Which type of property can be repossessed without a court order?

Auto repossessions can occur without a court order due to the principles of secured transactions. When an individual finances a vehicle through a loan or lease, they typically sign an agreement that gives the lender a security interest in the vehicle. This means that the lender has the right to reclaim the vehicle if the borrower defaults on their payments.

The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) allows creditors to repossess property when they have a legal right to do so, as long as it can be done without breaching the peace. This allows for a straightforward process whereby the lender can take back the vehicle without needing to file for a court order, provided they do so in a way that does not involve threat or violence. This self-help remedy is a key aspect of secured transactions, making auto repossessions unique compared to other types of property recoveries that may require legal proceedings.