WHAT IS SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION?
Arbitration Eligibility
Only undisclosed defects that exceed $1,500 in parts to repair, calculated using the manufacturer’s standard warranty parts pricing (labor excluded), are eligible for arbitration. Any defect announced, disclosed, photographed, or referenced in the listing at the time of sale is not arbitrable.
Check Engine Light
If a Check Engine Light is illuminated, it is disclosed with a photo of the instrument cluster. A disclosed warning light is not arbitrable. Any vehicle disclosed or photographed with an illuminated warning light is not eligible for arbitration for related mechanical or electronic concerns. Bidders are solely responsible for inspections and due diligence prior to bidding and accept the risk of not doing so.
Arbitration Scope
Arbitration is strictly limited to an undisclosed, verified catastrophic failure of the engine or transmission diagnosed in writing by an approved licensed facility within the arbitration deadline.
Catastrophic engine or transmission failure means a sudden and verifiable internal mechanical breakage that:
• was not disclosed at the time of sale
• renders the vehicle inoperable or incapable of safe operation
• requires complete replacement or major internal rebuild of the engine or transmission assembly
Arbitration is not available for exploratory diagnostics, tear-down inspections, disassembly performed without prior written authorization, drivability complaints, progressive wear, or failures that do not meet the definition of catastrophic internal mechanical breakage.
Costs incurred without prior written authorization from Jett Auction are the sole responsibility of the Buyer.
What Qualifies for Arbitration
To qualify for arbitration, a claim must meet all of the following criteria:
• The defect existed at the time of sale and was of a nature that required disclosure under Jett Auction policy.
• The defect was not disclosed, announced, photographed, or referenced in the listing at the time of sale.
• The defect exceeds $1,500 in parts using the manufacturer’s standard warranty parts pricing (labor excluded).
• The failure constitutes a verified catastrophic internal mechanical breakage of the engine or transmission as defined above.
• The failure renders the vehicle inoperable or incapable of safe operation.
• The condition requires complete replacement or major internal rebuild of the engine or transmission assembly.
• The condition is confirmed in writing by an approved licensed facility within the arbitration deadline.
• The vehicle remains in substantially the same condition as at the time of sale.
Only claims meeting all of the above requirements are eligible for arbitration review.
Arbitration does not apply to defects that were unknown, not reasonably detectable at the time of sale, or not required to be disclosed under auction policy. Jett Auction publishes listing information based on Seller disclosures and available third-party data and does not guarantee that all conditions are identified or described when listing is created. The existence of a condition alone does not create arbitration eligibility. We highly suggest you come down and look at the vehicles you plan to bid on before or on auction day.
Non-Arbitrable Items
The following conditions are not subject to arbitration under any circumstances. These are considered wear, maintenance, cosmetic, convenience, disclosed, or policy-ineligible conditions:
• Glass and interiors: windshields, glass, upholstery, headliners, mats, trim
• Cosmetic body: visible rust, visible body damage
• Chassis and exhaust: axle and CV joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, driveshafts, catalytic converters
• Wear and maintenance: springs, shocks, tires, brakes, suspension components, clutch assemblies, cooling system items, heater core, power steering, tune-ups, exhaust issues, oil or coolant leaks, engines with performance modifications, deleted diesel emissions equipment, vehicles presented with a check engine light
• Steering: rack-and-pinion concerns
• HVAC: air-conditioning performance and repairs
• Price and mileage exclusions: any vehicle sold for $5,000 or less before fees and taxes; any vehicle with more than 200,000 km
• Tow Units: sold as-is and not eligible for arbitration
• Compliance labels: federal stickers
• Specialty categories: boats, motorhomes, antique vehicles, equipment, snowmobiles, motorcycles, unless sold with a written Seller guarantee
• Engine wear indicators: smoking, blow-by, noisy lifters, age-related deterioration, and head gaskets
Head gasket failures, unless caused by a sudden and verifiable internal mechanical breakage unrelated to wear, are considered wear-related and are not classified as catastrophic engine failure.
HOW DOES ARBITRATION WORK?
Scope
Arbitration applies only to vehicles deemed safe for transportation by Jett Auction at the time of sale. Vehicles sold as Tow Units or otherwise designated not safe for transportation are sold as-is and are not eligible for arbitration.
Arbitration Deadline
he Arbitration Claim Form must be submitted through the “Make an Arbitration Claim” section of the Jett Auction website no later than Tuesday at 5:00 PM Pacific Time following the applicable Saturday auction.
A licensed mechanic’s written inspection/diagnosis must be submitted within this deadline or proof of a confirmed inspection appointment must be provided.
No exceptions. Claims submitted after the deadline are automatically void.
Phone calls, emails, or voicemails do not initiate arbitration and do not preserve deadlines.
Eligibility and Standing
To remain eligible for arbitration:
• The Buyer must retain legal title and possession of the vehicle.
• The vehicle must remain in substantially the same condition as at the time of sale.
• No repairs, disassembly, or alterations may be performed without prior written authorization from Jett Auction.
• Arbitration is available only to registered Buyers and Sellers of Jett Auction, not to third-party customers.
Failure to comply may void arbitration eligibility.
If Arbitration Is Unavailable
If arbitration is unavailable or denied, the Buyer’s sole remedy is directly against the Seller. Buyer and Seller release and waive any claims against Jett Auction, its officers, directors, employees, affiliates, and agents arising from the transaction or use of Auction services.
Seller Disclosure Requirements (Structural Only)
Sellers must disclose structural damage, structural repairs, or structural alterations prior to sale.
If properly disclosed:
• Arbitration is limited to improper repair of the disclosed area or undisclosed structural damage outside the declared area.
If undisclosed structural damage exists that required disclosure under policy, the vehicle may qualify for structural arbitration.
Minor cosmetic damage, bolt-on component damage, transport tie-down marks, or incidental contact damage within industry standards (UVMS) do not require disclosure.
Required Documentation
Arbitration claims must include a written inspection or diagnosis on official letterhead from an approved licensed facility, dated, with the vehicle’s odometer reading and detailed fault findings. Inspections must be performed by a recognized franchise dealership or manufacturer-authorized or nationally recognized service provider, such as Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Honda, Toyota, or equivalent facilities including Kal Tire or Canadian Tire. Inspections from small independent shops, mobile mechanics, backyard mechanics, or non-accredited individuals will not be accepted.
Supporting photos or diagnostic scan reports must be included. Jett Auction reserves the right to require independent re-inspection to verify findings.
Important
Jett Auction reserves the right to interpret and modify these Policies and Arbitration Rules to uphold the spirit of the NAAA Code of Ethics and the integrity of the auction process.
These Policies and Rules are implied terms and conditions of every agreement with the Auction or its customers.
You are responsible for staying current on changes.
Arbitration Process and Enforcement
Step 1: Full payment must be completed before arbitration can be initiated. The Buyer must retain possession and legal title to the vehicle. Only the specific issues identified in the submitted arbitration claim will be reviewed.
Step 2 – Submission Deadline: Arbitration must be initiated exclusively through the “Make an Arbitration Claim” form on Jett Auction’s website. The completed form and required documentation must be submitted by end of day Tuesday following the applicable Saturday auction. Claims submitted after the deadline are automatically void. No exceptions..
Step 3 – Arbitration Fee: A $299 Arbitration Fee is applicable, and buyers are required to cover the Auction’s Standard Arbitration Fee for the arbitration service and time spent investigation the case.
Step 4 – Investigation Process: The Arbitrator will review only the issues listed in the submitted claim. Both Buyer and Seller may present their positions. The Arbitrator may inspect the vehicle directly or refer it to a qualified specialty facility if necessary. If a specialty consultation is required, the party against whom the decision is rendered is responsible for associated costs, including transport or towing.
Step 5- Decision: Following review, the Arbitrator will determine whether the claim meets arbitration eligibility under Jett Auction policy and will notify both parties via email.
Step 6 – Remedy : The Arbitrator may grant any remedy or relief that the Arbitrator considers to be appropriate in the circumstances. Remedies may include: cancellation of sale and refund of purchase price, partial rebate of purchase price.
Step 7 – Finality : All arbitration decisions are final and binding. By initiating arbitration, the Buyer agrees to be bound by the decision. By consigning a vehicle for sale, the Seller agrees to participate and comply with any imposed remedy.
Non-Compliance :If a Seller fails to comply with a binding arbitration decision, the Seller may be held liable for resulting losses, costs, legal fees, resale losses, and may face temporary or permanent suspension of auction privileges.