IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR REGISTRANTS & CONSUMERS

On February 19, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced Toronto and Peel Public Health Regions with North Bay-Parry Sound District will maintain the shutdown, stay-at-home order and all existing public health workplace safety measures until at least Monday, March 8, 2021.

Dealerships still in shutdown regions may remain open by appointment only between 7:00AM and 8:00PM. Dealerships not in shutdown regions – in the new framework – may open their doors to the public with certain restrictions.

Masks should be worn by everyone participating in a test drive. Vehicles should be properly disinfected before and after each test drive. Test drives should last no more than ten minutes.

Stay up-to-date with where your region falls in the province’s COVID-19 framework by checking out our latest bulletins.

Have questions? Contact us today at communications@omvic.on.ca.

OMVIC Protects Ontario Car Buyers

As the regulator of motor vehicle sales in Ontario, OMVIC’s mandate is to maintain a fair and informed marketplace by protecting the rights of consumers, enhancing industry professionalism and ensuring fair, honest and open competition for registered motor vehicle dealers. This is achieved by:

Registering all dealers and salespeople
Inspecting all Ontario dealers (new and used)
Providing free complaint concilliation to consumers

Delivering education/awareness programs
Investigating and prosecuting industry non-compliance and illegal sales (curbsiding)

Tips for Buying Online or Remotely

Some dealers provide services that allow “remote customers” to purchase/lease vehicles online – with no visit to a dealership and the vehicle delivered to the purchaser’s (or lessee’s) door. Buying a vehicle remotely (sight unseen, with no physical inspection or test drive) requires consumers to be educated and take appropriate steps to ensure the transaction goes smoothly.

To help, OMVIC has created 13 tips for online and remote buyers

Introducing the OMVIC Academy

The OMVIC Academy is an educational resource with instructional videos and a downloadable Car-Buying Guide that teaches students how to become confident car-buyers. Each video is 2-3 minutes long. Topics include: Understanding All-in Price Advertising; Long-Term Loans and Negative Equity; The Dangers Posed by Curbsiders; Consumer Rights when Buying from a Registered Dealer and How to Protect Yourself When Buying Privately. These five lessons in car-buying are a must for any “Padawan” eager to know his or her rights!

OMVIC Academy Video - 1 All-in Price Advertising	OMVIC Academy Video - 2 Negative Equity	OMVIC Academy Video - 3 Curbsiders	OMVIC Academy Video - 4 Buying from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer	OMVIC Academy Video - 5 Buying from a Private Seller

The students learn what fees must be included in a dealer’s advertised price.	The class holds an intervention and Timmy learns an important lesson about the dangers of long-term loans.	Professor OMVIC isn’t acting like himself and gives the students strange advice about buying a car privately. Should they trust him?	It’s classmates vs. classmates in a Feud to determine who knows the most about buying from a registered dealer.	Roleplaying-the class helps Justin prepare for an appointment with a private seller. Will he remember the right questions to ask?