Are you caught up in the car repossession crisis inflicting our nation?

Losing a car to repossession is a personal financial crisis that impacts our ability to work, to take care of our basic needs, and our feelings of self-worth. There is a way to stop repossession, but before we get to that, let’s put our relationship to our vehicles and their importance in our lives in perspective. 

A great ride…

For over a century, the relationship between Americans and their cars has been described as a “love affair”—a phrase so pervasive it has become a cornerstone of national identity. This is not merely a preference for a mode of transport; it is a cultural phenomenon that reshaped the American landscape, its economy, and its very concept of freedom.

In the United States, a car is widely considered a survival-level necessity rather than a luxury. For the vast majority of American families, the personal vehicle is the primary “connective tissue” between their home, their livelihood, and basic services.

At a price…

Given our unique relationship and essential attachment to our automobiles, the current and dramatic increases in car repossessions is alarming. There has been a significant spike in car repossessions over the last year. By late 2025, data indicates that repossessions and auto loan defaults have reached levels not seen since the Great Recession in 2008-2009. 

Too often, we find it increasingly expensive to own and operate a car. For most families, transportation is the second-highest cost after housing, averaging over $10,000 per year when factoring in loans, insurance, gas, and maintenance. In 2025, many families are considered “car poor,” meaning they sacrifice other needs—like groceries or savings—to keep their vehicle running. Research shows that low-income families with cars are much more likely to find a job and remain employed compared to those without.

We all lose when someone loses a car. If losing a car leads to losing a job and losing our ability to provide for the basic needs of our families, the costs of our social safety net increases and we all pay the price, not to mention the negative impact on our wellbeing, mental health and productivity. When someone reaches the point of vehicle repossession, it is likely they are in a state of personal financial crisis and need a lifeline. For many, bankruptcy is that lifeline.

An exit…

At the Van Horn Law Group, we have helped thousands of clients fend off auto repossession, eliminate credit card and medical debt, stem foreclosures and get a fresh start. It is our mission to keep people in their cars, in their homes, and out of crisis. We approach each case with empathy and urgency. If you or someone you know is in need of our judgment-free consultation and services reach out to us today. 

Marty Marks 

Van Horn Law Group, Pittsburgh