Once your vehicle is repossessed, it can be hard to get it back right away, let alone on the same day. However, there are processes in place to get your car back after a repossession.

The simple answer is yes, your car can be repossessed on private property if it's out in the open. But, there are laws that protect you and your vehicle when it comes to repossession.

How long it takes between loan default and when your car gets repossessed depends on the policies of your lender and the language in your auto loan contract. If you feel like you're only staying one step ahead of the repo man, you have some options.

A repossession can linger on your credit reports for many years, and even impact your ability to qualify for a car loan for up to a whole year. However, car repos eventually fall off your credit reports.

Hopefully, you never have to deal with getting your car repossessed. But if it's about to happen, or already has, we have some little-known facts surrounding vehicle repossession.

A voluntary repossession can harm your credit score for up to seven years, but it has benefits worth considering.

It's very possible that you still owe your lender money after your vehicle is repossessed. It's called a deficiency balance, and here's what it may include.

A joint auto loan has two borrowers, also called co-borrowers. Often, co-borrowers are spouses or life partners. But what happens if the car is repossessed? Well, both of you could be on the hook.

Hiding your vehicle from a recovery company is a means to an end. Your auto lender is likely to take a drastic step to recover the car if the recovery company can't find it, which means more hassle for you, too.

If you know that vehicle repossession is around the bend, then it may be a good idea to consider surrendering it instead of waiting for the repo man. Here are the benefits to returning the car yourself, and other options to consider before voluntarily surrendering.