The new arrangement, run by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators for the Justice Department, will allow residents to purchase a detailed outline of a used car’s background, including information from insurance companies, auto-body shops, junkyards, and other sources that reveal if a car was stolen or if the odometer was modified. Prior to the new setup, the DMV had an agreement with an outside source, R. I. Polk & Co., who maintained an extensive car history database. However, that agreement gave Polk the right to sell information to the public at its own discretion.
A consumer group, Consumer Action, says the new DMV data reporting system, 18 years in the making, will help shoppers to be more careful when considering a used car and avoid poorly maintained and unsafe vehicles. To have your vehicle assessed, check out http://www.vehiclehistory.gov.
]]> Knowing a used car’s history is important to consumers and agencies alike. Although no one expects that their vehicle will end up being a lemon, it can happen to anyone. If you have experienced unrelenting defects with your vehicle, including returning your car for multiple repairs for the same problem, skilled lemon California vehicle lawyer Howard D. Silver may be able to help you obtain a replacement vehicle or your money back. Call 866-49-LEMON for a free comprehensive consultation.Source report: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/feb/20/business/la-fi-usedcar20-2010feb20
]]>According to the article, the plaintiffs allege they were denied advertised vehicle credit terms of no money down and $99 a month. After agreeing to submit a credit application and attempting to buy the vehicle, they were told the original terms were not an option and “just a promotional gimmick.”
]]> Even more controversial is the claim that the men were not notified about any denial or rejection in writing of their request for the advertised deal. In addition, after the men bought the vehicle, they encountered continuous problems with the vehicle’s use, safety, and value. They even returned the car to the dealership for repairs unsuccessfully at least four times. In their suit, the men are hoping to have their contract cancelled and recover punitive and compensatory damages.Although this case is taking place in West Virginia, similar incidents occur in California. If you have any questions regarding the California lemon law, call attorney Howard D. Silver at 866-49-LEMON for a free consultation. In addition to lemon law, Howard D. Silver has years of experience handling cases relating to California unfair and deceptive business practices, used car fraud, and much more.
Source article: http://www.wvrecord.com/news/223930-two-men-sue-three-companies-for-problems-with-vehicle
]]>In comparing purchasing a car to getting married, the report acknowledges that the process of buying a used car, and the subsequent use and care of that vehicle, involves legal, financial, and time commitments. Although many consumers rely on vehicle history reports when deciding whether or not to buy a particular car, if a previous owner did not report an accident to the police or their insurance, then it is not going to be on the history report. As a consequence, a vehicle could be damaged even if that does not appear to be the case.
While discovering that your used car has more problems than you were initially led to believe is not a pleasant experience, fortunately, consumers are protected when adversely affected by used car fraud, unfair business practices, or a lemon vehicle. For more information about how you may be able to receive a full refund or replacement vehicle, contact attorney Howard D. Silver. Call 866-49-LEMON today for a free consultation. You can also refer to Howard D. Silver’s Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Used Car in California for additional information.
Source article: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/The-Worst-Used-Cars-You-Can-Buy/
]]>General Motors informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that its 2005-07 model year Corvettes and Corvette Z06 models contain adhesive between the roof panel and frame that may come apart. GM is supposed to install a redesigned roof panel for affected vehicles as well as reimburse motorists who have already had their roofs repaired or replaced.
GM released the following statement: "If there is a partial separation, the driver may notice one or more symptoms, such as a snapping noise when driving over bumps, wind noise, poor roof panel fit, roof panel movement/bounce when a door or hatch is closed, or a water leak.”
]]> In 2006, after reports of at least 11 roof separations, GM issued a similar recall attributing the roof problem to inadequate bonding strength. In their attempt to fix the issue, GM inserted adhesive foam, and in certain cases, replaced the roofs. However, after doing so, GM learned of 108 claims of roof separation after foam was added to fix the issue. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.In addition, GM has recalled 59,000 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles due to the risk of software in the center instrument panel causing the heater, air conditioner, defroster, radio controls, and panel illumination, to stop functioning.
Consumers purchasing new and used vehicles in California are legally protected against “lemons.” These lemon vehicles, whether they are cars, trucks, or motorhomes can have relentless, difficult-to-fix mechanical problems. A consumer should not have to pay for such problems. If you are being refused the refund that is required by law for a defective vehicle, you may be able to file a claim with the help of an attorney well-versed in California lemon law. Call Howard D. Silver today for a free consultation at 866-49-LEMON.
Source article: http://www.detnews.com/article/20091229/AUTO01/912290318/1148/rss25
]]>Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s report, the intake manifolds in these vehicles may have been destroyed. It is suspected that “under certain conditions”, sulfur in the diesel fuel is capable of creating a chemical reaction, causing sulfuric acid to form in the exhaust channel of the intake manifold. The consequences of the intake manifold decay may contribute to an exhaust gas leak, harm to the fuel return line that could bring about a fuel leak, and heat destruction to the insulation at the front wall.
In addition to Chrysler LLC informing vehicle owners about the recall, van owners may contact Chrysler by calling (800) 853-1403. Auto dealers are supposed to examine and replace the intake manifold at no expense to van owners.
]]> For a consumer, there’s nothing quite as daunting as learning that a component of your vehicle may be defective. In other words, discovering that you own a lemon vehicle.Howard D. Silver has many years of experience assisting consumers in California when their new vehicle is a lemon. It is also important to remember that used cars are also covered under the lemon California law. For more information regarding California’s lemon laws, please contact the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver. Call 866-49-LEMON for a free consultation today.
Source report: http://www.automotive-fleet.com/News/Story/2009/11/More-Than-13-500-Sprinter-Vans-Recalled.aspx?interstitial=1
]]>With the Obama administration’s goal of having approximately one million rechargeable vehicles on U.S highways by 2015, and with the support of low-cost Department of Energy loans for manufacturers, there may be quite a significant increase in electric vehicles on California roads in upcoming years.
]]> Buying a new or used vehicle, electric or not, is an exciting experience. However, if a component of your vehicle is defective, then the use, value, or safety of the vehicle may be compromised. If that happens, a buyer may be entitled to a free replacement car or a refund of their money under the California lemon law.If you believe you have a lemon vehicle, Howard D. Silver may be able to assist you. Please contact the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver for a free consultation. Call 866-49-LEMON today for more information.
Source article: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5AJ41M20091120
]]>To jog our readers’ memory, the new legislation that enabled DMV to raise the VLF from 0.65% to 1.15% for registration payments due on or after May 19, 2009 applies to trailer coaches, automobiles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles with confirmed gross operating weight lower than 10,001 lbs. The VLF enhancement may last until June 30, 2013. If you are not sure as to the exact vehicle license fee you must pay, you can check your vehicle registration renewal notice or validated registration card. You can also visit www.dmv.ca.gov for more information.
]]> Beside the increase in your annual vehicle registration expenses, learning that a part of your vehicle is not functioning properly may leave one financially concerned. Consumers pay thousands of dollars for new vehicles and expect that they will not need to spend countless hours and loads of money on repairs once those vehicles are drive off dealer lots.The experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver represent victims of many types of automotive fraud in California. Howard D. Silver has been helping consumers receive the money they are entitled to under California law for many years. If you have any questions or concerns about California vehicle laws, please contact the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver. Call 866-49-LEMON today for a free consultation with a skilled California lemon law attorney.
]]>Based on the article, the National Association of Attorneys General believe that it is time to protect buyers from rebuilt wrecks, or lemons, that may not be safe, may be overpriced, or both. On the other hand, the article mentions that the National Automobile Dealers Association opposes adding any information about a vehicle’s negative history pertaining to damage because it represents “far-reaching changes” that would “impose significant, costly, and in some cases, impossible burdens on used car dealers.”
]]> Despite the dealers’ association claiming that revealing vehicle damage history could confuse consumers due to the fact that different states use varying terms for badly wrecked vehicles, consumer advocates, and undoubtedly a vast majority of potential auto buyers, strongly believe that any information regarding damage is indeed valuable.Howard D. Silver is a consumer advocate who has a wide range of legal knowledge relating to used car fraud in California, California lemon law, unfair and deceptive business practices, and car repair fraud. Whether vehicles were purchased as new or used, skilled attorney Howard D. Silver has helped victims of “lemon” cars for many years and fully understands California automotive law and consumer rights. Call 866-49-LEMON today for more information about how Howard D. Silver can assist you.
Source article: http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/government-urged-to-update-used-car-buyers-guide/
]]>Senate Bill 95, also referred to as the California Car Buyers Protection Act, will require auto dealers to have outstanding liens (legal claims on a vehicle as security for a debt) completely paid off before trading or selling a used car. Additionally, Assembly Bill 647 gives consumers access to a national database containing title, theft and other important vehicle information.
One State Senator commented that Senate Bill 95 will assist consumers who are already battling the tough economy. In fact, some car dealers have gone out of business due to the economy, leaving consumers with unpaid liens on vehicles that they traded in. Based on the article, the president of the Sacramento-based nonprofit Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety stated that SB 95 “will help law enforcement agencies crack down on violations before hundreds of car buyers have their credit ruined at a single dealership.”
]]> The author of Assembly Bill 647 stated that the bill would give consumers access to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, or NMVTIS, and oblige the State Department of Motor Vehicles to comply with federal law. The availability of NMVTIS, an electronic vehicle-history database run by the U.S. Department of Justice, to the public will allow states, law enforcement agencies, and consumers the chance to exchange information and verify vehicle titles and determine if an automobile has been salvaged, flooded, stolen, or junked. The assemblywoman emphasized the significance of this new Bill stating, "As more people look to buy used cars during this financial downturn, this legislation gives California car buyers access to life-saving data at a competitive price.”At the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver, our California used car fraud attorneys are pleased with the new legislation, especially since the Justice Department speculates that once all states are fully participating in the database, it should help save U.S. citizens between $4 billion and $11.3 billion annually by helping restrict salvage fraud, vehicle theft, odometer fraud, and other related crimes.
If you believe that you have been a victim to used car fraud or any other kind of deceptive or unfair business practice, please contact the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver. Call 866-49-LEMON today for a free consultation.
Source article: http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/48382
]]>Thanks to the hard work of Mr. Beverly, citizens are protected from unscrupulous car dealers selling “lemons” and manufacturers that are unaware that their vehicles are flawed in some way. Pursuant to the lemon law, consumers may receive their money back or a replacement vehicle when the vehicle they purchased is defective.
]]> In looking at what Mr. Beverly accomplished, the following statement from his son says it best: “He liked solving problems…he was never a demagogue of any kind…he was just very level-headed and even-tempered.”Thanks to Mr. Beverly, consumers that find themselves the owner or lessee of a lemon vehicle have the right to then seek money back or a replacement vehicle. At the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver, our California lemon law attorneys are saddened by the loss of Mr. Beverly and will continue to work diligently as consumer advocates, upholding the legislation that Mr. Beverly worked so hard to establish.
Source report: http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-robert-beverly17-2009oct17,0,4426722.story
]]>As Toyota works with officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to find a solution for the faulty floor mat issue, owners of these vehicles have reportedly already been notified of the recall. Also, until the problem is fixed, consumers have been advised to take the removable floor mat out from the driver’s side of the vehicle and not substitute it with a replacement.
So what triggered this recall in the first place? Sadly, a high-speed collision took place in California in August involving an out-of-control Lexus automobile exceeding speeds of 120 mph due to a stuck accelerator. In addition to this tragic accident, NHTSA stated that 102 other incidents were reported regarding accelerators on Toyota vehicles that also may have become stuck due to the faulty floor mats.
]]> This recall is undoubtedly a serious issue. If you or someone you know owns a 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry, 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon, 2004-2009 Toyota Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra, 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 and 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350, you might want to tell them about the recall.Before the floor mat incident, the largest U.S. recall issued by Toyota took place in 2005, involving 900,000 vehicles and a steering problem.
Attorney Howard D. Silver has many years of experience utilizing his extensive knowledge of the California lemon law to help consumers receive their money back on a replacement vehicle when their vehicle does not perform properly. To learn more about your legal rights as a consumer under the California auto lemon law, call the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver at 866-49-LEMON today for a free consultation.
Source article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/29/toyota-lexus-mat-recall-3_n_303584.html
]]>According to the story, this particular man went as far as reporting his “stolen” vehicle to the San Jose Police Department and filed a stolen vehicle claim with his insurance company. Sentry Insurance suspected the claim was fraudulent and reported the incident to the Department of Insurance. An investigation conducted by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) discovered that before the man reported his vehicle to be stolen, he purportedly tried to use the car as collateral for a loan. This incident serves as an important reminder that although our economy is struggling, turning to fraudulent actions is not a solution and there is no excuse for such behavior.
Based on the article, the California Department of Insurance received approximately 300 more vehicle theft and arson claims in 2008 than 2007. For consumers who really have had their vehicles stolen, fraudulent cases do nothing more than make the recovery process that much more difficult.
]]> As the number of auto insurance fraud cases has increased, it is our hope as consumer advocates at the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver, that incidents of used car fraud and auto repair fraud do not increase. As consumers look for the best deals on used cars and auto repair in less than stellar financial times, it is important that they remember to be cautious of being mislead or lied to by auto dealers or auto repair shops.If you suspect that you have been a victim of such fraudulent actions, please contact Howard D. Silver for a free consultation. Mr. Silver has dedicated many years to helping those who have been cheated out of money by auto repair shops or used car sellers. Call the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver today for a free consultation at 866-49-LEMON.
Source report: http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2009/10/09/104429.htm
]]>This refund may seem shocking especially to those of us who do not own a luxury car, but the Lamborghini-owner’s story is encouraging in that lemon laws throughout the country should be upheld under qualifying circumstances to protect consumer rights.
The state of Washington’s lemon-law arbitration program was updated earlier this year so that it is more wide-ranging, applying to a greater number of vehicles. Due to the value of the man’s car in this particular case, the panel met and ruled in his favor, saying that Lamborghini must give the vehicle owner his money back. Their decision was based on Washington law, which states that the customer can get his or her money back for a vehicle that has been taken in unsuccessfully for repairs at least twice within 12 months.
Although this incident took place in the state of Washington, California's lemon law is just as important in ensuring that consumers’ rights are secured. In California, if during the first 18 months of vehicle ownership or 18,000 miles, there have been at least two unsuccessful attempts at fixing a problem that makes the vehicle unsafe, it is presumed that the vehicle is a lemon qualifying for a refund. Compensation may also be given after four or more attempts that prove to be unsuccessful for the same problem, or after 30 or more days out of service during that same time period.
]]> If you believe that your vehicle is a lemon, the California lemon law attorneys at the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver can help. We understand the many complexities surrounding California’s lemon law and will ensure that your case is thoroughly examined so that you receive the refund you deserve. For more information, call 1-866-49-LEMON for a free consultation with a California lemon law attorney.Source article: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=155887
]]>At the heart of the criticism is the notion that it does not give consumers the protection they need or require. A California-based consumer advocacy group that opposes the Bill, Consumer Watchdog, has published multiple insurance company documents that are said to show evidence of anti-consumer practices and direct repair programs (DRPs) that do not really help consumers. In fact, one contract between an insurance company and its desired group of body shops revealed that the auto body shop was being pressured into maintaining lower costs, at the expense of having their contract terminated if they did not comply.
The executive director of Consumer Watchdog said that these questionable contracts create “reverse competition.” Instead of competing for customers, body shops are fighting for insurer referrals, which are ultimately determined by the shop’s capability of cutting its rates, thus leading to poor auto repair work stemming from those cut-rate prices. In addition, another document revealed that a body shop was reprimanded for using more factory parts than an insurance company preferred. Also, it was recommended by the insurance company that the body shop use more after-market parts to lower costs.
]]> It should be interesting to see whether or not the Steering Bill makes its way through the Senate, or if a second consideration will in fact be made. Above all else, the rights of consumers deserve to be protected from auto repair fraud. If you believe that you’ve been a victim of auto repair fraud in California, the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver can help you. In addition to their experience with the California lemon law, they have helped many clients recover money they were cheated out of from auto repair shops, retailers, and automakers. Call the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver today at 866-49-LEMON for a free consultation.Source article: http://abrn.search-autoparts.com/abrn/Collision+Repair/Consumer-group-slams-steering-publishes-DRP-docume/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/622376?contextCategoryId=498
]]>According to a report, foreign automakers finished the sales race ahead of domestic automakers. Out of the estimated 700,000 autos purchased through CARS, 61.4% were foreign-made cars. With so many new vehicles hitting the road, particularly those that have been sitting on car dealership lots for an extended period of time, many consumers may be wondering if the California lemon law applies to vehicles purchased through the CARS program.
The answer of whether or not your vehicle bought through the program falls under the lemon law in California depends on the reasonable amount of attempts the manufacturer has made to fix your vehicle. Overall, if the vehicle you obtained through the rebate initiative turns out to be defective in some way and a lemon law candidate, it is highly possible that you may be able to get your money back or have your vehicle replaced.
]]> Discovering that your car is a lemon can bring about many challenges and unpleasant circumstances; however, as a consumer, you have rights that manufacturers and dealers must not violate. Howard D. Silver has assisted many consumers in receiving proper funds or auto replacement for the lemon vehicle. For more information on the California lemon law, contact skilled lemon law attorney Howard D. Silver today by calling 866-49-LEMON.Source article: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-auto-sales2-2009sep02,0,2337465.story
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