North Carolina Lemon Law Blog

North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act

april 06, 2009 06:07am

When you contact our office at 828-285-8888 we may ask you for some important documentation to ensure that we are giving you a FREE and ADEQUATE evaluation of your potential North Carolina Lemon Law claim.

Some of the most important documentation related to your claim are the REPAIR ORDERS and REPAIR INVOICES reflecting your complaint that you presented to the service department and what repairs were attempted and/or completed. Very often we hear our clients tell us “they [the dealership] didn’t give me one” or “I was told they would mail it to me - but they never did” or “the computer was down”. These are EXCUSES that are often used by service departments. And, while it is the manufacturer and not the dealership that is pursued in NC Lemon Law claims, dealerships often attempt to avoid claims being made.

When brining in your vehicle for repairs here are some important steps to follow:

• DEMONSTRATE THE PROBLEM TO THE TECHNICIAN. Very often we see “Could not duplicate customers concern.” Don’t leave it up to the technician to find the problem, show them what the problem is, make sure they acknowledge the problem, and get the technicians name. REQUEST a test drive with the SERVICE MANAGER to demonstrate your vehicle’s problems.

• GET A REPAIR ORDER. Once you have demonstrated the problem to the repair technician and before leaving your vehicle for repair or allowing them to attempt repairs ask for a REPAIR ORDER. Service departments are required to give you this document according to the North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act. Be sure that it states the problem that you demonstrated for the technician, the date you are presenting the vehicle for repairs, and the current mileage. If any of the information is incorrect (specifically your complaint) ask them to correct it before you leave.

• STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE DEALERSHIP. If you must leave your vehicle for repair over a period of time be sure that you stay in contact with the dealership.

• GET A REPAIR INVOICE BEFORE YOU LEAVE!! Once you have been contacted and you pick up your vehicle, you should receive a REPAIR INVOICE. It is important that you check this document prior to leaving the dealership!! Like the repair order, it should state the date you presented your vehicle for repair, the mileage when you dropped it off, and the problem presented. IN ADDITION, it should have the mileage and the date when you are picking the vehicle up, and it should clearly state the repairs made and/or attempted – if the invoice states that they could not find the problem, or that the problem could not be duplicated, ask to speak with the service manager and give them the technicians name that acknowledged the problem when you demonstrated it, and have them correct the repair order to reflect that the problem was demonstrated and verified by a service technician.

BE SURE TO GET THE REPAIR INVOICE BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT
They are required to give you this documentation when you pick up your vehicle under the North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act. Don’t let them give you excuses; not getting this document could potentially hurt your claim.

Here are a few helpful tips to remember:

• Keep notes. Write down names; dates; problems.
• Know what they are doing to your vehicle. If you don’t understand, ask for them to explain it to you.
• Like in a good game of poker - “Keep your hand to yourself”. Don’t tell the dealership that you are going to pursue the Lemon Law or contact an attorney – this will only make the dealership get defensive and more difficult to work with.
• Remember to be polite. Often being pleasant (even though dissatisfied) will keep the dealership on your side and may be helpful to your claim in the long run.

As a LOCAL North Carolina law firm, our first focus is making sure that our clients get what they are entitled to in accordance with their claim and the NC Lemon Law. We will evaluate your claim for FREE, simply fill out our easy online form and we will contact you immediately. Check back to our blog often for more information on the North Carolina Lemon Law and North Carolina Consumer Rights.

Posted By: admin