How many payments can you miss before your car is repossessed?

It varies from company to company. They won't tell you their policy, even if you ask. They CAN reposses after just 1-2 missed payments, I believe. They will not notify you. I was 3 payments behind with Key Bank, and I never got a call or a late notice in the mail or anything. Just woke up 1 morning & it was gone. You DO NOT want your car repossesed, ever. If you don't want the car anymore, call them & make arrangements with them to give up the car, and it will be much easier and not look as bad for your credit. I actually wanted my car back, and although I only was behind $600-$700, it cost me about $1600 when all was said & done to get it back. (And my radar detector was gone, the battery was dead, & it had obviously been driven very hard.) Even if you can't pay them right now, calling them is always better than avoiding them. If it is a temporary financial situation, many will offer a deferrment for a month or two. If they don't, ask. Also, if there is any danger your car may be repossessed, don't leave ANYTHING you don't want to lose in your car when you get out.
Usually 3 months. There could be shorter or longer terms by lenders.