Photo: Kelly Sikkema / UnsplashBuying and financing
- Debt and bankruptcy
Dealer Fees, Add-Ons and Hidden Charges When Buying a Car: What to Question and Refuse
Common car dealer fees and add-ons explained: documentation fees, dealer prep, service contracts, paint protection, nitrogen tires, VIN etching, how to compare out-the-door prices and what you can refuse.
3 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
Car Dealer Financing Problems: Spot Delivery, Yo-Yo Sales and What You Can Do
How dealer financing can go wrong: spot delivery, conditional financing, being called back to sign a new contract, rate markups, your rights, what to check in the contract and how to complain.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Buying a Used Car "As Is": What Rights Do You Have?
What an "as is" sale means, the FTC Buyers Guide, warranties and what to do if you find a hidden problem or fraud.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Buying a Used Car: Red Flags, Dealer Fraud and What Protections You Have
Common used car scams, odometer and title problems, as-is rules, dealer obligations, inspection tips and remedies if you were misled.
3 min read - Courts and claims
Automatic Renewal and "Negative Option" Rules: Stopping Unwanted Charges
How automatic renewal laws protect consumers, what companies must disclose and how to stop unwanted subscription charges.
2 min read
Defective cars and warranties
- Courts and claims
Lemon Laws: What to Do When a New Car Keeps Breaking Down
How state lemon laws protect buyers of defective vehicles, what counts as a lemon and the steps to seek a refund or replacement.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Lemon Laws for Used Cars: What Protection Do You Have?
How state lemon laws treat used cars, implied warranties, dealer warranties and where to turn if you bought a defective car.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Warranty and Refund Rights: What Stores and Manufacturers Owe You
How written and implied warranties work, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and when a store must give a refund.
2 min read
Loans, total loss and repossession
- Debt and bankruptcy
Gap Insurance and Underwater Car Loans: What You Owe After a Total Loss or Repossession
How being upside down on a car loan affects you after a total loss or repossession, what gap insurance covers, deficiency balances, how to cancel or claim, and options to avoid or reduce what you owe.
3 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
Car Repossession: What Lenders Can Do and Your Rights
When a lender can repossess a car, the limits on how it is done, what you can get back and how a deficiency balance works.
5 min read - Accidents and injury
Auto Insurance Total Loss and Diminished Value: How to Dispute a Low Settlement
How insurers value totaled cars, comparable vehicles, taxes and fees, how to challenge a low offer, diminished value claims, rental coverage and appraisal options.
4 min read - Legal documents
Vehicle Bill of Sale: What to Include When Buying or Selling a Car
The details a car bill of sale should contain, how it works with the title and DMV, and tips to protect both buyer and seller.
4 min read - Legal documents
Vehicle Lease Agreements: Fees, Mileage Limits and Early Termination
Key terms in a car lease agreement, mileage and wear charges, early termination costs, and tips for private vehicle leases.
3 min read
Frequently asked questions
Is there a three-day right to cancel a car purchase?
Not generally under federal law, though some states have specific rules.
Can I refuse dealer add-ons?
Usually yes, unless they are legally required.
What is a yo-yo sale?
When a dealer calls you back after delivery to sign a worse financing deal.
Do I owe money after a total loss?
Possibly, if the insurance payout is less than the loan balance and you lack gap coverage.
What are my rights after repossession?
You are generally entitled to notices and a commercially reasonable sale, and you may owe a deficiency.