Finders Keepers? The Legal Nightmare of 'Rescuing' That Rusty Camaro - How NOT to Claim an Abandoned Vehicle
Download MP3Episode Description
Think you can just claim that old car sitting in a field? Think again! This episode breaks down the harsh reality of abandoned vehicle laws and why "finders keepers" absolutely does not apply to vehicles. Learn the costly mistakes people make when trying to claim abandoned cars and discover better legal alternatives.
Key Topics Covered
- The Abandoned Vehicle Myth - Why clients frequently misunderstand what constitutes a truly abandoned vehicle and how this misconception creates legal nightmares
- True Definition of Abandoned Vehicles - Vehicles that appear "out of the blue" with no known origin, found on private property, public property, roads, highways, or fields
- The Government Surrender Rule - In almost every jurisdiction, declaring a vehicle abandoned means you must surrender it to the government for processing
- Finders Keepers Doesn't Apply - Why this common assumption fails completely when it comes to vehicles and leads to legal trouble
- The Tennessee Example - What the public may and may not do with abandoned vehicles according to state law:
- May report to law enforcement
- Private property owners may have vehicles towed
- Public may NOT tow, sell, register, or obtain ownership
- The Texas Process - Complex requirements including:
- Removal to licensed storage facility
- Government notifications and official reporting
- DMV inquiries and strict timeline requirements
- Why even towing companies frequently fail this process
- Common Failure Points - How missing even one step voids the entire abandoned vehicle process, including:
- 30-day processing windows
- Specific notification requirements
- Fee restrictions
- Proper government reporting
- The Better Alternative: Title Recovery - Why your situation is likely NOT an abandoned vehicle but rather a title recovery case:
- You know where the vehicle came from
- Vehicle was given, transferred, or left with you
- You have possession, keys, and VIN number
- Bill of sale alone won't get you a title
- Title Recovery Process - Legal method to have yourself declared the rightful owner and obtain proper title documentation
- Why NOT to Call It Abandoned - How using the term "abandoned" triggers government intervention and makes your case exponentially harder
Key Takeaways
- Never attempt to claim imaginary storage fees or liens against vehicles
- Avoid the abandoned vehicle designation at all costs if you want to keep the car
- Focus on title recovery processes instead of abandonment claims
- Even licensed professionals struggle with abandoned vehicle procedures
- Government scrutiny makes abandoned vehicle claims nearly impossible to win
Expert Advice
The hosts emphasize that if your intention is to get a title for a vehicle, do not call it abandoned. This designation will make your process either impossible or much, much harder. Instead, explore title recovery methods that vary by state and offer much better success rates.
Resources Mentioned
The hosts emphasize that if your intention is to get a title for a vehicle, do not call it abandoned. This designation will make your process either impossible or much, much harder. Instead, explore title recovery methods that vary by state and offer much better success rates.
Resources Mentioned
- State-specific title recovery instructions available on the company website
- Live one-on-one private video consultations with vehicle title experts
- Additional educational videos on vehicle title recovery processes
