Know Your Auto Repair Rights

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By By Herb Weisbaum

Summary

Washington State law has provisions to make sure you don't get swindled when you take your car to the shop.

Story Published: Sep 1, 2004 at 12:48 AM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:33 AM PDT

Know Your Auto Repair Rights
SEATTLE - Auto repair problems are a common complaint. Washington State law gives you four important rights designed to protect you:

  • If the repair work will cost more than $100 and you have face-to-face contact with someone at the repair shop, you are entitled to a written estimate, unless you say you don't want it. Do yourself a favor-- get that written estimate that spells out exactly what will be done.

  • Repair work cannot be done unless you authorize it and the shop must give you a written invoice after the work is done.

  • You must be able to see or have all replaced parts returned to you-- if you ask for them at the time you authorize the repair work. So be sure to ask for them when you get that written estimate.

  • You must be notified and approve any extra work that will increase the original cost of the original authorized estimate by 10 percent.

Remember, if the shop needs to figure out what's causing the problem, find out what the charge will be for that diagnostic service. This is important to know, should you want to take your car to any shop for a second opinion.

For More Information:

www.atg.wa.gov

www.ftc.gov

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