Educating consumers on their car-buying rights is an integral part of OMVIC’s mandate. OMVIC believes that an informed consumer is a protected consumer. With our educational resources available online, consumers can improve their consumer confidence while staying safely at home.

The OMVIC Academy

Launched in 2019, the OMVIC Academy educates car-buyers on their rights. Though the five videos take their style cue from tv shows like Saved by the Bell complete with canned laughter, the message in each video component is serious: consumers need to know their rights. The videos feature mock exercises and lectures about All-in Price Advertising; Long-Term Financing and Negative Equity; Curbsiders—Illegal, Unlicensed Dealers; Buying from an OMVIC-Registered Dealer and Buying from a Private Seller. The videos are available in English, French, Simplified Chinese and Punjabi and come with additional resources.

The OMVIC Academy Car-Buying Guide

This free, downloadable, 16-page guide highlights the lessons taught in the OMVIC Academy video series. Filled with useful tips and checklists on everything from financing to taking delivery of a vehicle, this is a guide consumers can consult whether they’re doing research or going to the dealership.

The OMVIC Car-Buying Quiz

Simulating a highway drive, this fun and interactive quiz tests car-buyers on their knowledge of all-in price advertising, curbsiders—illegal, unlicensed dealers and contract rescission, to name but a few. As participants drive along, they’re prompted to answer questions: a correct answer means the car keeps going along the highway; while an incorrect answer brings the vehicle to a halt, but don’t worry, consumers can easily take the test over again!

Take the OMVIC Car-Buying Quiz

Help for Dealers

Though created as a resource for dealers and salespeople, the Help for Dealers initiative is beneficial for consumers too. Comprising five videos with live-action dramatizations, the initiative helps registrants better understand and comply with the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and other applicable consumer protection legislation. Topics covered include:

1. All-in price advertising
2. Contract cancellation
3. Disclosing collision repairs
4. Disclosing vehicle condition and needed repairs
5. Disclosing negative equity on bills of sale

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