The B.C. Vehicle Sales Authority will refund a woman the cost of an extended warranty she bought when purchasing a pickup truck from a Prince George automotive dealer.
Sharlena Wilson had purchased the warranty for $2,199.99 when she bought a 2008 Ford F350 pickup truck for $10,000 from Up North Motors, which is no longer operating, on May 25, 2015.
But slightly less than three weeks later, on June 12, 2015, the truck had mechanical trouble in its rear end and she took it into a repair shop.
The shop made several failed attempts to contact Up North to get the warranty information before she paid $1,590.40 for the repairs herself.
Then, on June 22, 2015, the truck had more mechanical problems which cost her a further $590.13.
She filed a claim with the BCVSA's Motor Dealer Customer Compensation Fund for $4,380.52, the cost of the warranty and the repairs.
Following a review, the fund's board found that while the extended warranty was noted on the purchase agreement, there was no reference to the insurance provider and Up North did not provide her with any further documentation regarding the warranty.
She believed the insurer was Lubrico Warranty but the board found Lubrico did not receive an application or premium and so, would not activate the protection plan or refund the cost of the warranty.
As for the remaining $2,180.53, she paid for repairs, the board found that part of the claim was not eligible for compensation but added she may have other legal remedies available to her.
Unless there is a reconsideration, she will receive her cheque by April 5.
The BCVSA issued its decision on Feb. 24.
