I’ve heard that a repo agent can’t “breach the peace” during a repossession. What does that mean?

If you have defaulted on a payment of a vehicle, the original seller may repossess the car that you have not finished paying for. The vehicle is what’s known as “collateral” and the people you owe money to have the legal right to either have a court action against you or repossess the “collateral” by using a “repossession agent.”  If a repossession agent is hired,  the agents must not “breach the peace” when they show up to collect the unpaid vehicle.

That means that the agent who is repossessing the unpaid vehicle cannot take forcible action against you to get a hold of the vehicle. For example, they cannot forcibly remove you from the vehicle or stop you on the street or highway while you are driving.  In other words, the “repo” agent must not act like a law enforcement officer or claim to be an officer of the law.

You are also protected from any form of trespass, which means that they cannot enter your home without your permission or break into your house.  Above all, repo agents must remain peaceful at all times, meaning that they cannot create a disturbance such as a fight or threaten you with any violent actions, physical or verbal.  In any case, if you have been victimized by a repossession agent or have experienced any of the actions above, you should immediately report the incident to law enforcement authorities and seek an attorney.