Bought a car in Dubai assured as flood-free, but discovered it was flooded. What should I do?

Dear Questioner,

We understand your concerns. There are several possibilities in this situation.

First of all, gather evidence such as photos, videos, and repair estimates to prove that the car was flooded.

Contact the dealer and explain the situation calmly and professionally. Refer to any verbal or written assurances they gave you about the car's condition.

Try to negotiate a partial refund, repair costs, or a replacement vehicle. If he is not willing, we will send them a legal notice through court to claim the refund. We will discuss this in detail.

Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.

Greetings,

You can file an official legal notice and if it does not return the situation to the state you were in by returning the car to the seller and the amount to the buyer, you can file a hidden defects lawsuit, return the car, and claim what you paid in addition to compensation.

We are honored to provide you with legal support. For further inquiries about your topic, you can come to our office or contact us via phone, WhatsApp, or email.

Hi,

Good afternoon!

Take photos and videos of the car's interior and exterior, focusing on areas that show signs of water damage.  

- Retain all documents: Keep copies of the purchase agreement, service history, and any communication with the dealer.

- Seek professional inspection: Get a certified mechanic to inspect the car and provide a written report detailing the damage.

You can file a complaint with the Dubai Consumer Protection Department or the relevant consumer protection agency in your jurisdiction.

- Small Claims Court: In some cases, you may be able to file a claim in small claims court to recover your losses.

For further assistance, kindly share your contact details.

Maideid Al Mansoory Advocates and Legal Consultant

Dear Questioner,

Collect any advertisements, emails, or messages from the dealer where they assured you the car was flood-free.

Have a certified mechanic or inspection service assess the car and provide a written report stating it has flood damage.

This report will be crucial for proving your case. Bring your concerns and evidence to the dealer’s attention.

Explain that you were misled about the car’s condition and request a refund or replacement. If the dealer is cooperative, they may offer to resolve the issue without further action.

However, if they refuse, you may need to take additional steps. The DED in Dubai handles consumer complaints and can investigate cases of misleading sales practices.

You can file a complaint online or visit a DED office. You’ll need the sales contract, inspection report, any communication with the dealer, and proof of payment.

For further assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

If you have proof of damage to the car, you can file a lawsuit to recover the amount.

Contact us on phone number [---------] so we can help you.

Dear Questioner,

Thanks for your inquiry!

Regarding the above, we would like to inform you that, you can take those steps:

- Gather Evidence:

Collect all documentation related to the purchase, including the purchase agreement, any warranties, and communication with the dealer. Also, gather evidence of the car’s condition (such as photos or a mechanic’s report) to demonstrate that it was flooded.

- Review the Warranty:

Check if there’s a warranty that covers such issues. Some dealers may offer warranties that could apply in your case.

- Contact the Dealer:

Reach out to the dealer and explain the situation. Provide them with the evidence you’ve gathered. Request a refund or a resolution, such as repairs. Keep records of all communication.

- File a Complaint:

If the dealer is uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Department at the UAE Ministry of Economy. They can help mediate disputes between consumers and businesses.

- Seek Legal Advice:

If the matter remains unresolved, it may be wise to consult with us as a lawyer who specializes in consumer protection or contract law in the UAE. We can advise you on the best course of action and whether pursuing legal action is feasible.

- Consider Legal Action:

If all else fails, you may need to consider filing a legal case against the dealer for misrepresentation.

Kindly do not hesitate to contact us at [----------] to guide you through this process.

Greetings,

Dear Questioner,

According to the UAE Consumer Protection Law, you have the right to:

- Obtain accurate and correct information about the goods and services provided.

- Refund or replacement of the goods if they are defective or do not conform to the agreed specifications.

Dear Questioner,

Yes, we can file a case against him and get the money back as well as we can ask for compensation for providing wrong information.

Please contact us via phone or email for more details.

Thank you for reaching out with your concern regarding the purchase of your vehicle!

It’s unfortunate to hear about your situation with the flooded car. Under UAE consumer protection laws, you may have grounds for a claim against the dealer for misrepresentation, especially since you were assured that the car was free from flooding and major accidents.

Here are the steps you can take:

- Document Everything: Gather all relevant documents, including your purchase agreement, any communication with the dealer, and evidence of the flooding (such as photos or reports).

- Contact the Dealer: Reach out to the dealer to express your concerns. It’s advisable to do this in writing, so you have a record of your communication.

- File a Complaint: If the dealer does not respond satisfactorily, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Economy.

- Legal Action: If necessary, you may consider legal action to recover your money. A lawyer can help assess your case and guide you through the legal process.

I would be happy to assist you further with your situation and help you navigate the process. Please feel free to reach out to me directly via WhatsApp, phone, or email to discuss your case in more detail.

Best regards,

Suhail Rana

You have the right to cancel the contract, get your money back, and return the car to him within 6 months of buying it.

Dear Questioner,

In the UAE, you have a solid foundation for pursuing a refund or compensation based on the Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. 15 of 2020).

Here’s how you can approach this:

- Gather Evidence: Collect any written or verbal assurances from the dealer (e.g., messages, contracts, advertisements) indicating the car was free from flooding and major accidents.

- Obtain a Vehicle Inspection Report: Arrange for an independent inspection to confirm the car's condition, particularly evidence of flooding. A report from an authorized agency or mechanic will strengthen your case.

- File a Complaint with the Dealer: Start by communicating your complaint to the dealer, including a request for a full refund or replacement vehicle as compensation.

- Consider Legal Action: If the issue persists and you don’t receive a resolution, pursuing legal action could be an option. With evidence that the dealer misrepresented the car’s condition, you may seek to annul the contract and claim a refund through the courts.

Let me know if you’d like guidance on filing the complaint or if legal assistance is needed to escalate the case further.

Warm Regards,

Omar Mosaad