Car dealership discriminating service based upon age?
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Car dealership discriminating service based upon age?
I am 19 years old and recently purchased a new car from a dealership. Before I purchased the car, they explained their service and warranty plans to me, which explicitly stated that I would receive a rental or loaner car while my car was being serviced. I purchased the car, and the first time I went in for service I signed a rental agreement and received my loaner car. For my next appointment, I was told I could just leave my car at the dealership overnight and I would be provided with a rental. When I came in, I was told I was too young to receive the rental and was sent home.
Asked on September 1, 2011 under Personal Injury, Minnesota
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Generally discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfavorably because of their race, skin color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, or age. People who fit into one of these categories are referred to as "members of a protected class". However, when is comes to discriminating on the basis of age, some explanation is in order. It is not illegal to discriminate against someone for being "too young". In fact, the anti-age discrimination laws do not protect anyone under 40 and typically in a workplace setting (i.e. employment). The purpose of these laws is to protect people from discrimination on the basis of being "too old". In other words, being 19 year old does not put you into a protected class. Therefore, discrimination laws do not apply to you..... at least just yet.
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