Does a car dealer have to have to disclose if the car they are selling has been in an accident?
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Does a car dealer have to have to disclose if the car they are selling has been in an accident?
Asked on July 4, 2015 under General Practice, Idaho
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
The law regarding this varies from state-to-state. However, as a general rule, a dealership doesn’t have to tell you if the car has been in a very small accident that did no real damage. However, they do have a legal obligation to disclose “material facts” about a vehicle, whether or not you ask for this information. These facts include disclosing if the car was subject to a lemon law buyback, had been a rental car, has a salvage title or was in a major accident. Failing to divulge material facts about a vehicle is a violation of law and you can sue a dealership for selling you a bad car.
Again, since these laws are differ depending on the jurisdiction, you can consult directly with an attorney who specializes in consumer law cases; they can best advise you further.
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