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When you’re stuck with a car that keeps breaking down, the last thing you want is to be buried in paperwork. But gathering a few key documents before your lemon law consultation can make a big difference. It helps us understand your situation faster and gives us a better chance of getting you the relief you deserve. And if you’re missing something? That’s okay. We’ll help you fill in the gaps.
Vehicle Purchase or Lease Agreement
Start with your purchase or lease paperwork. This document tells us when you got the vehicle, whether it was new or used, and the terms of your agreement. It should also show:
- The vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Purchase or lease price
- Whether it’s a cash purchase, financing, or lease
This paperwork helps us determine if your car qualifies under California’s Lemon Law. If you leased the car, we’ll want to confirm the lessor’s name and whether any warranties came with the lease. For used vehicles, documentation of a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty is especially helpful.
If you can’t find the original contract, check your email or your dealership’s online portal. Many dealers send these documents electronically now.
Repair Orders and Invoices
This is where the story of your lemon really begins. Repair records are some of the most important documents we review. They show how many times your car has been serviced, what went wrong, and what (if anything) was fixed.
Try to gather all available repair orders and invoices. Even if the repairs were under warranty and you paid nothing, the documentation still matters. For each visit to the dealership or mechanic, the paperwork should show:
- The date you brought the car in
- The mileage at the time of service
- The problem you reported
- The diagnosis
- What repairs were performed
We use this information to see how many repair attempts were made and whether the dealer had a fair shot at fixing the issue. If you’re missing some records, we can help you request them from the dealership.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Your manufacturer’s warranty outlines what was covered when you bought or leased the vehicle. This includes the basic bumper-to-bumper warranty and any powertrain or emissions coverage.
Bring a copy if you have one, especially if you still have coverage or if your problems started while the warranty was active. Even if the warranty has expired, you may still qualify for a lemon law claim based on when the issues first began.
If you can’t locate a copy, check the automaker’s website. Many allow you to download a digital copy using your VIN.
Correspondence with the Dealer or Manufacturer
Any communication you’ve had with the dealership or manufacturer can help us understand what’s been happening behind the scenes. That includes:
- Emails or texts about complaints or delays
- Denial letters
- Buyback offers
- Customer service responses
These messages show how the company responded—or didn’t. If there’s a pattern of brushing you off, we want to see it. It helps us build your case and hold the manufacturer accountable.
Vehicle Registration and Title
Your registration and title prove ownership and show who’s legally responsible for the car. If your name isn’t listed, like in a company lease or family arrangement, we’ll want to know that, too. If you leased the car, we’ll also want to see the lease agreement and registration to confirm all parties involved.
Don’t Worry If You’re Missing Something
Not everyone walks in with a folder full of documents. That’s fine. If you’re missing some items, we’ll help you figure out how to track them down. What matters most is that you take the first step. Once we’ve had a chance to review what you do have, we can guide you from there.
Contact Our Experienced California Lemon Law Attorneys
Having the right documents ready can help us move faster, but even if you’re not fully prepared, don’t wait to reach out. If your vehicle has been a constant source of frustration, California’s Lemon Law may give you the right to a refund or replacement.
Contact The Lemon Firm for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and work toward a fair solution.