The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (“MMWA”) is a federal law that protects consumers by making those who make a written affirmation of fact or promise as part of a warranty and any state rights arising thereunder.15 U.S.C. § 2310(f). The MMWA regulates the enforcement of written warranties, implied warranties, and service contracts in consumer transactions. What does “any rights arising thereunder” mean? The “rights Read More
Car Warranties: What You Should Know
You may be a victim of unfair and deceptive practices if you weren’t offered a refund or replacement vehicle when you were sold a lemon. You should know that federal and state laws protect consumers from cars that require constant repairs, even if the repairs are made for free under a warranty. If the dealer or manufacturer will not honor the warranty and comply with the law, you should seek the help of an Read More
New Car Warranties
Generally speaking, automotive manufacturer warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN). The warranty will transfer even if the vehicle is sold to another owner. Of course, you should check the written warranty terms for some components. the warranty period may be reduced when the vehicle is sold. Always check the small print if you are buying a car with a manufacturer’s warranty. Another Read More
Home Warranties
Home warranties are intended to be insurance policies to protect against home system breakdowns. Prior to purchasing a home warranty, obtain a copy of the warranty to review and ask questions about coverage. Consider the following: Just like every insurance policy, warranties have exclusions. Determine what exclusions apply. For example, bathroom plumbing may be warranted, but the steam room or jacuzzi may be Read More
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) Warranties
Prior to buying a new system, read the warranty, so there are no surprises when you need to use it! As with any warranty, ask questions about coverage of specific parts and the labor associated with repairing or replacing parts/components. An HVAC warranty should clearly explain coverage for labor and all service call charges included and excluded, including any minimum charges for labor to replace a Read More
Heavy Equipment Warranties
To reduce risks at construction sites, where heavy equipment is relied upon daily, it is vital that all equipment warranties are understood. Here are a few significant points to consider when purchasing a heavy equipment warranty. What is covered and what isn’t – You want to budget for potential repairs to any major equipment, and in order to do so accurately, you need to know what is or what isn’t covered under Read More
New Vehicle Repairs? 5 Things You Can Do to Protect Yourself
New car/truck repair problems? Five things you should do if you have repair issues with a new or leased vehicle: Repair issues after a major investment in a purchase or lease can be frustrating and stressful. It can have a significant impact on all aspects of your life: work, commuting to work, school, family transportation. You just got the vehicle and the check engine light is on? That’s why we make investments in Read More
50 Ways to Deny a Warranty
Just slip out the back, Jack. Make a new plan, Stan. You don't need to be coy, Roy - 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover by Paul Simon, singer-songwriter I hope with this post to help educate those of you that take the time to read it (Thank you!), avoid warranty coverage denials and misunderstandings. It is often quite difficult after a sale to hold Goliath merchants responsible when products fail Read More
6 Important Vehicle Purchase Tips
Vehicle Repair History: Always, Always, Always ask for repair history documents of the vehicle you are considering to purchase. Ask even when the vehicle is new, it can be damaged during transport. Though advertised as a Certified Pre-Owned, it may have been in an accident, and if you do not ask specifically you will not likely receive the repair and accident history. A manufacturer's dealership should be able Read More
