What Are the Provisions of Illinois Lemon Law?

by Andrew Richardson allenstewart

It helps if you have some useful information, such as the lemon law of the state you live in. You may buy a new car. But instead of hitting the open road, it's more at your local auto repair shop. For Illinois residents, Illinois' Lemon Law can help. Here's how.

1 - Nature of defects

In Illinois, defects affecting a vehicle's use, value, or safety may qualify that vehicle as a lemon. The issue must be inherent and not due to a modification made due to tampering. Common problems include brakes, airbags, automatic transmission, faulty seat belts, battery or engine, fuel injection system leaks, power steering, and more. A bad smell or an unappealing paint job also counts.

2 - Vehicles covered

Note that Lemon Law in Illinois does not apply to all vehicle purchases in Illinois. It applies to new cars, light trucks, vans under 8,000 pounds, and certain recreational vehicles. So, federal law can be used to supplement the protections of Illinois law to bring claims for used cars, conversion vehicles, motorcycles, boats, and others.

3 – The Time limit

Remember, you do not have unlimited time to file claims under Illinois or federal law. At the same time, Illinois Lemon Law provides that a consumer has only eighteen months to make a claim. Federal law provides a much longer period and allows consumers four years to claim a breach of warranty under the federal lemon law.

4 - Lemon law claim

Before you can pursue reimbursement or replacement for your Lemon vehicle, you must allow the manufacturer or dealership several attempts to resolve the problem. Under Illinois lemon law, consumers are required to allow four attempts to the dealership. If the dealership's efforts put the car out of use for more than 30 days, consumers can claim under Lemon Law, even if all four efforts have not been made.

5 - Troubleshooting

You must notify the vehicle manufacturer; for this, you must file your claim with a representative 12 months after your purchase. If the manufacturer accepts your claim from the Industry Third Party Dispute Resolution Program, they will determine your compensation. If you are not satisfied with the type of compensation, you can take civil action against the manufacturer.

6 - Claim preparation

To file a lemon law claim, you need to keep good records. Keep all receipts and records showing repairs and make sure they are organized and accessible. Track when your vehicle is in the store and for how long. These records can make a successful claim.

Finally

Contact an experienced lemon law attorney firm like Allen Stewart PC when you are ready to file a claim under Lemon Law in Illinois.

Andrew Richardson is the author of this Article. To know more about Lemon Law in Maine please visit our website: allenstewart.com