Warranty providers and insurers have 45 days to provide a final response. If you’re unhappy with the response or you don’t get a response in 45 days, go to step two. Just because they say ‘no’ or don’t reply doesn’t mean you should give up.

Insurers have responsibilities under the General Insurance Code of Practice. Learn more about their obligations to you here.

Warranty, insurance and finance providers must have an independent complaints body for you to complain to.

Complaints against warranty providers, finance providers and insurers should go to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

AFCA provides free services to Australians who’ve not been able to resolve problems with their members.

• Check whether or not the business is a member of AFCA and lodge a complaint through the website here.

For complaints against a car dealer, you will generally need to complain to a tribunal like the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Remember…

• Send the complaints body all relevant documents you have, including your complaint letter.

Complain to regulators and your local MP

Regulators are like the industry “police”. Complaining to regulators is important because:

• It helps them keep up to date with problems
• It can help them take action to stop unfair businesses. If nobody complains, there’s no evidence the businesses are behaving badly
• If the regulators get lots of complaints, they’re more likely to do something about it

If you want to let a regulator know about your problem you can send a complaint to the Australian Securities and Investments  Commission (ASIC) here.

Be aware that ASIC can’t help you resolve your individual complaint. However, they may take legal action against the business to protect the community.

Write to your local MP to let them know about the problem. If the businesses won’t stop selling junk, and the regulators won’t stop them then your MP should stand up for your rights.