Arbitration Timelines

Arbitration timelines can be confusing or seem complicated. Luckily there is an easy tool to remember them.

Just kidding. There isn’t. So let’s make one.

What timeframes should we include? NAAA has an in-lane timeframe of “day of sale only,” a simulcast/online purchase timeframe of “7-days, sale day is day 1,” and 30 days for physical flood damage but 120 days for flood history, and 7 days from receipt of title for disclosures that are required by law, and 30 days for title issues but 4-years for branded titles, and this is before we include any individual auction time frame rules.

If that isn’t enough, there are also time-frame extenders like PSI or Dealshield.

We’ll stick to the basics. Any mechanical claim will generally fall under two potential time frames. If it was bought “in-lane” as in the buyer was on-site bidding in person, then the timeframe for mechanical claims ends at close of business on the day of sale. If the buyer is online bidding, they will have the 7-day timeframe which starts with day 1 being the day of sale.

So, mechanical claims are straight forward- either the day you buy it or up to 6 calendar days later.

Structural is easy, too. It’s always the 7-day window. Sale day is always day one, so when counting make sure to only count 6 additional calendar days.

Some auctions extend this time frame. Manheim, for example, allows for 10 days to initiate a claim for all digital buyers on OVE and Simulcast.

History, title, and odometer claims are more fun. When I say “fun” I mean FUNdamentally confounding.

In fact, let me demonstrate with a graphic:

Also fact, these types of claims need a whole other post.

Continued in Part Deux