Extended Warranties and How They Relate to Lemon Laws
The lemon law of California (The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) provides legal protection to consumers when an auto company sells or makes a defective vehicle. The Lemon Law can apply to both used and new vehicles and may apply to both leased and purchased vehicles. It can be used on automobiles, trucks and motorcycles and SUVs. However, it is important to seek a qualified Los Angeles lemon law attorney before you acquire extended warranties.
If you already have an extended warranty and are in a dispute over coverage, a Lemon law attorney in California at the Kaloustian Law Group should be your first choice.
What are the requirements to pursue a claim under the Lemon Law?
You can file a claim under the Lemon Law only after repeated repairs covered by the manufacturer or dealer warranty
Sometimes, however, California’s Lemon Law can extend your coverage. These calculations can be very complex, so don’t attempt them without the aid of credible lemon law services. You could miss the deadline for filing your claim.
What is the “Real Warranty Period?”
Each new vehicle comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee. There are three types of warranties that a manufacturer offers:
- Basic Warranty
- Powertrain warranty
- Restraint Guarantee.
These warranties are valid for a specified number of months or miles. Consumers may find that repairing a vehicle with a lemon warranty can be very time-consuming and could even take longer than the warranty period. The Lemon Law states that the warranty period is “tolled”, which means it is paused when the vehicle is being repaired at a dealer.
The warranty period begins on the day you return a damaged vehicle to the manufacturer’s repair facility. It does not begin again until all repairs are completed. If the consumer causes the delay, the warranty period that was originally granted will be canceled and will continue in effect.
The California Lemon Law extends the warranty period until the vehicle is repaired.
What are the requirements to extend the warranty?
The vehicle owner must notify the manufacturer within 60 days of failing to repair it by the dealer.
The bottom line is that if a vehicle has defects that first appeared during the original warranty period and the dealership could correct the defect before the warranty expired, the Lemon Law may extend the warranty and you may be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle.
How can “Lemon Law” attorneys help Californian consumers?
California law requires vehicle dealers and manufacturers to inform purchasers of their Lemon Law rights.
However, many consumers are not aware of their rights under the law. Do not attempt to calculate your warranty by yourself. You may make mistakes and miss the deadline.
What about “Extended” Warranties?
California residents need to be aware that an extended warranty DOES NOT cover repairs. Extended warranties are basically service agreements for repairs to a vehicle that has been covered by a manufacturer’s original warranty.
Although extended warranties may look and seem the same as original manufacturer’s warranties, California law makes clear distinctions.
California’s Lemon Law only applies to repairs that are still covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty.
Do you really need to hire a lemon law attorney in Los Angeles for a Lemon Law claim?
Here’s what you can expect if you attempt to negotiate directly with the manufacturer of a vehicle for a buyback or replacement. A customer service representative will tell you that your claims are being investigated and that the situation is being reviewed.
This means that you might believe the vehicle manufacturer is trying to solve your problem, but in reality, they are not. The vehicle manufacturer hopes you will eventually give up and walk away. A good Los Angeles Lemon Car Lawyer won’t let that happen to you.
If you’re a California consumer who has purchased a vehicle that looks like a lemon, consult an attorney. A California lemon law attorney who is experienced in handling these cases and knows how to win your case.
You need a Lemon Law attorney in Los Angeles to work for you, not the manufacturer or dealer.
