Consumers have been hit with thousands of dollars in illegal buyout fees from car dealers, and many in Florida are being compensated for statutory damages.
Darren Newhart, an attorney with Newhart Legal, PA, has recovered more than $130,000 for consumers across Florida and is filing additional cases based on the response to local media reports in south Florida.
"Car dealerships deserve fair profits," said Newhart. "But illegally changing the terms of a lease after it is signed isn't fair, and we are successfully recovering fees and statutory damages for affected car buyers."
As used car prices escalated over the last two years, numerous car dealerships throughout Florida started adding fees. These fees enabled dealerships to either increase profits on lease buyouts or bolster used car inventories by disincentivizing lease buyouts.
Under the Consumer Leasing Act of 1976, dealerships can't charge fees not disclosed in the original lease. Illegal changes to a vehicle's buyout terms can include:
- Charging a higher price to buy out the vehicle than the buyout provision in the original lease.
- Adding fees that weren't disclosed in the original lease agreement.
- Forcing consumers to certify their leased vehicle as roadworthy or as a certified pre-owned vehicle.
- Forcing consumers to purchase extended service contracts.
Consumers who want to find out if they have a claim can call (877) 921-3543 or visit leasebuyoutclaim.com.
Newhart and the Newhart Legal, PA, team have successfully recovered fees and statutory damages for numerous car buyers affected by these illegal practices at no cost to the individual.
"We want to help car buyers explore their rights and get the compensation they deserve," said Newhart.
Source: Newhart Legal, PA
