OMVIC’s compensation fund can help when a failed dealer has not registered your third-party warranty or offers a warranty and then goes out of business.

It’s always exciting to purchase a new vehicle but, a few years and several thousand kilometers after that initial excitement has worn off, many find themselves facing eye-watering repair bills. Adding an extended warranty when you purchase a new vehicle may help to avoid nasty surprises. A planned, predictable outlay upfront is often more manageable than an unexpected bill that might be hard to pay in the future.

Consumers may be entitled to compensation for any financial loss during their car-buying journey.

There are instances where, unfortunately, many consumers find themselves in difficult situations after they have purchased a new or used vehicle. Specifically, financial loss and no one wants to incur this, not even if it’s a temporary one. Thankfully, OMVIC may be able to provide financial compensation from the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund, which is a consumer protection program financed by Ontario's registered motor vehicle dealers.

Written by: Graham Heeps – Automotive, Technical, and Business Writer

If a motor vehicle dealer fails to pay off a lien on a trade-in vehicle, consumers may be compensated for any financial loss.

It’s always a relief to be finally rid of a debt – so imagine the shock of discovering that you’re still being held liable for a lien repayment despite having managed to sell or trade the car with that on it. This could be in addition to meeting the payments on another loan you’ve since taken out to finance a new car.

That’s a situation encountered by some of the car buyers who apply to the Compensation Fund administered by OMVIC, Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Sales Regulator.

You're protected by a compensation fund only if you buy from an OMVIC-registered dealer.

Would you like added financial security when buying or leasing a vehicle in Ontario? Then buy from an OMVIC-registered dealer. All consumers have rights under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) and Consumer Protection Act (CPA) in Ontario, when purchasing a new or used vehicle from an OMVIC-registered dealer. This includes access to a compensation fund if something goes wrong with a vehicle purchase or lease.

To identify an OMVIC-registered dealer, keep an eye out for the blue and yellow decal on dealership doors and windows, ask to see their registration, or use the find a dealer/salesperson search on OMVIC.ca.

Primarily, it’s imperative to understand that all consumers have rights under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) and Consumer Protection Act (CPA) in Ontario when purchasing a new or used vehicle from an OMVIC-registered dealer. That Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji ad might catch your eye as a better deal from a private seller, but unfortunately, there is no consumer law that covers private transactions, and it could put you at risk.

Always remember that if you’re looking for an OMVIC-registered dealer, keep an eye out for the blue and yellow decal on dealership doors and windows, ask to see their registration, or use the find a dealer/salesperson search on OMVIC.ca.

Financing is often the most convenient way to pay for a new or used vehicle — but borrowing money to buy a vehicle comes with risks attached. OMVIC, Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator, recommends that consumers do their homework so that they can make an informed decision on finance deals.

“My number one tip is to make sure you that you read and understand your vehicle purchase contract (bill of sale) and your finance agreement, before you sign,” says Tim Hines, Director of Consumer Support at OMVIC. “That begins with an initial disclosure statement for financing, which is often written up on the vehicle’s bill of sale. That initial disclosure statement is important, because it helps...”

There's nothing like ringing in the new year with a newly purchased vehicle. Getting that first whiff of the new car smell –it's exhilarating. If you've been dreaming about buying a new or used vehicle, you might want to re-visit your rights during this car-buying season.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that all consumers have rights under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and Consumer Protection Act in Ontario when purchasing a new or used vehicle from an OMVIC-registered dealer.

Supply chain disruptions, increased global demand and chip shortages have led to a market squeeze and exorbitant price increases in the auto sales market. Demand may be slowing slightly, but many of these issues are still impacting the industry and keeping prices high for consumers.

In its 25 years, the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) has “never seen a market quite like this” says Tim Hines, director of consumer support.

In the motor vehicle sales industry, curbsiders are a well-known problem. They pose as private sellers, pretending to sell a personal motor vehicle, but they are actually in the business of buying and selling vehicles for profit without a professional licence or registration, which is illegal in Ontario.

They might misrepresent themselves and their vehicles — selling used wrecks to unsuspecting customers: concealing accident history, hiding repairs, or tampering with (rolling back) the vehicle's odometer.

As interest rates continue to rise, more and more consumers in Ontario are visiting dealers to purchase the vehicle they already have on lease.

Lately, OMVIC’s consumer support team has noticed an uptick in questions from car-buyers about a service or admin fee being added to their lease buyout contracts. So, we wanted to offer some advice.