Every state in America has its own state lemon law to protect car owners from defective motor vehicles. The specifics of state lemon laws vary from state to state, but they all have the same purpose, and there are several areas of similarity.
1. State lemon laws begin with the explanation of a lemon. Specific conditions are listed that would determine whether a defective vehicle is actually a lemon or not. Typically, a lemon is any motor vehicle that has been purchased by the consumer, found to be substandard in some way, and has been repeatedly and unsuccessfully repaired.
2. State lemon laws allow car makers to try getting the vehicle to work again for a few times before officially considering a vehicle a lemon. However, the actual number differs with each state lemon law.
3. State lemon laws put the burden of repair costs on the manufacturer. All state lemon laws liberate consumers of the expenses of repairs, if the malfunction is brought to light within a specific period of time. Typically, this window lasts up to 24 months from the date of purchase, or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Some state lemon laws also take into consideration the manufacturer's original warranty, but some state lemon laws allow the consumer to receive free restorations even if they did not purchase the extended warranty.
4. The period of filing for claims varies with each state lemon law. Some state lemon laws allow an extended period of up to 5 years for filing, while others require the car owner to file within the warranty period.
5. All state lemon laws grant consumers a replacement automobile or a reimbursement, following certain criteria. State lemon laws will oblige the manufacturer to grant a replacement vehicle or reimburse the consumer's money, once certain criteria are met. However, there are different criteria involved with every state lemon law, and you must consult your own state's lemon law for clarity.
Most state lemon laws entitle the consumer to a replacement or refund after 4 unsuccessful attempts to eliminate the defect.
As for the refunds, there are some state lemon laws that award a full money-back benefit to the consumer, but the majority of state lemon laws take into consideration the owner's mileage in computing the repayment. Each state lemon law has a different computation for this refund reduction, and you must check with your particular state lemon law to be sure.
6. Only about 50% of state lemon laws charge legal bills to the manufacturer. But perhaps more state lemon laws should include this clause, because there are significantly more cases won in those areas.
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You can also find more info on Lemon Laws and Automobile Lemon Laws. Knowlemonlaw.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Lemon Law.
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