When facing vehicle repossession, owners often explore various options, including selling their car to a junk yard. But can you sell your repo car to a junk yard, especially if it’s currently in storage? Understanding the regulations surrounding vehicle storage and disposal is crucial. This article explains the process based on Texas guidelines, shedding light on what happens when your car is stored and the potential pathways for its disposal.
In Texas, if your car is stored by a vehicle storage facility (VSF), they are legally required to notify you. The VSF must send an initial notification within a specific timeframe, depending on whether your vehicle is registered in Texas or out of state. For Texas registered vehicles, this notice must be sent within five days of the car arriving at the storage lot. For out-of-state vehicles, the notification period extends to 14 days. A second notice is then required between 15 and 20 days after the first notice was sent.
These notifications are critical because they inform you about your car’s location and the steps needed to reclaim it. If you fail to claim your vehicle within 31 days after the second notice is sent, the VSF is authorized to sell it at a public auction to recover towing and storage fees. This process is clearly outlined by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, ensuring a legal framework for handling unclaimed vehicles.
However, there’s a provision for vehicles deemed “junk.” If a car is over 10 years old and in a condition fit only for junking, crushing, or dismantling, the rules are slightly different. In such cases, the VSF is not obligated to send a second notice. They can proceed to sell the vehicle 30 days after the first notice. In some extreme circumstances, if a vehicle is classified as “junk,” the storage facility might even gain the authority to demolish it as early as 10 days after the initial notice.
Therefore, while the question “can i sell my repo car to a junk yard?” might be on your mind, the direct answer isn’t straightforward within the typical repo process and initial storage period. Legally, during the storage and notification period, you are expected to reclaim your vehicle from the VSF. It is the storage facility, not you directly, who can sell the car – usually at auction – if it remains unclaimed after the stipulated notices and timeframes. In scenarios involving older, junk-condition vehicles, the storage facility has expedited options for disposal, which might involve selling to or dealing with junk yards.
For detailed information and specifics, always refer to resources like the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s consumer information on towing and vehicle storage. Understanding your rights and the legal processes involved is essential when dealing with vehicle storage and potential repossession scenarios.
