Can a stranger legally enter your garage and tow away your car? That’s one of the most alarming questions we hear from people worried about losing their vehicle to repossession. With missed payments on the rise, more Texans are at risk of vehicle repossession than ever before.
If you’re behind on your car loan, you may be wondering what rights lenders and repossession agents actually have when it comes to your property. At the Law Office of Joel Gonzalez, we help people across Texas protect what matters most.
In this blog, we break down what the law says about garage repossessions, what counts as a breach of peace, and what to do if your rights are violated.
What the Law Allows—and What It Doesn’t
In Texas, lenders can repossess a car without going to court—but only if they do it peacefully. This means they can’t break into locked spaces, threaten you, or damage your property during the repossession.
Your garage is generally off-limits. Why? Because it’s considered part of your private residence. If your vehicle is inside a locked or enclosed garage, entering without your permission would likely be considered a breach of the peace—something Texas law prohibits in self-help repossessions.
When a Garage Repo Becomes Illegal
A repo agent is breaking the law if they:
- Force open or sneak into a locked garage
- Cut locks or damage property
- Threaten or intimidate you or your family
- Pretend to be law enforcement or another official
Even if your garage is open, the situation is legally tricky. Courts may still view the act of driving a tow truck onto your property without your consent as trespassing, depending on the circumstances.
What You Should Do if This Happens
If someone attempts to take your vehicle from your garage:
- Do not confront them physically.
- Record the incident, if safe to do so.
- Call the police to report a possible illegal repossession.
- Speak with a repossession attorney
You may be entitled to compensation or even a return of your vehicle if the repossession violated your rights.
Discover the repossession laws in Texas that protect you from repossession. (please link to LFPA2)
Wondering if your repossession was illegal—or afraid it might happen soon?
Vehicle repossession can lead to serious stress, especially if the repo agent oversteps legal boundaries. If you think your car was wrongfully taken or you’re concerned about losing it, speak with a repossession lawyer who understands Texas law.
The Law Office of Joel Gonzalez provides legal support to people dealing with aggressive lenders and repossession threats. We offer debt relief services and legal protection to help you regain control without losing everything. Call us at (361) 654-DEBT today to speak with a repossession lawyer in Corpus Christi who can explain your options and help you take action before it’s too late.
