OMVIC is committed to its staff and its stakeholders’ health and safety. At this time, OMVIC’s head office is closed to the public. OMVIC is operating from remote sites and continues to work with stakeholders during the COVID-19 crisis. While service levels may be 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
OPP Investigation Leads to Fraud Charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged former OMVIC registrant, David Lamothe, following a lengthy investigation into fraud allegations. In July 2016, the Lanark County OPP Detachment received several fraud complaints from consumers in relation to used motor vehicle purchases, automotive warranties and automobile financing from South Keys Auto Sales. This business, The 4x4 Store, in Carleton Place, Ontario, was operated by Mr. Lamother.
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Consumer Questions Answered
Got a car-buying question? Contact OMVIC’s Complaints and Inquiries team. Learn how the team answered two consumer questions and explained the importance of getting what you want from a dealer in writing.
I bought a 2013 SUV with only one key. I asked my dealer for a second one, but he said I have to pay for it. Is this fair?
If a dealer agrees to make a repair or install an aftermarket accessory, how can I ensure they do it before I take delivery?
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Learn Online with the OMVIC Academy
Buying a vehicle, whether new or used, can be confusing—perhaps even intimidating.
While a new vehicle is exciting, the process can be stressful.
If consumers feel unprepared, OMVIC Academy’s online resources ensures
will ensure they feel confident and informed come contract time.
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Car Troubles? Where do you get Help?
Thanks to technology, driver assistance has grown by leaps and bounds. It keeps us safe, helps us park, saves fuel and even lowers emissions. But what happens when smart technology backfires? Who do you call? Who can help?
Find out what can go wrong when a car has a defect - but the dealership can’t fix it and the consumer doesn’t know where to turn.
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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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