You are not alone if you purchased a new or used vehicle that was a nightmare on wheels. Each year, thousands of drivers find themselves with cars that look good on the outside but turn out to be clunkers that always break down, pose a safety risk, or require constant repairs. The good news is that lemon laws are created to protect you. If your car meets the qualifying provisions, you could receive far more than just the repairs on the car. Here are eight things the lemon laws may provide you if your car is a lemon.
1. The Entire Purchase Price (or a Substantial Reimbursement)
One of the most significant remedies afforded by the lemon law is the possibility of retrieving your money. If the vehicle is classified as a lemon, you may qualify for complete reimbursement of the purchase price, including tax, fees, and finance charges. This also applies to leased vehicles, as you would receive payment for any lease payments you have already made. It is similar to a reset button on a less-than-enjoyable purchase.
2. A Brand New Replacement Vehicle
If you do not want to go through the refund process or restart your search for a vehicle, you may choose to receive a replacement vehicle. Under the Lemon Law, manufacturers are required to offer a suitable new vehicle that is equivalent in model, features, and price as a replacement. This option has particular appeal for individuals who loved the car’s design and were simply unlucky with one defective vehicle.
3. Repair Expenses That You Should Not Have to Pay
Lemon laws also apply to out-of-pocket repair costs for vehicle issues, regardless of whether the customer is paying for them at a certified dealership. Most consumers do not appreciate this fact and will simply pay for shop visits to have their vehicle worked on numerous times. Keep all repair receipts for repairs related to the vehicle issue, even if the repairs are considered warranty work. The associated out-of-pocket expenses may add to a sum that can simply be added to your claim.
4. Registration, Licensing and other Fees
When you buy or lease a vehicle, there are many fees: registration fees, title fees, licensing fees, documentation fees, etc. If the vehicle gives you problems that cause it to qualify under the lemon law, you will be entitled to recover the amounts you paid. It must be understood that the Lemon Law is not just about defective vehicles but about the things you pay to drive the vehicle legally.
5. Towing and Rental Car Expenses
Breakdowns affect you beyond time; they can also affect your finances. The additional expense of directly towing your vehicle to the dealership and paying for a rental car can add up quickly. Lemon law claims may cover these expenses, particularly when the expense arises from the defect that makes your car a lemon in the first place.
6. Loan or Lease Payoffs
Financing or leasing adds another level of complexity, but the Lemon law still provides coverage. You may also be able to recover the unwarranted balance on the loan or lease between you and the lender or manufacturer.
7. Legal Expenses and Attorney Fees
A huge benefit to California’s lemon law is that the manufacturer must pay your lawyer fees if it becomes successful. This means you are free to obtain assistance from a lawyer, and you do not have to worry about legal fees costing you a fortune. Attorneys who handle lemon law claims typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case.
8. Peace of Mind and Starting Fresh
This is not a financial gain; however, the emotional benefit and mental peace of mind of having a lemon law claim resolved are priceless. Owning a vehicle that has continual issues or puts you in harm’s way is a stressful experience. Lemon law allows you to start fresh—whether that is with a refund, a vehicle replacement, or just knowing the bad experience is behind you.
Your Rights in California
Every state has its policies, but if you are in California, you are in one of the nation’s most consumer-advantageous lemon law marketplaces. While this is a generalization, the overview of California’s lemon law provides the policy that consumers benefit by having protection when their vehicle (new or used – as long as it is under warranty) is defective and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, or when it has been inoperable for more than a reasonable time to repair.
Final Thoughts
No one should have to live with a faulty vehicle. Lemon laws are meant to give power back to the consumer, allowing you to recover more than simply the vehicle’s purchase price. With the appropriate documentation and legal support, you can turn an unfortunate inconvenience into a fair outcome, often without putting out any money for legal fees. Take action if your car has been more of a burden than a benefit. Don’t just live with it; fight back and get the recovery you deserve.