Which action should be taken if a dealer's records are destroyed?

Submitting a written report to OMVIC is the correct course of action if a dealer's records are destroyed. OMVIC, which stands for the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, is the regulatory body overseeing the motor vehicle sales industry in Ontario. Maintaining appropriate records is a crucial part of a dealer’s responsibilities, and any loss or destruction of those records needs to be communicated to OMVIC.

This action ensures that the regulatory body is aware of the situation and can guide the dealer on how to proceed in accordance with legal and compliance requirements. It provides transparency and helps maintain the integrity of the dealership's operations. Furthermore, the report may help in establishing that the dealer is taking the necessary steps to rectify the situation and ensure compliance moving forward.

While it’s also important for the dealer to start maintaining records again, notifying customers, or seeking legal advice might be relevant in other contexts, they do not fulfill the immediate regulatory obligation that comes with the loss of records. Thus, the priority is to notify OMVIC of the incident to ensure proper handling in line with industry regulations.