(a) This section applies to a loan secured in whole or in part by a lien on a motor vehicle as defined by subdivision (k) of Section 2981 of the Civil Code.

(b) Any provision in any loan contract to the contrary notwithstanding, at least 15 days’ written notice of intent to dispose of a repossessed or surrendered motor vehicle must be given to all persons liable on the loan. The notice shall be personally served or shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or first-class mail, postage prepaid, directed to the last known address of the persons liable on the loan. Except as otherwise provided in Section 2983.8 of the Civil Code, those persons shall be liable for any deficiency after disposition of the repossessed or surrendered motor vehicle only if the notice prescribed by this section is given within 60 days of repossession or surrender and does all of the following:

(1) States that those persons shall have a right to redeem the motor vehicle by paying in full the indebtedness evidenced by the loan note until the expiration of 15 days from the date of giving or mailing the notice, provides an itemization of the loan balance and of any costs and fees authorized by this division, and states the computation or estimate of the amount of any credit for unearned finance charges or canceled insurance as of the date of the notice.

(2) States either that there is a conditional right to reinstate the loan until the expiration of 15 days from the date of giving or mailing the notice and all the conditions precedent thereto or that there is no right of reinstatement and provides a statement of reasons therefor.

(3) States that, upon written request, the licensee shall extend for an additional 10 days the redemption period or, if entitled to the conditional right of reinstatement, both the redemption and reinstatement periods. The licensee shall provide the proper form for applying for these extensions with the substance of the form being limited to the extension request, spaces for the requesting party to sign and date the form, and instructions that it must be personally served or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to a person or office and address designated by the licensee and received before the expiration of the initial redemption and reinstatement periods.

(4) Discloses the place at which the motor vehicle will be returned to the persons liable on the loan upon redemption or reinstatement.

(5) Designates the name and address of the person or office to whom payment shall be made.

(6) States the licensee’s intent to dispose of the motor vehicle upon the expiration of 15 days from the date of giving or mailing the notice, or if by mail and either the place of deposit in the mail or the place of address is outside of this state, the period shall be 20 days instead of 15 days, and further, that upon written request to extend the redemption period and any applicable reinstatement period for 10 days, the licensee shall, without further notice, extend the period accordingly.

(7) Informs the persons liable on the loan that, upon written request, the licensee shall furnish a written accounting regarding the disposition of the motor vehicle as provided for in subdivision (c). The licensee shall advise them that the request must be personally served or sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or certified mail, return receipt requested, to a person or office and address designated by the licensee.

(8) Includes a notice, in at least 10-point bold type if the notice is printed, reading as follows:

“NOTICE:  YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO SUIT AND LIABILITY IF THE AMOUNT OBTAINED UPON DISPOSITION OF THE VEHICLE IS INSUFFICIENT TO PAY THE LOAN BALANCE AND ANY OTHER AMOUNTS DUE.”

(c) Unless automatically provided to the borrower within 45 days after the disposition of the motor vehicle, the licensee shall provide a written accounting regarding the disposition to any person liable on the loan within 45 days after their written request, if the request is made within one year after the disposition. The accounting shall itemize:

(1) The gross proceeds of the disposition.

(2) The reasonable and necessary costs and fees authorized by this division incurred in repossessing the motor vehicle.

(3) The satisfaction of indebtedness secured by any subordinate lien or encumbrance on the motor vehicle if written notification of demand therefor is received before distribution of the proceeds is completed. If requested by the licensee, the holder of a subordinate lien or encumbrance shall seasonably furnish reasonable proof of its interest, and unless it does so, the seller or holder need not comply with its demand.

(d) In all sales that result in a surplus, the licensee shall furnish an accounting as provided in subdivision (c) whether or not requested by the borrower. The surplus shall be returned to the borrower within 45 days after the sale is conducted.

(Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1115, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1995. Operative July 1, 1995, by Sec. 5 of Ch. 1115.)