Can Repossessions Be Removed?
People usually become emotionally attached to their belongings. This is just human nature. So, when these things are taken away, it brings about emotional fallout. When someone’s vehicle is repossessed, they normally will feel their freedom has been taken away. Likewise, when a home is repossessed (foreclosed upon), the owner may very well feel the loss of family memories. Another form of emotional let down is when you finally realize the enormity of the situation as related to your credit score, which will immediately free fall!
Though you may feel like this is the end of the world, rest assured that it isn’t! Things will get better. I can’t help you get your vehicle or any other item back once it’s been repossessed; however, I can help you understand how to begin rebuilding your credit. To start, you will need copies of your credit reports. You can obtain these from the three major credit reporting agencies – TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Upon your request, these three major credit reporting agencies are legally required to provide you with a copy of your credit report every twelve months.
Once you have all three credit reports in hand, schedule a little time to review and compare all three credit reports. Repossessions normally have associated fees, such as storage and towing charges. These related charges will be listed on your credit report along with the repossession itself. After reviewing your credit reports, you should gather together all of your repossession receipts and compare them to the fees listed on your credit reports. All amounts listed on your credit reports must be reported accurately. If they are not reported accurately, you can dispute them with the credit reporting agencies.
If your credit reports contain inaccurate information, dispute letters can be written and mailed to the credit reporting agencies to try to have the negative entry removed. When writing your dispute letter, you should include the reason you are writing as well as a request that the repossession entry be deleted from your credit report in its entirety. When you mail your dispute letter, make sure that you include a copy of the appropriate credit report and that you highlight the inaccurate information. You should include copies of any substantiating documentation, such as receipts, with your dispute letter. Further, you should always keep copies of all correspondence you send to the credit reporting agencies, as well as copies of any enclosures.
Upon receipt of your dispute letter, the credit reporting bureaus have 30 days to verify the repossession entry. The credit reporting bureaus will contact the creditor and attempt to verify that the information reported on your credit report is accurate. If the creditor cannot verify this information, for whatever reason, within the stated time frame, the credit reporting bureaus must by law remove the entry. A letter should be sent to you by the credit reporting agencies which explains what action was or was not taken and why. A repossession entry, if not removed, will remain for seven years on your credit report.
In the event you are unable to remove your repossession entry using a dispute letter, you might be able to have the entry deleted or its status improved by negotiating directly with your creditor. A promise of partial payment or payment in full might persuade your creditor to delete the repossession entry. You should insist on a written agreement if you and your creditor are able to come to terms. Additionally, make sure that you obtain your creditor’s signature on the document and that you sign as well.
I know that it is hard to deal with the emotional side of repossession; however, you can get through this and, in time, regain your financial footing. Times are tough across the country and you are not alone. Just move past this and begin to repair your credit – the sooner, the better!
Removing a repossession is possible. Discover the only legal way to remove any questionable credit repo at www.repocredit.net.
