OMVIC OMVIC Consumer Protection and Dispute Resolution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What information must a dealer provide to a consumer in writing before a vehicle sale is finalised?
- The dealer's profit margin
- A completed and signed bill of sale with all required disclosures (Correct answer)
- A manufacturer's suggested retail price breakdown
- The vehicle's complete service history
Correct answer: A completed and signed bill of sale with all required disclosures
Dealers must provide a written bill of sale containing all legally required disclosures before the transaction is complete.
Question 2: When a consumer purchases a used vehicle and discovers an undisclosed material defect shortly after, their best recourse through OMVIC is:
- Request a full refund immediately from OMVIC
- File a complaint with OMVIC citing non-disclosure (Correct answer)
- Ask OMVIC to appoint a mechanic
- Report the dealer to the Ministry of Transportation
Correct answer: File a complaint with OMVIC citing non-disclosure
Filing a complaint with OMVIC for non-disclosure of a material defect initiates an investigation into whether the dealer violated the MVDA.
Question 3: Under OMVIC rules, a dealer must disclose if a used vehicle has had frame or structural damage:
- Only if the repair cost exceeded $3,000
- Only if requested by the buyer
- Always, regardless of repair quality (Correct answer)
- Only on vehicles less than 5 years old
Correct answer: Always, regardless of repair quality
Frame or structural damage must always be disclosed by the dealer regardless of the quality of repairs or the vehicle's age.
Question 4: Which statement best describes OMVIC's approach to consumer education?
- OMVIC only engages consumers after a complaint is filed
- OMVIC proactively educates consumers about their rights and what to check before buying (Correct answer)
- OMVIC leaves consumer education entirely to dealerships
- OMVIC only provides education to dealers, not consumers
Correct answer: OMVIC proactively educates consumers about their rights and what to check before buying
OMVIC actively publishes consumer guides, checklists, and warnings to help buyers make informed decisions before they visit a dealership.
Question 5: If a dealer takes a deposit from a consumer and then refuses to refund it without valid reason, this is:
- Acceptable if stated in the dealership's policy
- A violation of the MVDA's prohibitions on unfair practices (Correct answer)
- Permissible as long as the amount is under $500
- Legal if the consumer signed a non-refundable deposit form
Correct answer: A violation of the MVDA's prohibitions on unfair practices
Unreasonably withholding a deposit is an unfair practice prohibited under the MVDA, regardless of internal dealership policies.
Question 6: How long does a consumer generally have to file a claim with OMVIC's Compensation Fund after suffering a loss?
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 2 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
Correct answer: 2 years
Consumers typically have two years from the date of the loss to submit a claim to OMVIC's Compensation Fund.
OMVIC OMVIC Consumer Protection and Dispute Resolution 2
What information must a dealer provide to a consumer in writing before a vehicle sale is finalised?