TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In recognition of National Car Care Month in April, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today a partnership with the Auto Care Association, the Car Care Council and the Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast (AAAS) to help empower and to inform Floridians of their warranty rights. The partnership is intended to refute common misconceptions and untruths about consumers’ responsibilities to maintain a written vehicle warranty.

 

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Florida’s consumers are often misled to believe they are required to obtain routine maintenance and repairs only at a dealership or that they can only use original parts. It's important that consumers are informed and empowered when making decisions that will ultimately impact their families’ bottomline. I am proud of this new partnership and the added consumer protection it provides for all Floridians.”

 

1. Read your warranty and ensure you understand the terms and coverage, including the warranty period.
2. Speak with the warrantor or dealership to obtain additional information on the warranty.
3. Know the law - Magnuson Moss Warranty Act – and how it impacts you.
4. Be sure to follow the routine maintenance schedule and ensure all repairs are completed timely.
5. Record all maintenance and repairs that are completed on your vehicle and save the receipts for the service. Ensure the receipts are clearly dated and list an accurate description of the parts supplied and services performed.
6. Ensure the dealership or repair shop is licensed or certified (registered) with the state.
7. Remember that the vehicle manufacturer or dealer has the responsibility to demonstrate that the use of a non-OEM part or service caused the failure in question.

AAAS President Randal Ward said, “There is an estimated $60 billion in underperformed maintenance of vehicles on the road today, meaning that consumers are at risk of driving unsafe or unreliable vehicles. This underperformed maintenance is due in part to lack of knowledge or misinformation on the costs and commitment of routine maintenance. This collaboration will play a major role in alleviating common concerns and keep local vehicles on the road safer for longer, resulting in an overall lower cost to the consumer.”

 

Car Care Council Executive Director Rich White said, “The Car Care Council is proud to partner with the Florida Department of Financial Services, AAAS and the Auto Care Association to help dispel the long-standing myth and misperception that confuses vehicle owners about their rights and freedom of choice to decide where to take their vehicle for service and repair."

 

CFO Patronis’ office worked with these partners to develop a new online consumer protection section entitled Keeping Your Vehicle Warranty Intact: Your Responsibility as a Vehicle Owner. The section provides an overview of the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, which outlines the requirements of a warrantor and explains that consumers are not required to use branded vehicle parts or complete repairs at a dealership to maintain the warranty. Independent repair shops can service the vehicle.