American Credit Acceptance took your car — can you get it back? Often, yes, if you act fast. There are usually two ways to recover a repossessed vehicle, and both run on tight deadlines. The clock started the moment the car was towed, so don’t wait.
Reinstatement: catch up and keep the loan
Reinstatement lets you cure the default — pay the missed payments, late fees, and repossession costs — and pick the loan back up as if it never lapsed. Not every state or contract guarantees a right to reinstate, but many do, and the lender’s notice after repossession should tell you the amount and deadline. Read that notice carefully.
Redemption: pay the full balance and own it
Redemption is a legal right in most places: before the lender sells the car, you can pay the entire remaining balance (plus allowed fees) and get the vehicle back free of the loan. It’s more expensive than reinstatement, but the right to redeem exists until the car is sold — which is exactly why timing is everything.
Move fast — here’s how
- Read the post-repossession notice the moment you get it — it states your reinstatement/redemption amounts and the sale date.
- Ask for the exact figures in writing and how to pay.
- Get your personal property back from inside the car — they can’t keep it.
- Check that the repossession was legal. If it wasn’t, you may have leverage beyond just paying. Was your repossession legal? →
- Don’t miss the sale date — once the car is sold, redemption is off the table and you’re into deficiency territory.
Can’t afford to get it back?
If neither option is realistic, focus on what comes next: making sure any deficiency balance they bill you is actually valid, and protecting yourself if they sue.
MultiGen Law Institute is a consumer-advocacy organization, not a law firm, and nothing on this page is legal advice. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to American Credit Acceptance. Laws vary by state and change over time; consult a licensed attorney in your state about your situation. Questions? Call 888-728-6069.
