Promoting OMVIC registered dealers through consumer education and outreach

Across the province, OMVIC is engaging with consumers at key moments in their car-buying journey. This spring and summer, OMVIC is on the move, holding community information sessions, attending public events, and educating consumers about the benefits of buying from registered dealers and salespersons. We are advancing OMVIC’s strategic goal of consumer protection by enhancing buyer confidence through knowledge and awareness, while promoting dealer and salesperson professionalism as a key selling point.

This spring, OMVIC’s communications team is connecting directly with consumers across Ontario to reinforce the importance of choosing a registered dealer or salesperson. At the Toronto Baby Show, we engaged new and growing families at a key moment in their car-buying experience, emphasizing how buying from an OMVIC registered dealer or salesperson helps them make one of their biggest purchases with confidence.

At the Agincourt Library, in partnership with the Toronto Public Library, we delivered a consumer education session focused on rights, protections, and the steps buyers can take to make informed decisions.

Then, in St. Catharines, at the Niagara Spring Home & Garden Show, we connected with hundreds of visitors, helping them recognize red flags like unregistered illegal sellers and understand how OMVIC supports safer vehicle purchases. OMVIC is on the move and our team will be travelling to more communities over the coming months.

What we’re saying

When we’re on the road we share these top tips with consumers:

1. Consumer protections only apply when buying from an OMVIC registered dealer

We inform consumers that when you buy from a dealer or salesperson who is registered with OMVIC, you are protected by the MVDA, including access to OMVIC’s complaint process if something goes wrong. Consumers who buy from an OMVIC registered dealer may also have access to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund, which can reimburse eligible buyers who suffer a proven financial loss related to a vehicle purchase, lease, or consignment transaction. However, if you purchase privately, these protections do not apply.

2. Choose OMVIC registered dealers and salespersons

Choosing a registered dealer means choosing a regulated professional. OMVIC helps consumers choose a reliable seller through our Dealer and Salesperson Search tool. Consumers benefit from working with registered dealers and salespersons because they have completed professional education and uphold a Code of Ethics to conduct business with honesty, integrity and in accordance with the law. Consumers should check before buying so they can shop with confidence that they are selecting an OMVIC registered dealer or salesperson.

3. Look twice, buy smart

Consumers are encouraged to know the rules before buying a vehicle. There is no cooling-off period when buying a motor vehicle in Ontario and therefore consumers should carefully read and understand any agreement before signing. Through public education, OMVIC aims to improve the transaction experience for both buyers and sellers by having more informed consumers.

4. Steer clear of illegal, unregistered sellers

We’re taking action to protect registered dealers and salespersons by encouraging consumers to report encounters with illegal, unregistered sellers (also known as “curbsiders”). Consumers can report possible incidents with illegal, unregistered sellers by calling OMVIC’s anti-curbsider hotline at 1-888-NO-CURBS (662-8727).

Follow OMVIC

Stay up-to-date with OMVIC’s activities across the province. Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook or Instagram to stay connected.