Having your car towed by a bailiff is most people’s worst nightmare.
However, the current cost of living crisis has seen online searches around bailiffs increase by 569% compared to last year.
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Luckily Debt Advice Website Debt stamp has put together a guide to all things Dark Enterprise.
Part of the guide deals with scenarios where your car cannot be towed by a bailiff.
The first is “a vehicle displaying a disabled badge, or which is visibly used by a disabled person”.
Second, “any motorhome, caravan, houseboat or similar vehicle which is also someone’s primary residence”.
The third is quite specific, but will apply to some: “if your vehicle is essential for your job (if you are a taxi driver, for example) and is worth less than £1,350”.
Fourth, “a vehicle that is subject to a logbook loan for which the final payment to the finance agreement has not been made.”
A logbook loan is a loan that is specifically secured against the vehicle itself.
Finally, bailiffs cannot take back your car if it is in motability mode.
The guide also explains the difference between a bailiff and a collection agent.
“Collection agents are typically employed to collect consumer credit debt, such as loans, overdrafts, credit cards or utility arrears, although they may also work on behalf of your local council, DVLA and HM Revenue and Customers.
“A debt collector or debt collection agency has no special legal power or right to collect debts, enter your property, or take anything you own.
“It’s unusual for them to visit your house.”
“Bailiffs will usually be sent to your property to enforce a judgment after legal action, and usually if you have failed to comply with the agreement reached in court.
“Bailiffs have the legal power to collect a debt, including the right to visit your property, and to remove and sell your belongings to repay the money you owe.
“They may be able to force entry into your property, but that’s only to collect specific types of debt and that’s relatively rare.”
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