Dealers typically store your car for the amount of time necessary to fix it. When your car’s parts are out of stock, dealers will occasionally keep it for a very long time before repairing it. Dealers should be aware of the number of days needed to complete the repairs on your car, but occasionally they simply put off the work without cause. If your car is left in the shop for a long time, it might get damaged. Because they are required to do this without reimbursement, insurance dealership companies frequently take a very long time to complete repairs. This article will go over how to get your car out of the dealer as soon as possible.
How long can a dealership hold your car for repair?
Regardless of if your car is new or used, the car dealership has 30 days to repair your car as long as the vehicle is under warranty. This 30-day period does not have to be a straight run of days. You may be entitled to compensation if the dealership holds onto your car after several trips for longer than 30 days.
If two or more attempts at repairs were made on your car while it was still covered by warranty (could be less than 30 days), you may also be entitled to compensation under the lemon law.
Continue reading for more details.
Table of Contents
What Repairs Take the Longest?
A car can be kept at a dealership for a maximum of 30 days. However, some repairs are trickier to complete than others. You might want to consult with the car dealership if your vehicle is being repaired for any of these issues before making any major decisions. It might simply be a misunderstanding that can be easily cleared up with a little bit of communication.
According to autotrainingcentre.com, some of the repairs that will take a dealership the longest include:
- Engine replacements can be extensive due to all of the smaller parts that are connected to the engine
- Clutch alterations, which also involve removing the transmission
- Spark plug replacements, which are small and tricky to work with
- Transmission repairs, which are often brought in at the most desperate stages
These fixes could all take a while. They frequently use intricate parts and are extremely detailed.
No one of these repairs should ideally take longer than thirty days. But it’s important to keep in mind that dealerships aren’t perfect. They might be waiting for the spare car part they need to fix or replace a part of the car, or they might be carefully tackling the task you’ve given them to fix. When trying to figure out what is going on, communication is essential.
When Did You Buy The Car?
Making warranty repairs shouldn’t take very long if you just bought a new car. However, there is a good chance that the car has problems and will take longer to fix if it is an older or used vehicle.
Additionally, because parts are frequently harder to find for older car models, repairs may take longer. It is common for the dealership to have to order parts and await delivery.
Set reasonable expectations in your communications with the dealership. Find out when you can expect your car to be returned. Ask them to specify which flaws require correction. You can make an educated guess as to how long the work and time required to fix your car should take.
Is The Car Insured Or Covered By A Warranty?
Whether or not your car came with a warranty is a different aspect to take into account when determining how long a dealership should hold it. If there is a warranty and you are still covered by it, get in touch with the dealership and ask them why the repair took so long. It could take a while to repair, depending on what needs to be fixed.
The limited warranties and restrictions that come with used cars are typical. Before getting in touch with the dealership or submitting a complaint, make sure you have read the fine print in your warranty. Without a warranty to safeguard you, you should avoid filing a complaint.
Did The Dealership Provide You With A Contract?
Possessing a written agreement with a timeframe for repair is one of the most crucial things you can do to guarantee you get your car from the repair facility on schedule. It is always preferable to have a written agreement even though it is not legally required to do so before repairs.
You have a written statement to back up your claim if the dealership keeps your car for an extended period of time. For repairs, insurance companies typically allot 10 to 20 days. Generally speaking, this is sufficient time for warranty repairs.
How Do You Get Paid For A Defective Car?
The Lemon Law safeguards buyers of subpar vehicles. A vehicle is considered a lemon and may be covered by the lemon law if you purchase one that has problems as a result of a manufacturing defect.
State-by-state regulations govern lemon laws, which are not the same across the country. If you believe you have a lemon, you should research the state’s lemon laws to find out what rights you may be entitled to. Lemon laws typically take into account the issues with the car, how long the owner has been without a car, and how frequently the owner has sent it in for repairs.
The manufacturer might be required to repurchase the car or give you a replacement vehicle after taking into account all the information.
If you decide to file a complaint against a manufacturer, double check your documentation. You can submit a successful claim if you keep track of everything that occurs with your car.
You should keep track of when the car started having problems, what those problems are, when you took it to the shop and how often, receipts, and the amount of money, if any, you spent trying to get your car fixed.
Do You Have The Ability To Request A Completion Date?
If there is a specific timeframe in which you need your car fixed, you can always let the dealership know. Sometimes they are unable to reduce a timeframe. Informing them won’t harm, though. Even better, inform them of the limit and explain what will happen if they go over it.
Repairing your car shouldn’t take a dealership more than thirty days. Your car shouldn’t be taken from you for any longer than is absolutely necessary. They rarely do this for a justifiable reason, though there are a few exceptions. If you and a dealership are unable to come to a reasonable agreement, you should consider taking legal action.
What Should You Do If It Takes More Time Than Requested?
What should you do if a dealership takes longer than thirty days to deliver your car to you? Understanding how long a dealership can keep your car for repairs depends on this information. You have the right to file a claim against a dealership if they keep your car for an extended period of time (more than 30 days).
If the dealership keeps the car for longer than the requested amount of time, you should:
- Contact a legal group that can assist you with the next steps
- Get a case evaluation
- Check-in with the dealership to see if anything can be resolved without legal action
If the dealership keeps your car longer than anticipated, you can still complete all of these. There are a few additional choices, but these are the most typical ones.
The first thing you should do is always talk to them. You will get better at it if you can resolve everything without causing a fight. If you are in the wrong, taking legal action can be expensive. Before choosing a course of action that will cost you money, be sure to exhaust all other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Insurance Cover A Rental Car While My Car Is Being Repaired?
Car rental coverage isn’t always guaranteed by insurance when your car is being repaired. Your coverage’s type will always be a factor. In most cases, basic insurance does not include coverage for car rentals, but it is an option. Keep in mind that this will also slightly raise your premiums.
What Are The Potential Causes Of A Repair Delay For My Car?
The possibility of the repair being delayed exists, which is regrettably always frustrating. Many factors can potentially delay the repair, including:
- The mechanic is ill or has a family emergency.
- Simply put, the mechanic needs more time to finish the job.
- The mechanic discovered additional repairs that need to be made (but they’ll have to let you know).
- Your car might be used as collateral because the insurance company didn’t make its scheduled payment to the dealership.
The shop will almost always keep you informed, regardless of the delay’s cause.
What Can You Do If The Repair Time Doesn’t Meet Your Standards?
In extreme circumstances, your car might need to be driven or towed to another shop. However, some wait times can be excessive. It’s understandable if the shop needs more time to work on your car. Call your insurance company right away if you can’t reach the store.
Final Words
Dealers frequently postpone your vehicle’s maintenance because they are missing some parts. However, they completed the work promptly because they committed to it and were aware that you had a claim. They can complete your work quickly and to your complete satisfaction if you speak politely with him. Verify that you have the ability to assert a warranty and insurance claim. You can file a lawsuit using your warranty card if someone refuses to provide this service at the specified time.
I appreciate your reading.
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