California has one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country when it comes to new vehicle purchase warranties. These laws offer enhanced protection to consumers who end up with defective vehicles where the defects substantially impair the use, safety, or value of the vehicle. Known as “Lemon Laws,” the word “Lemon” refers to the fact that defective new vehicles are generally referred to as “Lemons.”
Lemon Laws allow consumers who purchase lemon vehicles to demand from the manufacturer either a refund or replacement vehicle when the manufacturer or dealer is unable to repair the vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts or days in service. Consumers may also be entitled to incidental damages including but not limited to repair, towing, and rental expenses. Also, these laws protect consumers by requiring that offending manufacturers pay all attorney’s fees and costs should the consumer be successful in their claim.
In order to ensure a successful claim under California’s Lemon Law, it is important that you:
- Take the vehicle to an authorized manufacturer repair center
- Make sure every repair is documented with a repair order even if no repairs are actually made
- Keep copies of all service records and repair order
- Record all contact with the dealer or manufacturer’s representatives regarding the vehicle’s defects. Make note of the date and the name of the representative and any important information they might have said.
- Notify the dealer or manufacturer immediately if a repair is not successful
- Do not stop making vehicle payments
- Contact an attorney immediately before taking the vehicle in for repair again
Contact us or call us today at 800.300.0001 for a free case evaluation. We can help you get rid of your lemon and into a dependable vehicle at no cost to you.
