June 2020
OMVIC is committed to the health and safety of its staff and its stakeholders. OMVIC is continuing to operate from remote sites and work with its stakeholders during the COVID-19 crisis. While some service levels have been impacted, OMVIC remains committed to maintaining a fair and informed marketplace by protecting the rights of consumers and ensuring fair, honest and open competition for registered motor vehicle dealers during these challenging times.
If you have a consumer inquiry, please email OMVIC at consumers@omvic.on.ca
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Test Your Car-Buying Knowledge
OMVIC’s website is chock full of useful information to help you learn your rights, whether you plan on buying a vehicle from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer or a private seller. But why not get your feet wet first with a few questions from our interactive car-buying quiz? Test drive your car-buying smarts before you start perusing ads or visiting dealerships.
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The Dangers of Long-Term Loans and Negative Equity
Consumers who purchase a vehicle based on low payments due to extended-term loans are sometimes referred to as Monthly Payment Junkies. These car-buyers often don’t understand that long-term vehicle financing can set up a cycle of greater and greater debt with subsequent vehicle purchases. Increasingly, consumers are finding themselves “upside-down” when it’s time to trade in and purchase another car.
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What You Need to Know When Buying an RV
“The protections available to RV buyers can be a little confusing” explains Terry O’Keefe, OMVIC’s Director of Communications and Education. “Motorhomes are considered motor vehicles so a dealer selling them must be registered with OMVIC and buyers are protected”. But if a dealer only sells camping trailers, there is no need for registration as trailers are not defined as “motor vehicles”; so like boat buyers, trailer buyers may need to look to the CPA and Ministry of Government and Consumer Services should problems arise.
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Learn Your Motorcycle-Buying Rights
Did you know that in addition to cars, light trucks and RVs, OMVIC also regulates motorcycle sales?
If you’re considering hugging the curb and embracing clear blue skies this summer, getting acquainted with your rights as a motorcycle-buyer is a very good start.
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OMVIC administers and enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) on behalf of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. OMVIC maintains a fair and informed vehicle sales marketplace by regulating dealers and salespersons, regularly inspecting Ontario's 8,000 dealerships and 30,000 salespeople, maintaining a complaint line for consumers and conducting investigations and prosecutions of industry misconduct and illegal sales (curbsiding). OMVIC is also responsible for administering the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund on behalf of its Board of Trustees.
Consumer Line is OMVIC’s consumer guide to Ontario’s motor vehicle dealer industry. It is published throughout the year, delivered free via e-mail and provides consumers with useful tips, industry news and important, up-to-date information.
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