Finders Keepers or Legal Trouble? The Truth About Claiming Abandoned Cars
Download MP3Episode Show Notes:
What You'll Learn in This Episode
What You'll Learn in This Episode
- Common misconception debunked: Why "finders keepers" doesn't apply to vehicles and why abandoned vehicle claims rarely work for regular people
- Federal law foundation: How federal guidelines shape state abandoned vehicle laws, making rules similar across all states
- Real definition of "abandoned": Understanding what legally constitutes an abandoned vehicle vs. what most people think
Key State Examples Covered
Pennsylvania Abandoned Vehicle Laws
Pennsylvania Abandoned Vehicle Laws
- Private property requirement: Vehicle must be on private property without owner consent for 24+ hours
- Consent is key: If you let someone park there, bought it, or agreed to store it - it's NOT abandoned
- Three legal options for property owners:
- Request police removal to junkyard
- Personal removal to licensed storage facility
- File lawsuit in court for ownership (hint: this is your best bet)
- Important restriction: Only licensed warehousemen can charge storage fees
Texas Abandoned Vehicle Process
- 24-hour rule: Same timeframe as Pennsylvania
- Mandatory police notification: Must report to law enforcement within 7 days
- Licensed facility requirement: Only licensed storage facilities can charge fees and sell at auction
- Public auction only: Cannot keep vehicle for yourself - must sell publicly
California DMV Rules
- Business license required: Private parties cannot use abandoned vehicle process unless licensed for repairs/towing
- Tow-away only option: Private property owners can only have vehicles towed, not claim them
- Professional services: Only licensed automotive businesses can use lean sale processes
The Better Solution: Court Order Titles
- Why it works: Courts have authority over DMV and can override standard title requirements
- 90%+ success rate: Much higher success than abandoned vehicle claims
- Petition process: Present your case directly to the court with evidence of rightful ownership
- Override power: Court judgment can compel DMV to issue title even without traditional paperwork
Critical Warnings
- Don't declare abandonment: Once you call a vehicle "abandoned," you abandon your rights too
- System consequences: Abandoned designation triggers automatic government seizure
- No take-backs: Cannot undo abandoned status once declared
- Cars aren't finders keepers: Titled assets require proper legal processes
When Court Orders Work Best
- Purchased without title: Bought from someone who never provided proper paperwork
- Owner permission: Had verbal agreement but no documentation
- Property situations: Vehicle left on your property under various circumstances
- Not reported stolen: Clean history with no theft reports
Professional Resources Mentioned
- CartTitles.com: Detailed court order title process information and DIY instructions
- ActualHuman.com: Live consultations with certified title agents and other licensed experts
- One-on-one consultations: Available for personalized case review and guidance
Bottom Line
Stop trying abandoned vehicle claims - they almost never work for regular people and you'll likely lose the car forever. Court order titles offer a 90%+ success rate and let you tell your story directly to a judge who can override DMV requirements.
Stop trying abandoned vehicle claims - they almost never work for regular people and you'll likely lose the car forever. Court order titles offer a 90%+ success rate and let you tell your story directly to a judge who can override DMV requirements.
