More Auto Repair Rights

What Other Rights Do I Have?

When a shop advertises a night drop, early bird service, or other such program that allows you to leave your car for work during hours when the shop is closed the follwoing rules apply:

Make available a form that informs you of your rights to an estimate even if the anticipated cost is les than $25.00.

The form must include instructions for you to choose a written estimate, oral estimate or no estimate. If you select a written estimate and would like a copy of it before the work begins, expect to go back to pick it up, or make arrangements to receive a faxed estimate and return your authorization.

If you have car trouble and are stranded, and must make arrangements for the pick up and repair of the car over the phone, the shop must do the following:

Tell you that you have the right to a written or oral estimate during the phone conversation, even if the anticipated cost is less than $25.00. If you want an estimate it must be given to you before the work begins.

If your car needs to be towed to the shop, the facility must inform you in advance about the basis for any towing charges, such as cost per mile.

What Other Rights Do I Have?"

You have several other rights regarding the repair of your auto. The law requires the repair shop to do the following.

Immediately provide you with a copy of any written document signed or initialed by you.

Return any replaced parts, unless they are to be rebuilt or sold by the shop. This reuse or core must be made known to you in advance.

Inform you in advance of any surcharge such as a flat percentage charge for miscellaneous materials and supplies.

Tell you in advance if there will be charges for disassembly, reassembly, or partially completed work.

Tell you before your service or repairs are started whether any work will be done by another shop (sub-let), unless the repair shop you are dealing with will warrant the outside work. If you ask the shop must tell you the name of the other shop.

Give you, on request, an itemized receipt for a motor vehicle or any parts you turn over to the facility.

Provide you with an itemized list of repairs and services that have been done, including the cost for labor, and the name of the mechanic who did the work.

I will be adding other tips and suggestions so check back often to see whats new.