The only difference is that the action of repossession and the existence of collateral offer more security and fast retrieval of the funds. Repossession has implication on secured loans that define the limits on the loan terms. The risk reduction that this implies provides with security to the lender but also with many benefits to the borrower. Mainly, unsecured loans are significantly more flexible in terms of loan stipulations.

Collateral: The Concept

Collateral is basically any asset that is legally bound to the loan securing its repayment. Collateral is offered by the applicant or requested by the lender in order to close on a loan with certain advantageous loan terms. When an asset is used as collateral it guarantees repayment of the loan in a direct way. The property remains attached to the loan and the loan to the asset.

Only by the full repayment of the loan the property can be freed. In the event of default, the lender has the legal right and can exercise the legal action of repossession which can be used to attack directly the asset attached to the loan, thus reducing court’s time periods. The risk of repossession also creates a physiological incentive for repayment that shouldn’t pass unnoticed.

The Action of Repossession

This legal action can be exercised only if the borrower defaults on the loan. It provides the lender with the possibility to claim his money and recover it from the value of the property attached to the loan. It’s a simple and fast legal procedure compared to long trials implied in unsecured loan recoveries.