New Vehicle Problems
Only new vehicles can be
lemons. The
Be sure to have your vehicle serviced and maintained as set forth in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Wear-and-tear and abuse are potential defenses to a lemon law claim. Before you can call for a refund or replacement, the vehicle has to have either (1) gone through the 4 repair attempts for the same defect or (2) have been out of service a total of 20 business days during any 12-month warranty period. Assuming you have established one of these you have to provide written notice to the manufacturer of the defect or series of defects and give the manufacturer no more than 15 calendar days to repair the defect(s). The address to which you send your written notice must be displayed conspicuously in your owner’s manual and if it is not, you have no obligation to provide written notice.
If you have no success dealing with the manufacturer regarding your lemon, you can file a civil lawsuit. At least 10 days prior to filing a civil lawsuit, a consumer must send a letter to the manufacturer stating intention to file suit. NOTE: The manufacturer can require the consumer to submit to an informal settlement procedure (i.e. arbitration) prior to litigation if the procedure is clearly mentioned in the warranty and warranty instructions provided to consumer. The procedure must also comply with several provisions of federal law designed to allow an efficient, fair opportunity for the parties to settle disputes.
If the consumer is not satisfied with result in the settlement procedure(s) mandated by the warranty, he or she retains the right to pursue litigation in state or federal court to recover the following damages:
1a. Refund
The consumer can choose to return the vehicle and receive a refund. The actual amount of refund to the consumer is calculated according to a formula set forth in the statute. This formula allows for a refund of the full contract price including, but not limited to dealer prep and delivery/transportation charges, cost of installed options and even the nonrefundable portions of extended warranties and service contracts, sales tax, tag and title fees, all finance charges incurred after the consumer first reported the defect to the manufacturer or dealer, and incidental and monetary consequential damages. This formula also reduces the refund amount by a “reasonable allowance” for the consumer’s use of the vehicle.
The refund could be trebled if the manufacturer was unreasonable in dealing with the consumer’s demand for a refund or replacement.
1b. Replacement
The consumer can choose to receive a comparable new motor vehicle.
2. Recovery of attorneys’ fees
Special note on damage disclosure for new vehicles: Dealers are required to disclose in writing
any damage and repair that exceeds 5% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail
price before you enter into a contract to purchase the vehicle. There is no disclosure requirement, however,
regarding damage to glass, tires, or bumpers if the damaged item has been
replaced with original or comparable equipment.
Buying a Used Vehicle
North
Here is the homework you should complete before buying a used vehicle:
Hopefully, after the above steps your homework has paid off and you will walk away with a good deal and a good vehicle!
11 NCAC 04
.0418
TOTAL LOSSES ON MOTOR VEHICLES
The commissioner shall consider as prima facie violative of G.S. 58‑63‑15(11) the failure by an insurer to adhere to the following procedures concerning settlement of covered "total loss" motor vehicle claims when such failure is so frequent as to indicate a general business practice:
(1) If the insurer and the claimant are initially unable to reach an agreement as to the value of the vehicle, the insurer shall base any further settlement offer not only on published regional average values of similar vehicles, but also on the value of the vehicle in the local market. Local market value shall be determined by using either the local market price of a comparable vehicle or, if no comparable vehicle can be found, quotations from at least two qualified dealers within the local market area. Additionally, if the claimant represents that the vehicle actually owned by him was in better than average condition, the insurer shall give due consideration to the condition of the claimant's vehicle prior to the accident.
(2) Where the insurer has the right to elect to replace the vehicle and does so elect, the replacement vehicle shall be available without delay, similar to the lost vehicle, and paid for by the insurer, subject only to the deductible and to the value of any enhancements acceptable to the insured.
(3) If the insurer makes a deduction for the salvage value of a "total loss" vehicle retained by the claimant, the insurer, if so requested by the claimant, shall furnish the claimant with the name and address of a salvage dealer who will purchase the salvage for the amount deducted.
(4) If a written statement is requested by the claimant, a total loss payment by an insurer shall be accompanied by a written statement listing the estimates, evaluations and deductions used in calculating the payment, if any, and the source of these values.
(5) When a motor vehicle is damaged in an amount which, inclusive of original and supplemental claims, equals or exceeds 75 percent of the preaccident actual cash value, as such value is determined in accordance with this Rule, an insurance carrier shall "total loss" the automobile by paying the claimant the preaccident value, and in return, receiving possession of the legal title of the salvage of said automobile. At the election of the claimant, or in those circumstances where the insurance carrier will be unable to obtain an unencumbered title to the damaged vehicle then the insurance carrier shall have the right to deduct the value of the salvage of the total loss from the actual value of the vehicle and leave such salvage with the claimant subject to the insurance carrier abiding by Subparagraphs (3) and (6) of this Rule. No insurer, adjuster, appraiser, agent, or any other person shall enter into any oral or written agreement(s), by and between themselves, to limit any original or supplemental claim(s) so as to artificially keep the repair cost of a damaged vehicle below 75% of its preaccident value, if in fact such original and any supplemental claim(s) exceed or would exceed 75% of the vehicle's preaccident value.
(6) The insurer shall be responsible for all reasonable towing and storage charges until three days after the owner and storage facility are notified in writing that the insurer will no longer reimburse the owner or storage facility for storage charges. Notification to the owner shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the facility where the vehicle is being stored. Notification to the storage facility shall include the name, address, and, if available, telephone number of the owner. No insurer shall abandon the salvage of a motor vehicle to a towing or storage service without the consent of the service involved. In instances where the towing and storage charges are paid to the owner, the check or draft for the amount of such service shall be payable jointly to the owner and the towing or storage service.
History Note: Authority
G.S. 58‑2‑40; 58‑63‑65;
Eff.
December 15, 1979;
Amended Eff.
April 1, 1993; April 1, 1989; July 1, 1986.
11 NCAC 04
.0419
MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR ESTIMATES
The commissioner shall consider as prima facie violative of G.S. 58‑63‑15(11) the failure by an insurer to adhere to the following procedures concerning repair estimates on covered motor vehicle damage claims submitted when such failure is so frequent as to indicate a general business practice:
(1) If the insurer requires the claimant to obtain more than two estimates of property damage, the cost, if any, of such additional estimates shall be borne by the insurer.
(2) No insurer shall refuse to inspect the damaged vehicle if a personal inspection is requested by the claimant. However, if the damaged vehicle is situated other than where it is normally used or cannot easily be moved, the insurer may satisfy the requirements of this Section by having a competent local appraiser inspect the damaged vehicle.
(3) When the insurer elects to have the claimant's property repaired, the insurer shall, if so requested by the claimant, furnish the claimant with a legible front and back copy of its estimate. This estimate shall contain the name and address of the insurer and, if the estimate was prepared by a repair service, the name and address of that service. If there is a dispute concerning pre‑existing damage to the vehicle which the insurer does not intend to have repaired, the extent of such damage shall be clearly stated in the estimate.
(4) If requested by a claimant, an insurer shall provide to the claimant copies of the estimate and all supplements thereto that it uses to offer a settlement.
History Note: Authority
G.S. 58‑2‑40; 58‑63‑65;
Eff.
December 15, 1979;
Amended Eff.
April 1, 1993; April 1, 1989.
11 NCAC 04
.0420
WRITTEN CONFIRMATION OF ORAL AGREEMENTS
(a) If an insurer, by telephone or otherwise, accepts liability or advises a claimant to have damaged property repaired with the understanding that the insurer will pay or reimburse the claimant, the insurer shall, if requested by the claimant, promptly confirm the understanding in writing. Such writing shall clearly state the responsibility assumed by the insurer for payment of incurred costs.
(b) If so requested by the claimant, the insurer or its representative shall confirm in writing all other oral agreements between itself or its representative and the claimant.
History Note: Authority
G.S. 58-2-40; 58-3-100; 58-63-15;
Eff.
December 15, 1979.
11 NCAC 04
.0421
HANDLING OF LOSS AND CLAIM PAYMENTS
The commissioner shall consider as prima facie violative of G.S. 58‑3‑100 and 58‑63‑15(11) failure by an insurer to adhere to the following procedures concerning loss and claim payments when such failure is so frequent as to indicate a general business practice:
(1) Loss and claim payments shall be mailed or otherwise delivered within 10 business days after the claim is settled.
(2) Unless the insured consents, no insurer shall deduct from a loss or claim payment made under one policy premiums owed by the insured on another policy.
(3) No insurer shall withhold the entire amount of a loss or claim payment because the insured owes premium or other monies in an amount less than the loss or claim payment.
(4) If a release or full payment of claim is executed by a claimant, involving a repair to a motor vehicle, it shall not bar the right of the claimant to promptly assert a claim for property damages unknown to either the claimant or to the insurance carrier prior to the repair of the vehicle, which damages were directly caused by the accident and which damages could not be determined or known until after the repair or attempted repair of the motor vehicle. Claims asserted within 30 days after repair shall be considered promptly asserted.
(5) If a release or full payment of claim is executed by a third party claimant, involving a repair to a motor vehicle, it shall not bar the right of the third party claimant to promptly assert a claim for diminished value, which diminished value was directly caused by the accident and which diminished value could not be determined or known until after the repair or attempted repair of the motor vehicle. Claims asserted within 30 days after repair for diminished value shall be considered promptly asserted.
History Note: Authority
G.S. 58‑2‑40; 58‑3‑100; 58‑63‑65;
Eff.
December 15, 1979;
Amended Eff.
February 1, 1996; April 1, 1993; April 1, 1989; July 1, 1986.
Vehicle Insurance Coverage
Below is an explanation of the
different types of coverage available on a
Liability—protects you if you or an authorized driver of your vehicle causes an accident resulting in injury or damage to another. Liability is required for all NC auto insurance policies and must cover at least $30,000 bodily injury maximum per person, $60,000 total bodily injury maximum per incident, $25,000 property damage maximum per incident. Liability is the only coverage required on NC vehicle insurance policies.
Umbrella—an extra layer of liability coverage. This coverage becomes relevant if you cause bodily injury or property damage that exceeds the limits of your liability policy and the injured and damaged parties lack other sources of insurance coverage. In this situation, these other parties could seek to hold you personally financially responsible for the excess which could jeopardize your assets (ex: home, vehicle). To determine the sufficient amount of insurance coverage you need, discuss this with your insurance agent. This coverage may not be available for all drivers.
Collision---pays for repairs to your vehicle if it is involved in a crash with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive---pays for repairs to your vehicle for damage not caused by a collision (ex: cracked windshield from rock).
Underinsured—pays for injuries and damages caused by a driver who lacks liability insurance coverage.
Uninsured---pays for injuries and damages caused by a driver with insufficient liability insurance coverage.
Medical payments---pays for reasonable and necessary medical and funeral expenses incurred by any persons injured while riding in your vehicle. Also pays for medical and funeral expenses for you and other family members injured in some incidents not involving your vehicle.
Rental reimbursement---pays for vehicle rental required if your vehicle is damaged or stolen.
Towing---pays for towing of your vehicle in the event your vehicle is disabled or you are locked out of your vehicle.
Gap --- if your vehicle is stolen or totaled, it pays the difference (or “gap”) between what you recover for the fair market value of your vehicle and any unpaid balance on your vehicle loan. NOTE: Ask about this coverage whenever you lease or purchase a new vehicle.
What to Do In Case Of an
Accident
Call the police—probably. Unless it is a collision resulting in no injuries and less than $1,000 damage to all vehicles, you should contact the police so that they can investigate and complete an accident report. If you determine it is a minor collision you and the other driver should exchange information about your respective driver’s licenses, vehicle insurance, and vehicle identification (make, model, color, and VIN). Do not merely rely on the driver’s verbal statements about this information. Be sure to actually view the other driver’s driver’s license, vehicle registration and, if possible, insurance card.
Move your vehicle from the roadway surface—possibly. If your vehicle is drivable and there are no injuries, state law requires you to move your vehicle out of the roadway and onto a shoulder or other nearby location. Otherwise, leave your vehicle and try to alert oncoming traffic of your vehicle’s existence in the roadway by using highway cones or emergency flashers.
Make your own notes. While you are waiting for the police to arrive you can use the time to do some of the following: draw a diagram of the accident scene and the locations of the vehicles before and after the accident; record the time, date, and location of the accident; write a summary of how the accident occurred and the nature of any injuries or physical discomfort you experience after the accident; list the names and contact info for any witnesses; take pictures of the accident scene and vehicles.
Hold your peace. Do not make any comments or discuss the facts of the accident with anyone other than the law enforcement officer(s) investigating the accident.
Seek medical attention. If you are injured or feel that you have an injury, go to a local hospital or medical provider to be examined. It is better to be safe than sorry with respect to your health and physical well-being after an accident. It is important to have any injuries or complaints of pain documented, diagnosed, and treated by a medical professional. There is no official legal time limit as to when you must receive medical treatment as a result of an accident but delaying treatment can pose serious problems for your personal injury claim.
Get a copy of accident report. It may be several days before the report is
available depending on the severity of the collision, depth of the
investigation, and when the law enforcement officer completes and submits his
or her report. In
Contact a lawyer. Car accidents can present many issues and you need an experienced professional who can guide you through the process. You may not need a lawyer but why not contact one and make that choice after having a consultation with a lawyer? Most lawyers offer free initial consultations regarding personal injury cases.
Contact the insurance company. If the wreck was the other driver’s fault and you have vehicle damage and/or personal injury, call that driver’s insurance company to make your claim. There is no need to contact your own insurance company unless the other insurance company is being uncooperative or taking too long to process your claim. If you choose to use your own insurance company to handle the damage to your vehicle, be prepared to pay your deductible. NOTE: if you contact a lawyer, your lawyer will likely deal with the insurance company.
SPECIAL NOTE: Contributory
negligence.
The Act ((N.C.G.S. § 20-354, et seq.) applies to the majority of vehicle maintenance and repair except for tire purchases and installation. It does not apply to repairs and maintenance on vehicles over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or to certain third party repairs.
Your rights:
The Act lists several prohibited acts and practices which include but are not limited to being charged for repairs not performed, misrepresentations as to the nature of repairs performed, or misrepresentations as to the safety or condition of your vehicle. Although violations of the Act do not constitute criminal offenses, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit and the potential to recover compensatory damages, case costs, court costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees.
Vehicle Mileage and Odometer
Disclosure
The
If an odometer is no longer able to register the correct mileage, it, state law requires the owner of the vehicle to reset the odometer to zero and post a notice on the driver’s side door frame “..specifying the mileage prior to repair or replacement of the odometer and the date on which it was repaired or replaced.” Alteration of an odometer is a felony and other violations of the Act constitute misdemeanors.
When transferring ownership of a vehicle, odometer disclosure can be made on the rear of the vehicle’s title or on a standard North Carolina DMV Odometer Disclosure Statement. The disclosure must contain:
2.
identification of
the vehicle;
3.
statement of
either the vehicle’s mileage (no tenths of miles);
4.
and certification
by the transferring party that to the best of his knowledge the odometer
reading
i.
Reflects the
actual mileage; or
ii.
Reflects the
amount of mileage in excess of the designed mechanical odometer limit; or
iii.
Does not reflect
the actual mileage and should not be relied on.
Sellers or dealers must keep a copy of an odometer disclosure statement for five years. Intentional violations of the Vehicle Mileage Act can be remedied by filing a civil lawsuit within four years of the date of the violation. The Act allows for the recovery of treble damages, case expenses, court costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees.
Federal law also provides remedies to the consumer who is damaged by odometer fraud. The Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1972 (49 U.S.C. § 32701 et seq.) was the model for the North Carolina Vehicle Mileage Act. Both acts allow a prevailing plaintiff to recover costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and treble damages but there are also a few significant differences. Upon a showing that the odometer was altered with the intent to defraud, federal law allows the plaintiff to recover treble damages or $1,500, whichever is greater. Additionally, under federal law you have a shorter time limit within which to bring a civil action regarding odometer issues---within 2 years of your discovery or when you should have discovered the odometer-related violation. To reduce the risk of having your odometer claim time-barred under federal and state law, consult a lawyer immediately after you learn of the discrepancy.
One other thing you will need in researching your odometer fraud claim is an official record of the vehicle’s mileage. This information is found in a complete vehicle title history which is only available at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. To request your history, you will need to obtain a request form (called a MVR 605a). The form is available by calling your local DMV office, calling the DMV at 919-715-7000 to have the form mailed to you, or downloading the form at http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/forms/vehicleregistration/download/mvr605a.pdf. The cost of the title history is $1 for an uncertified version and $10 for a certified version. You can obtain information on prior vehicle owners as well as whether the vehicle has been involved in any collision that resulted in damage over 25% of the vehicle’s value. Anticipate two to three weeks for delivery of the vehicle history.