Auto Shop Won't Release Personal Property Until Car is Paid Off
My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: Maine
Here is my situation, a friend was helping me move out of my old apartment, we had unloaded most of my stuff to my new residence. He was going to go back and forth to keep moving things while i was at work that week. At some point in the week he got into an accident while my stuff was in the car, he took it to the auto place (where he had leased it from) and they are repairing it but wont let him have it or its contents till the car car is paid off. I understand the car and most contents being held, but as some of them are not his property can they be held? It looks like they are in possession of good that do not belong to them so that means they have no right to have them and must return them. Can they hold them or can i order them to return my stuff? Do i need any court based legal documents or anything?
Any help is appreciated.
Re: Car Was in an Accident. Had Other Peoples Stuff in It. the Shop Won't Let Stuff G
If the car has been repossessed, the contents are inventoried. Anything in it needs to claimed according to state law, by the person in default. It sound like he was missing that little line item called full coverage insurance.
Re: Auto Shop Won't Release Personal Property Until Car is Paid Off
You need to do a better job explaining what happened.
You say "...till the car car is paid off" but then tell us that this is a lease. The notion of paying off usually applies to a car loan, not a lease. Exactly what is it that he has to pay off? His delinquent lease payments? Has the car been formally repossessed?
Re: Auto Shop Won't Release Personal Property Until Car is Paid Off
Sorry for not being clear, i was referring to the car's repair bill. Though as a point of interest, would it make a difference in this case if it were a loan or lease that was waiting to be paid off before i could reclaim the contents in his car?
Also thanks for the rapid response.
Re: Auto Shop Won't Release Personal Property Until Car is Paid Off
Nope, they get to keep the car and contents until you pay the bill.
Re: Auto Shop Won't Release Personal Property Until Car is Paid Off
So the only issue here is that your friend took the car in for repairs and is refusing to pay your bill for the completed work, and the body shop won't let him access the car until he pays the bill?