How Long Does a Repossession Stay on Your Credit Report?

Repossessions are no laughing matter.

It’s impossible to emphasize the impact they have on individuals or sometimes even whole families.

They come at a time when you’re already struggling financially, they have a huge emotional impact, and they can be hugely disruptive.

And that’s before you even think about the impact of a repossession on your credit score and future financial opportunities.

Repossession can be a horrible experience, but understanding its implications is the first step toward recovery.

This guide will help you understand how long they stay on your credit report and what you can do about it.

I’ll also explore the differences between voluntary and involuntary repossession, see how each affects your credit score, and provide actionable steps to potentially remove a repossession from your credit report earlier than the typical timeframe.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect and how to navigate this challenging situation.

Let’s dive in and start taking control of your credit health together.

What Is Repossession?

Repossession is when a lender takes back property due to missed payments. This can happen with various types of property, but it’s most commonly associated with vehicles.

There are two types of repossession: voluntary and involuntary:

• Voluntary repossession (or voluntary surrender) happens when you proactively return the property to the lender, acknowledging that you can no longer make the payments. This can sometimes be seen as a more responsible approach, though it still impacts your credit score.
• Involuntary repossession occurs when the lender takes back the property without your consent, often without prior notice. This is by far the most stressful and disruptive of the two.

Common reasons for repossession include financial troubles, job loss, or unexpected expenses that make it difficult to keep up with loan payments.

While cars are the most frequently repossessed items, other property like boats, motorcycles, and even homes can also be repossessed.

How Long Does a Repossession Stay on Your Credit Report?

A repossession can significantly impact your credit report, typically staying on it for seven years from the date of the first missed payment that led to the repossession. This applies to both voluntary and involuntary repossessions. However, there are some nuances to consider.

A voluntary repossession will typically stay on your credit report for seven years from the date of the first missed payment that led to the repossession. This means that even though you took the initiative to return the property, the repossession mark will still impact your credit score for the same duration as an involuntary repossession.

Like voluntary repossession, an involuntary repossession will also stay on your credit report for seven years from the date of the first missed payment that led to the repossession. The abrupt nature of involuntary repossession can make it more damaging to your credit score and future financial opportunities.

How Repossession Affects Your Credit Score

As we’ve just explored, repossession can have a significant and long-lasting impact on your credit score.

When a repossession is reported to the credit bureaus, it indicates that you failed to meet the terms of your loan agreement, which can be a red flag for future lenders.

Future lenders might view a voluntary repossession slightly more favorably because it shows that you took responsibility for your financial situation.

Whereas the impact of an involuntary repossession on your credit report is more significant, because it indicates to future lenders that you were unable to manage your debt. And that you didn’t take proactive steps to address the situation. This can make it more challenging to secure new credit, rent an apartment, or even get a job in some cases.

These aren’t the only two things that have an impact, though. It will also vary based on several other factors, including:

• Remaining Balance: One of the key factors is the remaining balance on the loan after the repossession. If the sale of the repossessed property doesn’t cover the full amount owed, the remaining balance, known as a deficiency balance, can further damage your credit score. This unpaid debt can be sent to collections, adding another negative mark to your credit report.
• Original Credit Amount: The original amount of the loan also plays a role. Larger loans that go into repossession can have a more severe impact on your credit score compared to smaller loans. This is because larger loans typically indicate a higher level of financial responsibility, and failing to manage them can be seen as a more significant lapse.
• Previous Credit Standing: Your credit standing before the repossession is another crucial factor. If you had a high credit score and a strong credit history, the impact of a repossession might be more pronounced. Conversely, if your credit score was already low, the additional negative mark might not cause as dramatic a drop, but it will still be detrimental.

Steps to Remove a Repo from Your Credit Report

While a repossession can stay on your credit report for up to seven years, you’re not out of options. There are steps you can take to potentially remove it earlier:

Step 1: Dispute Inaccuracies

Carefully review your credit report, looking for any inaccuracies related to the repossession. If you find any errors, such as incorrect dates or amounts, you can dispute them with the credit bureaus. Providing evidence to support this claim can lead to the removal of the repossession from your report.

Step 2: Negotiate with the Lender

You can also try to negotiate with the lender to remove the repossession from your credit report. This might involve paying off the remaining balance or setting up a payment plan. In return, the lender should hopefully agree to remove the negative mark from your credit report.

Step 3: Request a Goodwill Adjustment

If you have a good payment history with the lender before the repossession, you can request a goodwill adjustment. This is where you write a letter to the lender explaining your situation and asking them to remove the repossession as a gesture of goodwill. While not guaranteed, some lenders may agree to this if you demonstrate regret and a commitment to improving your financial situation.

For a full guide, check out my Killer Strategies to Get A Repossession Off Your Credit Report

Bonus Step 4: Use Credit Repair Software

Credit repair tools like Credit Repair Cloud can be a powerful help in managing and disputing credit report errors, including repossessions. These tools make it so much easier to identify inaccuracies, generate dispute letters, and track the progress of your disputes.

• Identify and Dispute Errors Efficiently: The software allows you to easily review your credit report and spot any errors related to the repossession. It can then generate professional dispute letters tailored to each credit bureau, making the process more efficient.
• Automate and Track Your Progress: Credit repair software automates the key tasks, such as sending dispute letters and tracking responses from credit bureaus. This ensures you stay on top of deadlines and follow-ups, increasing your chances of successfully removing the repossession.
• Empower Others: If you’re interested in helping others improve their credit, credit repair software can be an excellent tool for building your own credit repair business. It provides all the necessary tools to manage multiple clients and track each case’s progress, allowing you to offer professional credit repair services.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Long a Repossession Stays on Your Credit Report?

How many points does your credit drop after a repossession?

The exact number of points your credit score drops after a repossession can vary, but it typically decreases by 100 to 150 points.

How bad does a repo hurt your credit as a cosigner?

As a cosigner, a repossession can significantly damage your credit score, typically decreasing it by 100 to 150 points, and it will remain on your credit report for up to seven years.

Can you have a 700 credit score with a repo?

While it’s challenging, it is possible to have a 700 credit score with a repossession on your record if you consistently manage other aspects of your credit well. This includes things like timely payments and low credit utilization.

Should you pay off a repossession?

Paying off a repossession can help reduce further damage to your credit score and could improve your chances of negotiating with the lender to remove the negative mark from your credit report.

How long does it take to build your credit after a repo?

Rebuilding your credit after a repossession can take several months to a few years, depending on what you do to improve your credit habits and financial situation.

Does a repo affect buying a house?

Yes, a repossession can significantly affect your ability to buy a house by lowering your credit score and making it more challenging to secure a mortgage.