Auto Repossession Just After Veteran's Return From Military Service

[vetswife]

My husband just returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom in mid-August. He is still in the National Guard but was released from active duty in mid-September. Our only vehicle was repossessed (we were three months behind) early this week. Does anyone know if we have any legal protection from repossession due to his recent military service (we live in Michigan)? Admittedly, I am at fault for getting so behind in the payments. Does Michigan law require notification before repossession? And yes, the bank did know he was deployed. Thank you in advance for your advice in this matter.

[seniorjudge]

Do whatever it takes to get the loan up-to-date and get the car back.

When you borrow money and use a car as collateral, when they sell it after it is repossessed, it is always for a small amount of money.

That means you still owe the money but don't have the car.

[vetswife]

Thanks for your quick response. The bank is telling me that we may not "qualify" to get the car back even if we pay the past due balance. I feel like I'm getting the runaround and haven't even been told how long we have to pay (if we "qualify") them before they auction our car. Does the State of Michigan have specific laws regarding this, or does each bank get to create its own policy?