FAQ
In a nutshell, an automobile sales contract arbitration is the process whereby a new or used car buyer files a dispute for arbitration which is submitted to one or a panel of three individuals known as the “arbitrators” – for a final and binding determination, known as the award. The individual arbitrator or panel conducts itself similarly to a judge. The arbitrator(s) conduct the hearing, listen to opening and closing arguments, witnesses, experts and other testimony, weigh evidence, review the information provided by both parties, and render an award enforceable in court. The case is usually administered by a neutral arbitration service provider who provides the parties with a set of defined rules under which the arbitration will be conducted, as well as setting the fees for the arbitration. For arbitration to take place, there must be an arbitration clause in a contract.
An arbitration clause commits you to submitting to binding arbitration if a dispute arises. This prevents you from ever being able to take the company or business to court. An arbitration clause should tell you what rules you must arbitrate under, where the arbitration is to be conducted, who the arbitration services provider is, and how you may contact the service provider to file a dispute. Each service provider will set the fees.
If you have a dispute with a new or used car dealer over a sales agreement that calls for arbitration, follow the procedures referenced in that agreement. You must notify the business in writing that you wish to resolve the dispute through arbitration clause, or simply contact the arbitration service provider referenced in the agreement.
Houston Auto Arbitrators & Mediators – www.HoustonAutoArbitrators.com
AAA – The American Arbitration Association – www.ADR.org
The Better Business Bureau – www.BBB.org
Houston Auto Appraisers – www.HoustonAutoAppraisers.com
