When your “new” car keeps boomeranging back to the service lane, the question isn’t simply “do I qualify?” It’s also: “Can I prove I qualify?”
What Evidence Do I Need to Qualify for the California Lemon Law?
In California, the strongest Lemon Law cases are built on clear, complete documentation that shows 1) the defect happened under the manufacturer’s original warranty, 2) the dealer had a reasonable number of chances to fix it or kept the car over 30 days, and 3) the problem impairs use, value, or safety.
Here’s a quick checklist for the proof you’ll want from Day 1 to turn frustration into a winnable claim.
1. Repair orders & service records (every visit, no exceptions)
Collect the repair order for each visit—make sure it includes your complaint (“customer states…”), dates, mileage in/out, technician findings, and the attempted corrections.
Keep service history printouts, as well. These documents show repeated, unsuccessful fixes and time out of service—exactly what California’s Lemon Law looks for.
2. Receipts tied to the defect
Hold on tight to any towing, rental, rideshare, and related out-of-pocket receipts. They help quantify your damages and can be part of the recovery in a buyback or settlement.
3. Proof of warranty coverage
You will also need proof that the defect originated and was reported during the manufacturer’s original warranty (warranty booklet, in-service date, warranty screen printout). This is paramount. Extended service contracts alone won’t qualify.
4. Purchase or lease agreement
Your contract confirms the VIN, sale/lease date, price, and terms. It also helps your attorney calculate a potential buyback and any mileage offset.
5. A simple timeline of repair attempts & days out of commission
Keep a log. A one-page timeline noting dates in and out for each repair visit, and the miles tallied, can do wonders. It helps demonstrate “reasonable repair attempts” and can quickly show an excess of 30 cumulative days out of service. California’s consumer guidance uses those markers to evaluate claims.
6. Communications with the dealer/manufacturer
Save emails, texts, and call logs, and keep copies of any written notice sent. For some programs and, increasingly, under updated procedures, pre-suit notice can help drive a faster resolution. State resources outline steps for notice and dispute programs.
7. Photos, videos, and diagnostic outputs
If the defect is intermittent (warning lights, harsh shifting, infotainment glitches), record it. Audio and/or video and any diagnostic screenshots can be persuasive collateral alongside your repair orders.
Helpful add-ons that strengthen edge-case claims include:
- Maintenance records that show you followed the factory schedule (undercuts arguments about neglect).
- Recall references from dealer printouts tied to your VIN (helps show known issues).
- Proof of small business use (if applicable). A gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 10,000 pounds and a fleet of five or fewer registered vehicles can bring a work vehicle under Lemon Law coverage.
- Active-duty military documentation (orders showing you’re stationed or residing in California). The state extends special protections to military personnel who have purchased or registered out of state.
Avoid the following documentation mistakes:
- Leaving the shop without a printed repair order. Insist on one.
- Vague complaint language (ask the advisor to capture what you’ve experienced, not just a code).
- Relying on extended warranties as a substitute for the original warranty.
- Waiting to organize paperwork until after the warranty expires.
Turn your File into a Winning Case
Here at The Lemon Lawyer, we emphasize what wins: tight documentation and timely action. Our team will review your records, build the narrative, and push for the right remedy, whether that’s a buyback, replacement, or cash. You also don’t pay out of pocket; California law requires the manufacturer to pay consumers’ reasonable attorneys’ fees when they prevail.
If your file shows a warranty-covered defect, repeated unsuccessful fixes (or 30+ days down), and a true impact on use, value, or safety—and you have the paperwork to prove it—you’re on your way to a strong California Lemon Law claim.