Legal Question in Consumer Law in California

Car repaired under warranty... Can they rebill me 3 months later

Took my car to ''authorized dealer'' for service repairs. Repairs were completed; everything was covered by warranty. I signed the invoice detailing all the repairs & showing a total of $0 balance owed. I have a copy.

At home, I noticed damage in the form of rat dropping & nibbled seat tears. Rats had eaten my car seats! I took pictures of everything & wrote a complaint letter demanding my car by cleaned & seat damage repaired. Letter never sent; got caught up.. too much hassle & decided to write it off.

I get a call 3 months later stating that they forgot to ask me for my vehicle registration & that they need it in order for ''parent manufacturer'' to reimburse them for the warranty work they performed. They threaten to bill me $3700 if I don't comply!

Can I use registration as negotiating leverage to get my car repaired? Do I have any legal obligation to provide this document to them after the fact? I have an invoice stating that I owe $0. Can they rebill for that service 90 days later? Can they even refer it to collections? If they do, do I have a recourse?


Asked on 6/11/07, 6:27 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Car repaired under warranty... Can they rebill me 3 months later

Have you ever seen the sign, "It's not my job to do your bookkeeping for you?" Ignore them. If they sue for $3700, countersue for the rats***.

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Answered on 6/11/07, 6:31 pm
Johm Smith tom's

Re: Car repaired under warranty... Can they rebill me 3 months later

I like Mr. Stone's response, but first I would check the paperwork you signed to see if it requires you to provide documentation when requested, for example to prove you qualify for the warranty waiver of costs. What is in those contracts will determine whether you should ignore them or have an attorney write them back. Our CA member firm can assist you.

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Answered on 6/11/07, 6:36 pm


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