Wisconsin's New Automobile Repossession Law: Creditors in the Driver's Seat

Creditors now can declare consumers in default and repossess motor vehicles without court intervention. The enactment in April 2006 of 2005 Wis. Act 255 puts creditors firmly in the driver's seat and leaves consumers waving goodbye to their vehicles and consumer protections.

by Kelly Anderson & Steve Meili

On April 13, 2006, Wisconsin's motor vehicle repossession law changed in a significant way when provisions took effect that allow creditors to repossess motor vehicles without judicial process. This article reviews changes in the repossession law and provides an overview of some of the problems these changes create for consumers, creditors, lawyers, and the courts. In addition, this article briefly discusses how the changes in the repossession law are emblematic of the slow but steady erosion of consumer rights previously enshrined in the Wisconsin Consumer Act.

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