Wisconsin § 218.0142 - Installment sales.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 218.0142 — Installment sales., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 218.0142. Installment sales.
218.0142(1) (1) Every retail installment sale shall be evidenced by an instrument in writing, which shall contain all the agreements of the parties and shall be signed by the buyer. 218.0142(2) (2) 218.0142(2)(a) (a) Prior to or concurrent with any installment sale, the seller shall deliver to the buyer a written statement clearly describing all of the following: 218.0142(2)(a)1. 1. The motor vehicle sold to the buyer. 218.0142(2)(a)2. 2. The cash sale price. 218.0142(2)(a)3. 3. The cash paid down by the buyer. 218.0142(2)(a)4. 4. The amount credited the buyer for any trade-in. 218.0142(2)(a)5. 5. A description of the trade-in. 218.0142(2)(a)5m. 5m. The cost to the retail buyer of any insurance. 218.0142(2)(a)6. 6. The amount financed, which may include the cost of insurance and sales and use taxes. 218.0142(2)(a)7. 7. The amount of the finance charge. 218.0142(2)(a)8. 8. The amount of any other charge specifying its purpose. 218.0142(2)(a)9. 9. The total of payments due from the buyer. 218.0142(2)(a)10. 10. The terms of payment of the total of payments due from the buyer. 218.0142(2)(a)11. 11. The amount and date of each payment necessary to pay the total finally. 218.0142(2)(a)12. 12. A summary of any insurance coverage to be effected. 218.0142(2)(b) (b) The division of banking may determine the form of the statement required under par. (a) . 218.0142(2)(c) (c) If a written order is taken from a prospective purchaser in connection with any installment sale, the written statement described in par. (a) shall be given to the purchaser prior to or concurrent with the signing of the order by the purchaser. 218.0142(3) (3) A retail installment sale made after October 31, 1984, is not subject to any maximum finance charge limit. 218.0142(4) (4) An exact copy of the installment sale contract and any note or notes given in connection with the contract shall be furnished by the seller to the buyer at the time the buyer signs the contract. The buyer’s copy of the contract shall contain the signature of the seller identical with the signature on the original contract. No contract shall be signed in blank except that a detailed description of the motor vehicle including the serial number or other identifying marks of the vehicle sold which are not available at the time of execution of the contract may be filled in before final delivery of the motor vehicle. 218.0142(5) (5) A violation of sub. (1) , (2) or (3) bars recovery of any finance charge by the seller, or an assignee of the seller who, at the time of the assignment, had knowledge of the violation, in any suit upon a sales contract arising from the sale where the violation occurred. 218.0142(6) (6) 218.0142(6)(a) (a) Prior to 30 days after acquisition of any retail installment contract from a retail seller, every finance company shall do all of the following: 218.0142(6)(a)1. 1. Mail or deliver to the retail buyer a written notice that the finance company has acquired the retail installment contract from the retail seller. 218.0142(6)(a)2. 2. Mail or cause to be mailed with the notice described in subd. 1. a statement of the particulars of the retail installment contract price required under sub. (2) to be stated by the retail seller, in accordance with the finance company’s records respecting the particulars of the retail installment contract, including the amount of the finance charge. 218.0142(6)(b) (b) Every finance company, if insurance is provided by the finance company, shall also within 30 days after acquisition of the retail installment contract send or cause to be sent to the retail buyer a policy of insurance clearly setting forth the exact nature of the insurance coverage and the amount of the premiums, each stated separately, which shall be filed with the commissioner of insurance in accordance with ch. 625 . The cancellation and rewriting of any policy provided by the finance company shall comply with the requirements of s.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 218.0142
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 218.0142 cover?
Section 218.0142 ("Installment sales.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Wisconsin § 218.0142?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 218.0142" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 218.0142 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.