It might be concerning to think about whether your car could be repossessed, especially when you’re parked at a hotel. While the term “repo” typically refers to vehicle repossession due to loan defaults, the situation at a hotel falls under a different set of rules, primarily concerning vehicle storage and private property towing. In Texas, understanding these regulations is crucial for any car owner.
Texas law allows vehicle storage facilities (VSFs) to manage vehicles left on private property, such as a hotel parking lot, under certain conditions. If your car is parked at a hotel and considered unauthorized or abandoned, it could be towed and placed in storage. This isn’t a loan repossession, but rather a consequence of parking violations on private land.
Once your vehicle is in a storage facility, specific legal procedures in Texas come into play. The storage company is mandated to notify you, the vehicle owner, not once, but twice. The initial notification must be sent after the car has been in storage for at least 24 hours, and importantly, no later than the 5th day if your vehicle is registered in Texas, or within 14 days if registered out of state. This notice is a critical step to inform you about your car’s location and the steps needed to reclaim it.
A second notification follows, scheduled between the 15th and 20th day after the first notice was sent. This second notice serves as a further reminder and provides information on the potential consequences if the vehicle remains unclaimed. According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), a vehicle storage facility can deem a car abandoned if it’s not claimed by the owner.
Alt text: Sign indicating a Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF) in Texas, alerting consumers about vehicle storage regulations.
If you fail to claim your vehicle within 31 days after the second written notice was sent, the storage facility is legally permitted to sell your car at a public auction. The proceeds from this sale are used to cover towing and storage fees. While any remaining funds should be returned to the vehicle owner, it’s a process best avoided. It’s also important to ensure your vehicle registration has your correct address, as this is where these critical notices are sent.
Under specific circumstances, particularly if a vehicle is over 10 years old and in a state of disrepair to the point of being considered junk, the rules are slightly different. In such cases, the storage facility might be authorized to dispose of the vehicle just 10 days after sending the first notice. This highlights the importance of acting promptly upon receiving any notification.
While parking at a hotel, be mindful of parking regulations and time limits to avoid towing. Hotels, as private property owners, have the right to enforce parking rules on their premises. Understanding Texas vehicle storage laws and acting quickly if your car is towed are essential to prevent losing your vehicle due to storage fees and auction. Staying informed and proactive is your best defense.
