As the current health crisis continues to evolve, some consumers have reached out to us with questions on navigating the changing marketplace. We’re featuring two questions related to COVID-19 on this week’s blog. 

I purchased a car on Friday from a relative and now I’m wondering how I would go about registering the car and paying taxes during the pandemic.

Private sales still need to be completed through Service Ontario. They have a list of locations on their website indicating which ones are open. 
OMVIC has a lot of great resources including checklists, videos and tips for anyone interested in buying a car privately. Visit Tips for Buying Privately to learn more.


I bought a car on March 16th, and it needs to be repaired. Dealerships are now shut down. My concern is that this will put me past the thirty days for repairs. The dealer said that he still would repair my car when they re-open. Could you advise me if that is acceptable?

OMVIC’s Complaints and Inquiries team encourage consumers to work with dealers, but because of this current crisis, consumers should expect there to be a delay in a dealer’s ability to assist.

 In this case, the consumer can help himself by date stamping the issue, following these steps:

1. Send an email confirming any spoken conversations he had with the dealer.
2. Request a read receipt when sending an email to confirm that the email has been delivered and read. 
3. In the email, ask for an update from the dealer within the next few weeks (or whatever timeline has been outlined).
4. Contact OMVIC with the information, so the Complaints and Inquiries Team can proactively log the information in the event the consumer requires OMVIC’s assistance.

To learn more about needed repairs, visit the webpage Disclosure: Needed Repairs

OMVIC has recently launched two new resources for consumers interested in buying a car during this challenging time: Tips for Buying Online/Remotely and COVID-19 FAQs. 

If you have any questions about buying a vehicle, contact the Complaints and Inquiries team via email consumers@omvic.on.ca or phone 1-800-943-6002 ext. 3942

 To learn more about how to protect yourself and your community during COVID-19, visit Health Canada’s website 

About OMVIC

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. Visit omvic.ca to learn more about your car-buying rights as well as additional tips for buying a car in Ontario. For car buying tips, check out the OMVIC Academy. You can view other resources such as multilingual videos and download the OMVIC Car-buying Guide.

Connect with OMVIC on social media!

 

    Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council

@omvic_consumers

   @omvic_official


   Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council


www.omvic.ca


  www.ontario.ca/page/consumer-protection-ontario