what does the attorney general car dealership

Full Answer

Who holds car dealerships accountable?

Deceptive car ads or dealers — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission.

Who regulates car dealerships in Washington state?

Background. Revised Code of Washington 46.70 mandates auto dealers operating in the state to obtain a motor vehicle dealer license with the DOL. The Washington legislature enacted the license and regulations to ensure that dealers engage in ethical business practices and remit required taxes and fees.

How do I file a complaint against a car dealership in NY?

Report a problem with new car dealership....New Car Dealer ComplaintAgency: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.Division: Vehicle Safety Licensing Complaints.Phone Number: (518) 474-8943.Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM.Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours.

How do I file a complaint against a car dealership in Washington state?

You can use this form to file a complaint against a person or a business, or to report unlicensed activity. If you have any questions, call (360) 664-6475. Send your complaint and related documents by fax, email, or mail.

What is the lemon law in Washington?

What is the Lemon Law? The Washington State Motor Vehicle “Lemon Law” was enacted to help new vehicle owners who have substantial continuing problems with warranty repairs. The law allows the owner to request an arbitration hearing through the Lemon Law Administration of Attorney General's Office.

Can I return a car I just bought Washington State?

If you cancel within the first ten days after purchase and you do not make a claim, you must receive a full refund. After 10 days but not more than thirty days, you must be refunded the full amount minus a cancellation fee up to $25.00 if no claim has been made.

What kind of lawyer do I need to sue a mechanic shop?

Do I Need a Lawyer for Help with a Defective Mechanic Work Claim? If you believe a mechanic made defective repairs on your car, you should contact a liability lawyer. An experienced lawyer near you can review the facts of your case, advise you as to your rights and options, and can represent you in court.

Who regulates car dealers in NY?

Complaint filed against you or your business The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulates all repair shops, inspection stations, dealers, vehicle dismantlers and other related businesses in NY State. To legally operate as such a business, you must register with the DMV.

How do I file a complaint with the NYS Attorney General?

We help members of the public identify other government organizations better able to address their concerns. If you cannot complete the form online or need additional assistance with where to direct your complaint, please call our OAG Help Line at (800) 771-7755.

Does filing a complaint with the FCC do anything?

Complaints may be shared among FCC bureaus and offices for further review and possible investigation. By filing a consumer complaint with the FCC, you contribute to federal enforcement and consumer protection efforts on a national scale and help us identify trends and track the issues that matter most.

Does filing a complaint with the FTC do anything?

The FTC cannot resolve individual complaints, but it can provide information about what steps to take. The FTC says that complaints can help it and its law enforcement partners detect patterns of fraud and abuse, which may lead to investigations and stopping unfair business practices.

How do I write a complaint letter to a car dealership?

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I am writing to notify you of the problems I am experiencing with my (INSERT YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, & VIN NUMBER OF YOUR VEHICLE) and to request that you correct this problem within thirty (30) days of your receipt of this letter.

How do I file a complaint with the NYS DMV?

If you have questions regarding a complaint you placed or the complaint process in general, contact the DMV Complaint Unit at 1-518-474-8943.

Is it illegal to sell cars on the street?

Selling a vehicle on the public highway may constitute an offence under Section 38 of the London Local Authorities Act 1990 (as amended). This makes it an offence to offer any goods for sale on the highway without a valid street trading licence.

How do I file a complaint against a car dealership in Florida?

The Consumer Services Division Hotline is 1-800-HELPFLA (1-800-435-7352). All other complaints against license Florida dealers should be filed with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at the regional office responsible for the dealership.

How do I file a complaint against NJ DMV?

Where do I file a complaint against the Motor Vehicle Commission? You may write to the Motor Vehicle Commission, Motor Vehicle Commission, Customer Advocacy Office, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08666-0403 or telephone that agency at (609) 292-6500 or call (888) 486-3339 (toll free in New Jersey).

What does a car dealer offer?

The car dealer may offer you many assorted products, such as extended warranties, nitrogen filled tires, window tinting, interior or exterior protection packages and other products. These products will affect the price of the vehicle and you may decide that you don’t want or need the product or service.

What does it mean to buy a car from the owner?

Buying from the owner often means paying a lower price than you can get from a dealer. And buying from the owner means you can ask the car's complete repair history. Dealers’ used vehicles may cost more, but, may offer services such as financing or warranties, and may also be able to provide vehicle history.

What does "as is" mean on a car window form?

This buyer's guide, or window form, should state either: "AS IS" -- the vehicle does not have a warranty and the seller is under no obligation for repairs; or. "WARRANTY" -- the vehicle has a warranty, and the window form must list exactly what parts and services are covered and for how long.

What to do if a salesperson changes the language?

If the salesperson has made written changes and you agree to them, make sure you both initial the new language.

How to find the price of a used car in Texas?

Don’t forget to look up rebates and other incentives that may be available on a new car purchase. There are multiple online resources such as the "Blue Books" used by dealers to determine price ranges for used cars. Many people sell their used cars themselves. Buying from the owner often means paying a lower price than you can get from a dealer. And buying from the owner means you can ask the car's complete repair history. Dealers’ used vehicles may cost more, but, may offer services such as financing or warranties, and may also be able to provide vehicle history.

How long do you have to cancel a car purchase in Texas?

After the Sale. Under Texas Law, you do not have 3 days to cancel the purchase like you may with some transactions the dealer is required to register and title the vehicle in your name within 30 days, regardless of if you owe money on the vehicle to the dealer or another financier.

How to determine if a car is low monthly payment?

Consider the price of the car. This sounds obvious, but car dealers, new or used, may tempt you with a low monthly payment. You should be sure to look at the total price of the car, including interest.

What did the Attorney General's lawsuit allege?

The Attorney General’s lawsuit alleged the four individuals named as defendants played a part in operating two dealerships that misrepresented odometer readings and unlawfully sold vehicles “as is,” at times passing used cars onto the consumer with serious mechanical defects and fraudulent inspection stickers.

Who won the car sales lawsuit in West Virginia?

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey won a recent court order that permanently blocks the defendants in a used car sales lawsuit from selling vehicles in West Virginia, among other terms.

Can a defendant collect on a vehicle they sold?

Additionally, defendants are prohibited from collecting any payments on vehicles they sold and from repossessing any vehicles that they sold.

What do dealers need to give you?

Dealers must give you an itemized price list for optional “add-on” items such as service contracts, insurance, anti-theft devices, or other products. Credit Score Disclosures. If you are obtaining financing from the dealer, the dealer must provide you with your credit score and a written explanation of how it is used.

What is a certified used car?

Certified Used Cars. Used cars advertised as “certified” must meet specific requirements. Dealers must perform a complete vehicle inspection and give you a copy of the inspection report.

How to find the value of a vehicle?

Know the value of the vehicle by checking vehicle pricing guides, newspaper ads, the Internet, or by comparison shopping. Popular publications include the National Automobile Dealers Association's (NADA) Guides, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports. Some may charge for this information.

How to find out if a vehicle has a recall?

Find out if a vehicle has a safety recall notice and whether it has been repaired by checking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Center for Auto Safety websites.

How long does it take to cancel a used car?

When buying a used car or vehicle, you have the right to buy a two-day cancellation option (there are certain limited exceptions to this right). A cancellation option allows you to test drive the vehicle or have it checked out by a mechanic, with the right to a full refund within two days – for any reason.

How to report a repair shop?

To report a problem you are having with your repair shop or to file an online complaint, visit the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. CBAR will investigate your complaint and may be able to help you by negotiating with the repair shop on your behalf.

Do you need to know the manufacturer's warranty before buying a car?

Make sure you understand the manufacturer's warranty or any extended warranties offered by the dealer at extra cost. Because the cost of an extended warranty can be expensive, you should find out what it covers before you buy it.

How long is a used car warranty?

However, when these used cars are offered for sale, they must include a notice describing the defect, and they must include a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty or the remainder of the original warranty, whichever is greater.

What is AUTOCAP in Ohio?

Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP) is a third-party dispute resolution program for new motor vehicle dealers, sponsored by the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association. The Attorney General refers complaints involving AUTOCAP members to AUTOCAP for mediation. If the issue is not resolved, then it goes to arbitration and the resulting decision is final.

What are the rights of consumers under the Lemon Law?

Consumers’ rights under the Lemon Law. Under the Lemon Law, the auto manufacturer must be given a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem, and if the problem is not corrected, the consumer might be eligible for a refund or a replacement. A manufacturer has had a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem if, during the protected period, ...

Does a dealer have to refund a purchase?

Under the law, the retail purchaser has an unconditional right to rescind the transaction and the dealer has an obligation to refund to the retail purchaser all monies paid, if one of the following applies:

Does lemon law cover used cars?

Does the Lemon Law cover used cars? The Lemon Law generally does not cover used cars, unless they fall within the protection period (that is, unless the problems occur within the vehicle’s first year or first 18,000 miles, whichever comes first).

Is a warranty a service contract?

A product sold “as is” has no warranty. A service contract is not a warranty as defined by federal law and should not be advertised as such.

Can a dealer sell a used car without a title?

A motor vehicle dealer may not display, offer for sale, or sell a used motor vehicle without having first obtained a certificate of title for the vehicle in the name of the dealer unless the dealer is a member of the TDR Fund.

What happens if a dealer cannot get financing?

Beware, if the dealer cannot get the financing approved on the agreed upon terms, they may ask you to re-sign the contract for a higher rate or longer term. Arizona law provides that you may reject the change in terms and the dealership must return your trade-in to you.

How long do you have to think about a car deal before signing?

It’s your ultimate (and often your only) weapon. Give yourself at least 24 hours to think about a deal before signing a contract. You will not lose a new car deal, and there is only a remote chance you will lose a used car deal. If you do, there are lots of similar deals out there.

How long does it take to get a car key from a dealership?

Be prepared to take as long as several weeks to find and negotiate the deal you want. Be cautious when the dealership takes your car keys to “evaluate your trade-in” or for any other purpose. It is often difficult to retrieve your keys and car. This strategy may be used to pressure you to purchase a new car.

Does Arizona have a warranty on used cars?

Used cars in Arizona are sold with an implied warranty of merchantability that applies to every used car sale (although a specific defect may not be covered if it is spelled out in writing). This law is found at A.R.S. § 44-1267. (link is external) .

Can you take a car home before it is approved?

Draw a line through all blanks on documents you sign. You may be encouraged to take the new or used car home before financing is approved. This practice is called “spot delivery” and is designed to “lock you in” to a purchase. It is legal, but can result in problems later if the financing is not approved.

Can a manufacturer repair a car?

The manufacturer or its authorized dealers can repair or correct the defect, accept return of the car or replace the car with a new car. There is a limit on the number of times a consumer must allow the manufacturer to repair the car and the amount of time the car can be out of service.

What is Sherman Dodge's lawsuit?

Raoul’s lawsuit alleges that Sherman Dodge has violated the AVC by continuing to engage in the illegal and deceptive activities prohibited by the AVC. The Attorney General alleges Sherman Dodge further violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act by deceptively using fake checks and coupons in its advertisements, failing to disclose a consumer’s potential responsibility for negative equity on a trade-in, failing to promptly pay off a loan on a traded-in vehicle, and advertising loan opportunities to those facing bankruptcy.

What is AVC in Sherman Dodge?

Following the investigation, Sherman Dodge entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) with the Attorney General’s office in February 2016. Under the AVC, Sherman Dodge agreed to not sell a vehicle for more than the advertised price, advertise a vehicle that it has already sold or leased, guarantee a specific value for a trade-in vehicle, advertise a sale without reducing the selling price of vehicles listed in an advertisement by at least 5 percent, or include limited rebates in an advertised price.

Where is Sherman Dodge located?

Sherman Dodge is an authorized Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealer located in Skokie, Ill. The dealer advertises through various mediums including its own website, third-party websites, newspapers, and direct mailers. In October 2014, the Attorney General’s office opened an investigation into Sherman Dodge after receiving complaints from consumers who were unable to purchase vehicles advertised by the dealer. Consumers alleged that upon visiting Sherman Dodge to purchase a vehicle seen in advertisements, sales representatives would say the advertised vehicle was already sold, and would try to sell customers a different vehicle instead. Additionally, consumers alleged that they continued to see the same vehicle in advertisements for weeks following.

What to consider before calling a car dealership lawyer?

Before calling a car dealership lawyer you should consider getting all the necessary details ready for your auto fraud case. This includes knowing which parties are involved and the details of the damages, such as evidence of fraudulent sales practices. There are several actions that our car dealership lawyers can take to compensate you for your damages and help you spot signs of car fraud to continue a valid case.

How to sue a car dealership?

We are auto lawyers that sue car dealerships for bad car sale practices. Call us to speak to our auto attorneys immediately if this happened to you: 1 You bought a car and paid more than the advertised price 2 You bought a car and it broke down soon after you drove off the lot 3 You bought a car without being told that it has been in an accident or that it is defective or has frame damage. 4 You bought a car with a warranty that the dealer won’t honor, or you are being told that your repair is not covered due to an exclusion 5 Your vehicle needs to be repaired soon after you bought it, and the problems date back to the date you bought it 6 Your dealer called you to bring back the car because the financing fell through after 10 days have passed from the date of purchase

Why are auto lawyers so helpful?

Auto Lawyers are very helpful for consumers who purchased a bad car because they can apply legal pressure on the dealership that sold the bad vehicle. When consumers buy bad or defective vehicles, it may be difficult for them to actually get the dealership to give them what the law entitles them to.

How long does it take for a car dealership to respond to a demand letter?

The dealership usually has 30 days to respond to the demand letter, but they do not always respond. In the event that the dealership gives no response, certain legal steps must be taken to legally force the dealer to compensate you for selling you a bad car. Usually, this is where the auto lawyer files a lawsuit against the dealership.

What happens if you buy a car and it breaks down?

You bought a car without being told that it has been in an accident or that it is defective or has frame damage. You bought a car with a warranty that the dealer won’t honor, or you are being told that your repair is not covered due to an exclusion.

Can a car dealer enforce your rights?

A Car Lawyer Can Enforce Your Rights. A car lawyer can enforce your rights if the car dealer sold you a bad vehicle. It is usually difficult for a consumer to sue the dealership without a car dealership lawyer by their side.

Can you sue a car dealer in California?

Under California law, car buyers are legally able to sue their dealers for not telling the truth about the vehicle. Our legal team and lawyers against car dealerships gather evidence for a lawsuit against dealers that rip off buyers. Used car dealer fraud is common, if you are a victim, our lawyers who deal with car dealerships can help you get ...

What is a service contract for a car?

While motor vehicle service contracts are intended to cover unexpected and costly repairs after your original warranty expires, they may be marketed in a deceptive manner and contain fine print that limits the coverage available. Before buying a service contract, you should fully understand the terms in the contract and who is responsible for providing the coverage, as some companies may become insolvent or fail to provide coverage for needed repairs. For more information on motor vehicle service contracts, see our flyer entitled " Motor Vehicle Service Contract Offers ."

What is a car title?

A car title is like a résumé of the car’s life—it indicates how many miles it may have on it and if it is a prior salvaged vehicle. When you buy or sell a vehicle, it is important to take the time to properly check and transfer title to the vehicle. Doing so upfront will save you time, money and frustration down the road. For more information on transferring title to a motor vehicle, see our flyer " Transferring Title to a Motor Vehicle ."

How many days do you have to cancel a car contract?

Buying a Car. For many people, buying a car is one of the most expensive purchases they will make. Because there is no three-day right to cancel a car contract, people should do their homework before buying. To facilitate this process, we have put together " The Car Handbook " with car buying guidelines and references.

Does Minnesota have a car warranty?

Minnesota’s Used Car Warranty Law requires used-car dealers to provide basic warranty coverage for most used cars and small trucks sold to Minnesota buyers. The law only applies to dealers—it does not apply when you buy a used car from a relative, friend or private party, or used cars sold “as is.”. The terms and length of the warranty depend on ...