CAN YOU BUY A MOBILITY VEHICLE ONLINE?
Yes. The question, however, is how to buy a vehicle appropriate for your needs, compliant with industry regulations and standards, and one with which you will be satisfied in regard to future service and warranty.
WHAT DO STATE LAWS SAY ABOUT THE ONLINE PURCHASING PROCESS?
Some states have specific laws concerning selling a vehicle across state lines. These laws are designed to protect the consumer, so check with legal counsel regarding the laws in your state.
WILL I EVER PERSONALLY MEET A REPRESENTATIVE FROM AN INTERNET SELLER AND DO THEY PROVIDE REFERENCES?
Probably not. Most Internet sales companies do not usually have regional sales representatives. You’ll be assigned an “in house” sales rep who will assist you but with the lack of personal interaction, they may not be able to fully assess your needs. By choosing a local seller, you can personally meet individuals who have purchased and used the services of your local retailer.
HOW WOULD I OBTAIN A LICENSE TAG FOR A VAN I PURCHASED ONLINE?
You will be able to go to your local tag office and purchase a permanent license tag. There may be a period of time when you cannot use your vehicle as temporary tags are usually not valid except within the state they are issued. Check with your local department of motor vehicles to verify.
HOW WOULD I OBTAIN A TITLE FOR A VAN I PURCHASE OUT OF STATE?
An out of state Seller who is located in a state other than the state you reside in probably can’t obtain a title for you in your name. The seller may simply provide the title to you at the time of delivery. You would then be required to take the title to your local tag (DMV?) office and transfer it (for a fee) to your name. You should be very cautious about the titling process. Titles are complex and errors can occur. Correcting a title error is a time consuming and often complex task. Knowing the origin of your vehicle and title is extremely important.
IF MY VAN'S MECHANICAL SYSTEMS FAIL WHILE I OWN IT, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
This is a question of warranty and depends on the OEM warranty and the warranty provided by the vehicle modifier. A more significant issue is failure of a vehicle system resulting in bodily injury or property damage. In this case, the vehicle modifier should have what is called “product liability insurance”. This insurance covers any damages to property or injury that might occur as the result of defects, which are the responsibility of the modifier. Without this coverage, the vehicle owner has no one to turn to for responsibility. Make sure to request a certificate of product liability insurance. Vehicle sellers also have what is called “garage keepers insurance” to cover the work they perform. NMEDA dealers carry both types of coverage.
IF MY VAN IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR STOLEN AFTER I HAVE PURCHASED IT AND BEFORE I RECEIVE IT (WHILE IT IS STILL IN THE CARE OF THE ONLINE MOBILITY DEALER), WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE OR LOSS?
The answer depends on who has what insurance. So make sure that your insurance starts upon your purchase even if you have not yet received the vehicle. It is a good idea to request a proof of insurance from the Internet seller. Most reputable vehicle dealers have what is called Garage Keepers Liability Insurance. If they are liable for the loss or damage, this insurance should cover the cost. Sometimes there is a question as to whose insurance is primarily responsible – the Internet seller’s, the trucking company’s or yours.
WHAT IF I HAVE SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEMS WITH A VEHICLE I PURCHASE ONLINE?
Most states have “lemon law” statutes that address defective vehicles. However, YOUR state’s lemon law may not apply if the van was not purchased in that state. Confer with legal counsel about this question. Aside from lawsuits, in many situations where there is a conflict, personal contact and established relationships help resolve the problem. In the case of on-line purchasing, you may never personally meet an individual from the Internet seller. See the section on Service & Warranty.
HOW WILL I KNOW THAT THE VEHICLE I PURCHASE ONLINE WILL BE PROPERLY CONVERTED AND FIT THE NEEDS OF MY DISABILITY?
Very important question. You really will not know until the vehicle is delivered to you. Every vehicle is different and mistakes can occur. Also, without the Internet seller meeting you personally and you having the ability to “test” the vehicle, there is no way to fully ensure that you or your loved one will properly fit in the vehicle and be able to use it as you desire. Make sure in advance that you have the right to refuse delivery of the vehicle and receive a full refund if, upon delivery, you do not like the way the van fits your needs; it fails to meet your reasonable expectations; or it does not match the description provided by the Internet seller.
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