. If the debtor becomes aware their car is being repossessed during the process then anything from name calling to physical violence can occur. Though the repossession is not technically complete until the vehicle is off the debtor’s property, once the firm takes possession of the car either by hooking it up to their truck or getting inside of it, it’s pretty much theirs. The term “possession is nine tenths of the law” is the golden rule in repossession.

Once the car is actually in the possession of the repossession firm there is still work to be done. Usually the first thing that’s done is reporting the repossession to the police. This in mainly done because it’s required by law in some places but also to protect the driver in case the car is reported stolen while he’s on his way back to the office. This also informs an unknowing registered owner; if they call the police to report the car stolen they will be notified of the repossession.

Generally the last step would be to complete the condition/inventory report. The repossession firm takes an inventory of what is in the repo cars and documents any damage and may even take pictures to submit to the finance company. In addition the repossession agency obtains a form from the finance company protecting them from any litigation that can result from the repossession.