Buying a vehicle is one of the largest purchases that most people will ever make. While you can normally expect that a vehicle will last for a long time, there are situations in which a car will have an uncharacteristic level of repair needs. In these situations, your vehicle may be covered by your state's lemon law, which can vary from one state to the next. For those that are in the state of Indiana, there is much to know and understand about the Indiana lemon law prior to buying a vehicle.
Types of Vehicles Covered by Law
When it comes to the lemon law in Indiana, one factor that should be understood is the type of vehicle that would be covered. Generally, lemon law only pertains to new. For a vehicle to be covered under this law, it would need to have less than 18,000 miles and have been owned or leased for less than 18 months.
The lemon law also typically only covers new vehicles. However, some used vehicles that are still covered under the original warranty could be covered. The law covers all types of vehicles including cars, motorcycles, SUVs, trucks, and vans. The vehicle would also need to have evidenced mechanical issues that impact either the value or safety of the vehicle.
Repeat Repair Attempts
Another factor that can influence whether you will have support under the lemon law in Indiana is if you have had numerous attempts to repair the vehicle and issue. While it can vary from one situation to the next, you will need to try and have the same issue fixed at least four times before the manufacturer can be obligated to compensate you under lemon law. Also, if the vehicle has been out of your use due to repairs for 30 days over the course of different repair attempts, you could be owed compensation.
When and How to File a Claim
If you have tried to have the vehicle repaired with the manufacturer on several occasions and it continues to have issues, you can file a claim under the lemon law. Generally, you will need to do this within two years of the initial purchase of the vehicle. When this occurs, you will also have to provide written notice to the manufacturer that you are pursuing a claim under the lemon law in the state.
Manufacturer’s Obligations
If you meet all of the criteria for coverage under this law, the manufacturer should be obligated to provide you with fair compensation. This can include buying the vehicle back from you, which will be less of a fair value for your use since acquiring the car, or providing you with an appropriate replacement vehicle. The manufacturer may also be covered under an arbitration program in Indiana, which could require you to go through an arbitration process to get to a fair resolution.
If you believe that you have a vehicle that would meet the provisions of the lemon law in the state of Indiana, it never hurts to have legal representation by your side. This can be a complicated law that requires various factors to be met. When you have an attorney by your side, they can help you gather all necessary documentation and file a claim to ensure you receive the support you are entitled to.
