When it comes to buying mobility equipment, the level of service and the warranty you receive are a big part of what you get for your money. In fact, service and warranty are as important as getting the right type of vehicle and making sure an accredited technician does the installation.

Service

• Service location:If you buy locally, your service location will usually be the same as the sales location. But when you buy from an on-line dealer or an individual, finding service can be extremely difficult. In some cases, a dealer will not service brands they don’t offer. Buying nationally known brands that are sold through a dealer network greatly increases your chances of finding an appropriate service location across the U.S. and Canada.

• After Hours Service: When you have special needs and are dependent on your adapted vehicle, a system malfunction can be a huge issue. Make sure your dealer has technicians available to help after normal business hours. All NMEDA-QAP dealers provide a 24-hour after-hours answering service.

• Vacation breakdown: Having nationally-distributed adaptive brands eases the frustration when your vehicle breaks down away from home, as it increases the number of service locations.

Warranty

• Warranties can help you save money on operating costs over the lifetime of your equipment. All mobility equipment and modifications should come with a warranty and the dealer should always provide you with the terms in writing. Make sure you understand the terms, as some only cover parts, while others cover parts and labor. An extended warranty should also be considered, as repairs to mobility equipment can be expensive.

• Regular maintenance may be required for compliance with the terms of the warranty. Some specify a time period during which mobility equipment must be inspected and may differ from those for your vehicle. Mail in those cards for all equipment to ensure coverage.

• Always insure a certified professional installs your mobility equipment, as damage caused by unapproved or improperly installed equipment might void your warranty.

All NMEDA dealers are required to be registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and sell mobility vehicles and modifications that comply with the regulations.

Call 888-DASH-2-DOT (888-327-4236) or go to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/adaptive/Modifier/Index.cfm to verify your dealer is registered.