The Geschillencommissie Voertuigen (Vehicle Disputes Committee) handles disputes between consumers and businesses affiliated with BOVAG. Cases include new and used cars, repairs and servicing, inspections carried out by the garage, and parts. Each case is heard by three members. You do not need a lawyer.
Why it matters when buying or selling
- Try to solve it first: file your complaint with the business as soon as possible. You can also use the free BOVAG mediation service (BOVAG Bemiddeling).
- Deadline: if that does not work, you have up to 12 months after your complaint to the business to go to the committee.
- Complaint fee: you pay a fee (klachtengeld) that depends on the invoice amount. If you are proved right, fully or partly, the business must in principle reimburse it.
- Ruling: the ruling is binding on both parties. Either party can, within two months, ask a court to review it.
The committee does not handle business purchases or purchases from a private seller. If you buy from a dealer as a private person, you also have your statutory rights in a consumer sale. Source: De Geschillencommissie.