civil-law
Can I steal a car back that’s registered to me?
<p>So I made the mistake of co-signing for someone that isn’t making payments or even attempting to make payments. The car is registered to both of us, so I was thinking, what if I get them to pick me up and then when they get out, I jump in the driver seat and leave? Would that be illegal? I don’t know what else to do. They won’t give me the car back so I can make the payments myself, and I’m sure not going to pay it while they keep it.</p>

<p>You certainly can't legally steal anything, ever.  If it is legal, it is not stealing.  In particular, if it is your property, it isn't stealing.  </p>

<p>The question is really, "is it your property"?  This will be jurisdiction dependant.  I am familiar with England and Wales, and other common law jurisdictions may be similar.  </p>

<p>The fact you co-signed for the car <em>definitely</em> does not make it your property.  It just means that out of the goodness of your heart, you agreed to reduce the finance company's risk by promising to pay if your ex-friend didn't.  </p>

<p>In E&amp;W, I don't think it is possible to register a car jointly, but there is a <a href="http://www.dvla-contact-number.co.uk/the-differences-between-the-registered-keeper-and-owner-of-a-vehicle/" rel="noreferrer">long page</a> explaining that the registered keeper is not necessarily the owner of the car.</p>

<p>My <em>guess</em> is that the car probably does not belong to you, so if you take it you will probably end up with a conviction for theft.</p>

<p>A car's registration and its title are separate documents. What matters here is the one that indicates who owns the car. That's the title. In slang, the term &quot;pink slip&quot; refers to the the title (and to other things in other contexts).</p>
<p>Most states allow a car to be titled to two or more owners and, when it is collateral for a loan, a lienholder.</p>
<p>Most states allow a car to be registered to two or more registrants.</p>
<p>Does your friend know that a repossessed car sold at auction will go for as little as half of what it would sell for in the used car market? That's relevant because the lienholder can order him or her to pay the difference between the auction selling price and the amount still owed is still owed? On top of that will be piled plus any towing, storage and auction fees. So there is no relief gained by letting the car be repossessed. It's more costly than staying current with payments but rather than the greater expense someone how improving the experience of ownership, it goes hand-in-hand with the termination of ownership.</p>
