Car Loan Glossary bc

The "two-thirds rule" in British Columbia is a significant consumer protection measure enshrined within BC's Personal Property Security Act (PPSA). This rule dictates that if a consumer has paid at least two-thirds (approximately 66.67%) of the original amount owing on "consumer goods," the secured party - typically the lender or financial institution - is generally prohibited from repossessing those goods without first obtaining a court order. This provision is highly relevant in Canadian auto finance, as personal vehicles are almost universally classified as consumer goods under the PPSA.

Why this matters significantly to the consumer is that it provides a crucial safeguard against immediate and involuntary seizure of an asset in which they have built substantial equity. In the evolving 2025 economic landscape, where financial pressures can fluctuate, this protection prevents lenders from easily repossessing a vehicle after a considerable portion of the loan has been repaid, even in the event of a payment default. Instead, the lender must pursue a more formal and often lengthier legal process to obtain a court order, granting the consumer valuable time to negotiate a resolution, seek legal counsel, or potentially rectify the default. This BC-specific provision thus protects the consumer's investment and provides a stronger position in any dispute over the debt, highlighting the importance of understanding provincial consumer rights when financing a vehicle.

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