Protecting Consumers

Consumer Protection Facts


 
Get the facts on over 25 different topics, including links to other online resources. The following consumer facts are to provide general information and are not intended to be legal advice.
 
Negative Equity
  ...or when you owe more on your loan than your car is worth

Referral Fees
  Find out more about referral programs in BC
What are my Rights?
  Know your rights as a buyer of a personal use vehicle at a licensed motor dealer

Vehicle Returns
  You bought a vehicle, but no longer like it. Can you return it?

Vehicle History Reports
  Learn about the importance of getting a vehicle history report and the three primary vehicle history report suppliers to choose from

Deposits
  Everything you need to know about deposits and the importance of written deposit agreements

Understanding Dealer Fees
  Find out what documentation and administration fees mean, and when they are legal

Distance Sales Contracts
  Learn more about distance sales contracts and your rights

Right to Inspect on Delivery
  What happens when you order a vehicle and have never been able to inspect?

How to resolve a dispute
  Tips on solving your dispute without the assistance of the VSA

Consumer compaints about Motor Dealers and Broker Agents
  What to expect when you make a consumer complaint to the VSA about a licensed motor dealer or broker agent

Claim Process- Compensation Fund
  Find out if you are eligible to make a claim and what to expect after you file a claim to the Motor Dealer Customer Compensation Fund (MDCCF)

Access to information
  Find out how to request access to information and what to expect from the process

Complaint, claim, or court action
  Find out if you should resolve your dispute by filing a complaint with the VSA or through court action

Other places to go for help
  A list of sources you can turn to for consumer assistance as well as legal advice and referrals

Legal resources
  Where to go for legal advice and referrals

Manufacturer disputes
  Where to go for help if you have a dispute with a manufacturer

Vehicles under the jurisdiction of the VSA
  Find out if your vehicle falls within the jurisdiction of the VSA

Legislative Authority of the VSA
  The VSA does not have jurisdiction over all transactions. Find out why

The VSA and curbers
  What the VSA is doing to stop curbers

Personal use of vehicle defined
  The jurisdiction of the VSA is limited to vehicles used primarily for personal use. Find out what that means

Compensation Fund use of vehicle defined
  Eligibility from the compensation fund is limited to vehicles used primarily for personal use. Find out what that means

Consignment Vehicle Sales
  What you need to know if you decide to sell or buy a vehicle on consignment

New, Used, or Demo?
  Learn about the conditions that describe whether a vehicle is considered new, used, or a demonstration vehicle

What is odometer fraud?
  What is legal and illegal regarding odometers

Understanding fuel consumption ratings
  How fuel consumption ratings are set and how to use them

Vehicle recall resources
  How to check your vehicle for recalls

Buying a vehicle privately
  What to consider when buying a vehicle privately