Originally appearing in The New York Times on October 11, 2024, Ann Carrns interviews John Van Alst for coverage of how more automobile owners are falling behind on their payments, and a new report that suggests that lenders have sometimes been overzealous in repossessing cars.
Americans depend on cars to drive to jobs and doctor visits, and to take children to school, so losing a vehicle can have serious consequences for household finances, said John Van Alst, a senior attorney with the National Consumer Law Center.
Often, people can’t pay for their cars because of a job loss, or because the car breaks down and they can’t afford to pay for repairs or for a second, functioning car while paying off the loan for the first one. “It has a tremendous impact on families,” Mr. Van Alst said.
Support NCLC
Please support NCLC's work to advance consumer rights and economic justice with a tax-deductible contribution today!
Donate