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Consumer Guide: Auto Repairs

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From 8 On Your Side of News Channel 8

Published: April 2, 2008

1. Ask for a written estimate. If the bill is expected to be over $100, by law you have the right to have one. The estimate must include:

• Shop name, address, and phone number
• Customer name, address and phone number
• date and time of written estimate
• Vehicle year, make, model, odometer reading and license tag
• The proposed work completion date and time
• A general description of the customer's problem or request for repair work
• A statement as to whether the charges will be by flat rate, hourly rate or both
• The estimated cost of repairs
• The charge for making the estimate or the basis on which the estimate charge will be calculated
• The customer's intended method of payment
• The name and phone number of another person who may authorize repair work if the customer wants to designate another person
• A statement indicating what is guaranteed, if anything, and the time and mileage period for which the guarantee is effective
• A statement allowing the customer to indicate whether replaced parts should be saved for inspection
• A statement indicating the daily storage charges which may be charged 3 days from the date of notification that the repair work has been completed

The following statement in capital letters of at least 12 point type and a blocked section of the estimate form:

2. The repair shop must get your approval before exceeding the repair estimate by more than $10 or 10%, whichever is greater.

3. Keep all estimates, invoices and other records, even if there is no charge. Take notes on all telephone calls and other conversations you have with employees of the shop. Write down the date and time, and with whom you spoke.

4. If you are dissatisfied with the estimate, get estimates from other shops.

5. If you have difficulty with a shop, call your local Better Business Bureau, State Attorney, State Division of Consumer Services (800-435-7352) or write the State Department of Consumer Affairs, The Capital, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.

6. If you are not satisfied, you can go to court. File a bond with the Clerk of Court in your county for the amount of the final repair bill. The clerk will issue a certificate directing the shop to release your car. The shop has sixty days to sue to get the money. After the two months, if the shop has taken no action, the money is returned to you. The shop has the right to sue you for the money after it is returned.

7. If all else fails, file a suit against the shop yourself, or ask the State Attorney in your area to bring criminal charges.

Provided by "8 On Your Side" with help from the Florida State Dept. of Legal Services and Florida Automotive Services Councils.

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