In order to prove that your vehicle is a lemon, you must have proof that your new vehicle was defective and continued to be defective despite numerous attempts at repair. To establish this type of proof, consumers need to be able to provide evidence of vehicle maintenance.

Auto body shops and repair dealers are actually required by law to provide their customers with detailed information about repairs as well as copies of all pertinent paperwork such as invoices.

The Automotive Repair Act

The Automotive Repair Act is the law that requires body shops to keep their customers informed. If you take your vehicle in for repair, you have the right to know exactly what repairs the vehicle needs and how those repairs are performed. Ask your body shop or authorized dealer for documentation so that you have the evidence you need in a lemon law case.

Body shops and repair dealers must:

• Provide a written estimate of repairs
• Obtain authorization of repairs from the customer
• Only conduct repairs listed on the authorized estimate/work order
• Provide the customer with an invoice upon completion of repair work, even on repairs covered by a warranty
• Keep a copy of repair documentation for at least three years after the work is completed

Establishing Proof of Warranty

Not only should you obtain necessary maintenance documentation, but you should get the proper paperwork from your dealership as well, such as the proof of warranty. Even consumers who do not qualify for a claim under Lemon laws may have legal recourse by way of a breach of warranty claim. In order to establish breach of warranty, you should be able to provide proof of warranty and what exactly that warranty covered.

If you think you have a Lemon Law or breach of warranty claim, contact Norman Taylor & Associates today for a free evaluation of your case!