Curbsiders
Curbsiders are unlicensed dealers who pose as private sellers to sell damaged, misrepresented or stolen vehicles. Industry research suggests more than 25% of used car classified ads are posted by curbsiders.
What is the Difference?
Registered Vehicle Dealers
- Bound by the regulations of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and OMVIC’s code of ethics
- Operate visibly in the community: permanent lot and
ownership signs - Display OMVIC registration or decal
- Contribute to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund, a consumer protection fund
Private Sellers and Curbsiders
- Often conduct business over mobile phone or Internet
- Hard to track down; no history in the community
- Not governed by OMVIC
- Purchase not covered by consumer protection legislation or consumer protection fund
The Only Way to Protect Yourself: Buy from an Ontario-Registered Dealer!
If you buy from someone who is not an
Ontario-registered dealer, you are:
- Not protected by consumer protection legislation
- Ineligible for financial compensation
- At risk of becoming the victim of a curbsider