It's Illegal for Dealers to Force Add-Ons—Know the Law & How to Fight Back

“They tried to make paint protection mandatory—so I told them, ‘Sure, right after you wallpaper my living room, too.’” 😆

- Chase Jordan

Dealers often push extras like paint protection, VIN etching, GAP insurance, rust-proofing, and more.

What they can’t do, however, is legally force these add-ons on you.

Here’s what the law actually says—and how you can take control.

🧾 1. Optional Add-Ons Must Be Optional

• Every add-on installed or sold by a dealership—unless it’s factory-directed—must be optional, even if they claim it’s “mandatory” or bundled.

• Federal law (FTC rule) and many state consumer-protection statutes forbid tying one purchase (like an overpriced accessory) to the purchase of another (the car itself) without giving you the option to skip it.

🚫 2. “Tie-In” Selling Is Illegal

• If a dealer refuses to sell the car unless you accept certain add-ons, that’s considered dealer tying, and it’s illegal under FTC rules.

• State consumer-protection laws (like California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act) reinforce that practice as deceptive if they mask it as required.

• Recent settlements—including a Maryland Honda dealership fined $3 million—show aggressive enforcement against this practice.

📝 3. You're Entitled to Clear, Written Consent

• Even for legal, helpful add-ons (gap coverage, warranties - THE RIGHT ONES), you must sign separately to purchase them.

• They can’t be inserted via pre-checked boxes or buried in paperwork—they need express, informed consent before inclusion in the sale price.

• The FTC’s proposed “CARS” rule requires dealers to:

  • Present a price without add-ons

  • Disclose each add-on in writing

  • Secure your separate initial or signature for each one

🕵️ 4. You Have the Right to Walk Away

• Dealers can refuse to sell if you opt out—but that’s not your obligation.

• You have legal freedom of choice and the ability to take your business elsewhere. There are other cars in the world to buy.

• Consumer protection laws protect your right to decline optional services—even if salespeople pressure you.

🛠 5. What To Do If You’re Pressured or Overcharged

1. Tell the dealer you do not want those add-ons and ask for an updated quote without them.

2. Ask for the final vehicle price in writing, showing it without add-ons, and only add them back by your consent.

3. If you find unauthorized charges after signing, demand the removal and refund in writing.

4. If they refuse, you can report them to your state consumer protection office or the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, or consult a consumer rights attorney.

🛡 How Deal Guard Defends You

As your trusted car-buying concierge service and car buying advocate, Deal Guard protects you by:

• Massaging the final offer to spotlight price without any dealer-installed add-ons

• Reviewing contracts line by line before you sign

• Advising on edit-and-escape strategies if add-ons are included improperly

• Feeding any improper practices back through consumer channels—or lawyer contact when necessary

😎 Final Word from Chase

Add-ons aren’t illegal—but forced add-ons absolutely are. You deserve a clean, transparent purchase without bait-and-switch tactics.

At GetDealGuard.com, we negotiate firmly, document clearly, and draw firm lines—so your car comes with options you choose, not ones you’re stuck with.

🎯 Seeing add-ons you didn’t ask for?
Let our consultants fight them for you before you ever take the keys.