Introduction
Key Takeaways from Our Recent Industry Webinar
Thank you for your interest in Repo RealTalk. If you couldn’t join us live, here’s a quick look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities our expert panel shared to help everyone in the asset recovery cycle work smarter, stay compliant, and succeed together.
The recovery industry is a shifting landscape demanding increased alignment from all parties. Primeritus organized a webinar on June 26, featuring a panel discussion on strategies for aligning agents, lenders, and forwarders. Participants included individuals representing each group of stakeholders in the auto repossession sector.
Meet the Panel
- Amanda Little – Vice President, Operations, Primeritus Financial Services
- Lauren Sawicki – Specialty Collections & Repossession Vendor Manager, Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation
- Kenneth Johnston – Account Manager, American Honda Finance Corporation
- Marcus Potter – President, NARS Services
Market Overview and Key Trends
The Repossession Landscape: Still Essential, Rapidly Evolving
Recent developments in the first half of 2025 highlight several key trends within the recovery industry. Although auto loan delinquencies have increased, the number of accounts moving into repossession has remained steady. The industry has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, with approximately 30% of repossession agents having exited during the pandemic and only about half returning. Recovery processes are becoming more complex due to factors such as VIN manipulation and plate swapping. Additionally, regulatory changes are affecting elements such as automation and reinstatement procedures.
- Repos remain critical. Despite regulatory shifts and market changes, repossession continues to protect lenders and keep the auto finance cycle healthy.
- Volume is growing; but so are challenges. Higher fraud, harder-to-locate borrowers, and tighter compliance standards make strong partnerships more important than ever.
- Data snapshot: U.S. repossession volumes have grown year over year since 2023, but agent capacity has not kept pace, creating a pressing need for smarter alignment.
Regulatory Changes
Compliance & Regulation: National Shifts, Local Impact
Changes in regulations regarding asset recovery are affecting each stage of the recovery timeline. At the federal level, consumer assistance regulations have been reduced compared to immediately post-pandemic, leading to some confusion regarding available assistance. We are seeing an increase in state-specific audits and regulations, resulting in varying requirements from state-to-state. These developments may impact case automation and increase the need for effective communication among agents, forwarders, and lenders.
- States are stepping up. As CFPB oversight fluctuates, state audits and state-level requirements are increasing making compliance more complex for national portfolios.
- Stronger partnerships help. Lenders, forwarders, and agents must share insights early and often to stay ahead of changing rules and maintain brand reputation.
Technology in the Repossession Industry
Technology & Automation: Necessary, Not Optional
As technology continues to progress, the repossession industry needs to be prepared to adjust. There is a need for increased integration across industry systems; an agent looking to pick up a vehicle likely uses multiple programs throughout their day. Automation is effectively reducing the time span of cases, with actions such as auto-assignment of cases, vendor fee approvals, and post-recovery services having great impact. Like all industries, repossession is beginning to utilize artificial intelligence, with predictive delinquency models as one example.
- Better integrations mean faster recoveries. System connections between lenders, forwarders, and agents cut cycle times, reduce manual errors, and speed up keys, transport, and payments.
- Automation adds value. Pre-approvals for keys, flatbeds, and transport help eliminate delays and wasted admin time, making lenders’ paper more attractive to agents.
- Emerging tech: AI and predictive analytics are starting to shape how lenders forecast delinquencies and prioritize high-risk assets for recovery.
Strategic Recommendations
Collaboration & Standards: The Industry’s Biggest Opportunity
- Monitor Regulatory Changes: Stay informed about state-level regulations and update partners regarding procedural adjustments.
- Prioritize Partner Communication: Effective information sharing can enhance process optimization and support compliance with changing requirements.
- Embrace Technological Shifts: Platform integration and automation can streamline case handling and reduce common delays.
Summary
Final Thought: Align Now to Win in 2025 and Beyond
While we are seeing an increase in auto loan delinquencies, there is not a correlating increase in recoveries due, in part, to regulatory changes and fewer recovery agents in the industry than pre-pandemic. Ongoing regulatory evolution, particularly at the state level, underscores the importance of communication among all parties. Increased automation on tasks such as case assignments, key fee approvals, and post recovery services are effectively expediting cases, getting units to auction sooner. The industry is changing, but the core remains the same: people, process, and partnership. By aligning early, embracing automation, and committing to clear standards, we can recover more assets, faster and smarter, together.
- Everyone wins when everyone talks. Open, honest feedback between lenders, forwarders, and agents helps build realistic processes that keep cars moving faster and with less friction.
- Setting clear standards works. Shared expectations for fees, cycle times, and communication improve trust and make each assignment more efficient and profitable for everyone involved.
- Relationships matter. The panel agreed: the best results come from strong relationships, shared accountability, and regular performance check-ins.
Missed the webinar but want more?
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Thank you for reading; stay tuned for our next Repo RealTalk session next quarter!