Are dealerships required to give loaner cars? There’s no mandatory rule for loaner cars. If your car is a lemon according to California law, you can file a case.
In a busy city like California, it’s nearly impossible to travel freely without a car. But what if your car is stuck at the repairs? Some of the auto dealerships provide ‘loaner cars’ that you can use while your car is being fixed. But are dealerships required to give loaner cars? There’s no mandatory rule for loaner cars in California. The chances that you will be given a loaner car fully depend on the dealership in question.
So, you may end up paying for the rental yourself! If your dealership provides loaner cars, you will need to present some documents to get them. Keep reading to learn more about loaner cars and dealership requirements.
Are Dealerships Required to Give Loaner Cars?
According to California law, dealerships aren’t bound to provide rental cars during servicing. If your dealership’s policy offers loaner cars, you’ll get one!
Many dealerships offer loaner cars as a customer service benefit. But this is not guaranteed!
How Do I Know If My Dealership Offers Loaner Cars?
The fastest way to determine if your dealership offers loaner or rental cars is to ask them directly.
Here’s how you can do it:
Contact the Service Department
Call or visit the service department of your dealership. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information about their loaner or rental car program.
Inquire When Scheduling Service
Ask about the availability of loaner or rental cars while scheduling an appointment. This gives you time to plan alternative transportation if necessary.
Check Dealership Website
Some dealerships may advertise their loaner or rental car programs on their website. But you may not always get detailed information there.
What Do I Need to Get a Loaner Car from a Dealership?
Different dealerships have different policies and requirements. But here are some common ones:
- Valid Driver’s License: You can’t drive a vehicle without a driver’s license
- Proof of Insurance: You’ll likely need to show proof of insurance that covers the loaner or rental car.
- Age Restrictions: Many dealerships have a minimum age requirement, often 21 or 25.
- Credit Card: You might need this as a form of security deposit or to cover potential charges.
How to Get a Loaner Car from a Dealership
Even though loaner cars are not guaranteed, many dealerships offer them as a courtesy to the customers.
Here’s a general guide on how to increase your chances of getting one:
1. Schedule Your Service Appointment Beforehand
This allows the dealership to plan accordingly and potentially reserve a loaner car for you.
2. Be Clear About Your Needs
Inform the service advisor about your transportation situation. Explain if you rely on your car for work or other essential activities.
3. Maintain a Good Service History
Are you a loyal customer with a history of previous service? Dealerships may prioritize your needs!
4. Be Prepared with Necessary Documents
You may require a driver’s license, insurance proof, and a credit card.
5. Understand the Dealership’s Policy
Check out the specific dealership and ask about their loaner car policy before scheduling a time. This will help you understand all the terms and conditions.
Even if a dealership offers a loaner car program, a loaner car may not always be available. This depends on the type of repair, the dealership’s inventory, and customer demand.
What If My Dealership Doesn’t Give Loaner Cars?
Lost money on alternate transportation while your car was being repaired? Find out if your car is a lemon! Lemon is a vehicle that repeatedly fails to meet acceptable quality and performance standards despite multiple repair attempts.
Lemon laws primarily protect consumers from defective vehicles. So, rental costs might be recoverable under certain lemon law provisions. Before filing a case, make sure you haven’t crossed the lemon law time limit.
Rental Car Reimbursement
Imagine that you had to rent a car due to repeated repairs. Does your car qualify as a lemon? Then you might be able to claim the rental costs as part of your lemon law claim!
Inconvenience and Loss of Use
Some states allow compensation for inconvenience and loss of use due to a defective vehicle. This might include the cost of alternative transportation.
Make sure to contact your dealership first to find out about their service standards. Still need some legal help? Visit Lemon Law Assist!
If you need legal help with defective car service standards, contact Lemon Law Assist! Our attorneys understand that not having a loaner car is frustrating. So, we’re here to help you get the right compensation for your transportation issues!
Here’s how the law attorneys can support you:
Determining Lemon Law Eligibility
They will carefully evaluate your vehicle’s history to ascertain if it qualifies as a lemon under applicable state laws.
Gathering Crucial Evidence
Their team will diligently collect repair records, correspondence, and other pertinent documentation to build a robust case.
Negotiating with Dealerships and Manufacturers
Their attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with automobile companies. This will help you to receive maximum benefit!
Legal Representation
If necessary, they will represent your interests in court to protect your rights.
Securing Rightful Compensation
The goal is to get the best results for you. This can be a replacement vehicle, a refund, or monetary compensation.
Have you incurred expenses related to rental cars due to the vehicle’s defects? Don’t worry because it might be recoverable as part of a lemon law claim!
Final Words
To finally answer your question “Are dealerships required to give loaner cars?” – no, it’s not mandatory. However, if your car is a lemon according to California law, you can file a case!
Have you incurred expenses on transportation due to a lemon car? Don’t worry because you’ll be compensated! Attorneys will help you in every step of the legal procedure.
