Terms & Conditions
Last updated: September 2026
These terms govern pre-purchase vehicle inspection services provided by Vetted Auto Inspections. By booking an inspection, you agree to them.
What the inspection is
A pre-purchase inspection is a visual, functional and diagnostic assessment of a vehicle’s observable condition at a single point in time. It is carried out without dismantling the vehicle, without removing components, and without lifting the vehicle on a hoist unless one is available and the vehicle’s owner permits it.
What the inspection is not
The inspection is not:
- A warranty, guarantee, or insurance policy of any kind
- A certification that the vehicle is free of defects
- A prediction or guarantee of future reliability or remaining service life
- A guarantee that every existing fault has been identified
- A valuation or appraisal of the vehicle’s market worth
- A title, lien, or vehicle history search
We are not liable for latent, hidden, intermittent or concealed defects that cannot be found during a standard visual and electronic diagnostic inspection. These include, but are not limited to:
- Internal engine or transmission wear that is not visible from the outside
- Frame or structural damage hidden by body panels, undercoating or paint
- Prior flood, fire or collision damage concealed by later repairs
- Conditions masked by additives or other products
- Fault codes cleared before the inspection that do not show up in stored codes or readiness monitor data
Where the seller limits access to the vehicle, for example by declining a road test or refusing access to the undercarriage, those limitations are recorded in the report, and anything that could not be assessed is not covered by it.
Your decision
The report is information to help you make your own decision. The decision to buy, to negotiate, or to walk away is entirely yours. We are not a party to any transaction between you and a seller, and we take no role in negotiating it. Buying a used vehicle carries inherent risk, and you remain responsible for the vehicle after purchase.
Access and cooperation
You are responsible for arranging permission for the inspection to take place, including access to the vehicle and its keys. If access is refused or the vehicle is unavailable on arrival, the trip fee described below applies.
Payment
Payment by Zelle or PayPal invoice is due in full before the inspection. A PayPal invoice can be paid with a PayPal account, Venmo, Apple Pay, or a credit or debit card, and is processed by PayPal. Payments made through a PayPal invoice include a 2.99% processing fee. Zelle and cash payments have no processing fee. Cash is accepted only when the client is present on site at the time of the inspection, and is paid then. Payments made through Zelle, PayPal, Venmo or Apple Pay are also subject to that service’s own terms and privacy policy.
Scheduling, cancellation and refunds
Inspections are scheduled by agreement. You can reschedule or cancel free of charge with at least 24 hours’ notice.
- Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may be subject to a $50 trip fee.
- If the vehicle sells or becomes unavailable before we travel to it, your payment is refunded in full, even with less than 24 hours’ notice.
- If we arrive and the vehicle has been sold, is not available, or the seller or owner will not allow the inspection, a $50 trip fee applies and the remainder of your payment is refunded.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by California law, our total liability arising out of or relating to an inspection is limited to a refund of the fee you paid for that inspection.
We are not liable for future mechanical failures, financial losses, personal injury or property damage resulting from the purchase or operation of the vehicle. We are also not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages, including but not limited to repair costs, diminished value, loss of use or lost profits, arising from a condition that was not identified in the report.
Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
Report use
The report is prepared for the client who commissioned it, for that specific transaction. It should not be relied on by any other party, and it is specific to the vehicle’s condition on the date of inspection.
Use of photos and findings
We may use photos and general findings from completed inspections for marketing, including on social media and this website. Before any such use, we remove anything that identifies you, including your name, contact details and license plates. If you would rather we not use anything from your inspection, let us know and we will honor that.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes arising from our services will be resolved in the applicable courts of the State of California.
Contact
Questions about these terms: vettedautoinspections@