* Repossession is a legal process: When a lender repossesses a vehicle, they are exercising their legal right to reclaim the property due to your default on the loan agreement. They are not obligated to treat your vehicle with the same care as you would.
* Damage during repossession: While repossession should be conducted in a reasonable manner, damage can sometimes occur. Lenders generally aren't liable for minor damage unless it was caused by egregious negligence or intent on the repo agent's part.
* Burden of proof: You would need to prove that the repo agent caused the damage, and that they did so through negligence or intentionally. This can be difficult without strong evidence.
What you can do:
1. Document the damage: Take photographs of the steering column damage and any other damage to your vehicle.
2. Contact the lender: Explain the situation to the lender and request that they investigate the damage and consider covering the repairs. Be prepared to provide documentation of the damage.
3. Consider legal action: If the lender refuses to cover the repairs, you may need to consult with an attorney to explore your legal options.
Important Note: It's essential to understand that the lender may not be legally obligated to cover the damage. However, it's worth trying to negotiate with them, especially if the damage was clearly caused by the repo agent's actions.
