Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the CMVRC?
  2. How does the CMVRC help consumers?
  3. Is the CMVRC part of the DMV?
  4. How can I file a claim?
  5. What is the claims process?
  6. How do I contact the CMVRC if I have questions?
  7. Where can I get more information about the CMVRC?
  1. What is the CMVRC?

    The Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation is a non-profit organization created by the California legislature to assist consumers who have purchased or leased a motor vehicle from a California dealership that has gone out of business (or into bankruptcy), and has:

     

    - Failed to pay the DMV license and registration fees;

     

    - Failed to pay off the existing lien on a trade-in vehicle;

     

    - Failed to provide the buyer with good title, free of any liens;

     

    - Failed to pay third parties for services agreed to in the sales contract (e.g., service contracts, extended warranty plans, special coatings, etc.);

     

    OR

     

    - Failed to pay the amount due the owner of a consigned vehicle.

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  2. How does the CMVRC help consumers?

    A fund has been set up to help anyone who bought or leased a car and suffered losses due to any of the above failures on the part of the dealership. Eligible consumers can get up to $35,000 in relief for their losses.

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  3. Is the CMVRC part of the DMV?

    No.  The CMVRC is a separate organization with no association with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

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  4. How can I file a claim?

    1) Visit http://cmvrc.org/documents and fill out the Instructions and Claim Form (under the “Documents” tab), print it and mail it (with the required documents) to:

     

    CMVRC Claims Administrator

    P.O. Box 8060

    San Rafael, CA 94912-8060

     

                            OR

     

    2) E-mail [email protected] and request a claim form.

     

                            OR

     3) Call (800) 961-6175 and ask that a claim form be mailed to you.

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  5. What is the claims process?

    Within 30 days of the receipt of the application, you will be notified in writing that the application has been received (and whether any additional information is needed).

     

    Within 60 days of being notified that your application is complete and the necessary verifying information from third parties has been obtained, the CMVRC Board will review your claim and determine if you are eligible for relief.

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  6. How do I contact the CMVRC if I have questions?

    Contact can be made by:

     

                Email: [email protected]

     

                Phone:  (800) 961-6175, Fax: (866) 263-0087 

     

                Mail:    P.O. Box 8060

                            San Rafael, CA 94912-8060

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  7. Where can I get more information about the CMVRC?

    You may visit the statutes page:   http://cmvrc.org/statutes

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