Back in the days of the Wild Wild West, arguments were settled by an old-fashioned fight. When two outlaws had a disagreement and couldn’t solve their issue with words, they would use their fists to finish the job. The last man standing was declared the winner. Now imagine having to challenge an auto auction seller to a brawl, simply over a vehicle dispute. That would be crazy!
Luckily for you, Big Valley Auto Auction resolves any buyer and seller arguments without resorting to violence. Although we didn’t exist during old western times, Big Valley Auto Auction has been around since 2008 and our arbitration policy has gone through many changes.
As of April 3rd, 2023, our arbitration policy has undergone another update. Although none of these changes are grounds to start a fight, it’s very important to be aware of them. That’s why we’re here to let you know the 3 changes that were recently made, in the event you need to file for arbitration at Big Valley Auto Auction.
What Changes Were Made to Big Valley Auto Auction’s Arbitration Policy?
In case you’re new to the auto auction world and aren’t familiar with the term “arbitration”, it’s the dispute between a buyer and seller over undisclosed issues with a vehicle. If a buyer purchases a vehicle that was run under a green or yellow light , with any type of damage not mentioned by the seller, the buyer can file for arbitration.
Under our original arbitration rules, the process previously featured different prices, accessory descriptions, and online buyer guidelines. Now, before any filing of arbitration can happen, the following changes must be kept in mind.
Auto Auction Arbitration Update #1: Minimum Arbitration Price
Previously, vehicles only needed $600 worth of damage to a single item to qualify for arbitration at Big Valley Auto Auction. With our newly updated policy, vehicles that are run under a green or yellow light cannot be arbitrated for any single issue that costs less than $800.
For registered buyers, this means that it would take more damage to a single item on your vehicle for it to fail inspection or to be arbitrated. For example, if one of your vehicle’s headlights is damaged, but it’s only $600 worth, it won’t qualify for arbitration.
Auto Auction Arbitration Update #2: Vehicle Accessories
The second arbitration update clearly defines what a “vehicle accessory” is. Power windows, power doors, and sunroofs were previously classified as “vehicle electric accessories.” Due to the new changes, they are now considered “vehicle accessories.”
Along with being labeled vehicle accessories, features such as power windows, power doors, and sunroofs have been deemed non-essential items. Therefore, any damage to a non-essential feature will not qualify for arbitration.
Auto Auction Arbitration Update #3: Online Buys
The third and final update in the arbitration policy affects online purchases. When online buyers received their vehicles, they had 10 days to file for arbitration. At this time, online buyers now have 7 days, from when the vehicle is delivered, to file for arbitration.
As a result of this change, the amount of time an online buyer is given to notice any unknown problems with their vehicle is reduced. With this in mind, getting your vehicle inspected as soon as possible is highly advised.
How Do These Arbitration Updates Affect Me?
If you prefer solving problems like they did in the Wild Wild West, these updates (and arbitration in general) are the least of your worries. However, if you are a buyer who is in the unfortunate position of dealing with a vehicle containing undisclosed issues, you’d benefit from using this article as a form of preparation before filing an arbitration.
Whether you’re currently filing for arbitration or just want to be kept informed, you can contact Big Valley Auto Auction at 956-461-9000 with any questions you may have about these updates.
If your vehicle doesn’t qualify for arbitration, but you would like for it to look presentable, our reconditioning services give your vehicles a proper cleaning, leaving them looking shiny and new.
