Indiana Lemon Law

The Indiana Lemon Law (or the Motor Vehicle Protection Act as it is officially called) protects consumers who have purchased or leased new cars, trucks or recreational vehicles. The Chrysler Group, coming out of reorganization, has also agreed to the statute of the Indiana Lemon Law.

There is, however, no Indiana Lemon Law for used cars or vehicles. As a consumer, you'll want to make sure that when you purchase a used vehicle in Indiana that you ask for and receive a comprehensive warranty with that vehicle.

In addition, check out the Indiana Car Purchasing Tips page in order to help avoid in purchasing a lemon in the first place. If you can avoid purchasing a lemon then this while save you much grief and time.

So, how does the Indiana Lemon Law compare to lemon laws in other states? On the positive side, under the IN Lemon Law, a consumer has 18,000 miles or 18 months (whichever comes first) in order to report a potential lemon to the car dealer. This is above what some states offer at 12-months or 15,000 miles.

In addition, if the dealer (manufacturer) does not settle your claim to your satisfaction, you have 2 years to file a lawsuit. This is also over and beyond what some other states offer.

Also, the Indiana Lemon Law provides a provision for what dealers have to do with replaced or repurchased vehicles if they intend to sell them again. Under the IN Lemon Law, the dealer must stamp on the title that this was returned under the Indiana Motor Vehicle Protection Act.

The dealer must also offer a 12-month or 12,000 mile warranty on all replaced or repurchased vehicles under the Lemon Law.

Now, on the downside, the Indiana Lemon Law is rather thin as written and open to interpretation. Indiana does not offer a used car or vehicle lemon law so consumers need to protect themselves with due diligence before buying a used vehicle and make sure to have a used car warranty as well.

It is important to know the In's and Out's of the Indiana Lemon Law so that consumers will receive all of the protection in which they are entitled. And if no resolution can be made with the dealership then hiring an Indiana Lemon Law Lawyer experienced in these types of cases is warranted. Most lawyers will offer a free consultation so there's nothing to lose.