Know Your Rights: Auto Repair

Answer 1

Auto Repair Legal Rights

When you go to get your car fixed, a lot can go wrong. Sometimes the real wreck doesn't happen until you get your bill from the auto repair shop. But you need to know your rights. They can't just do anything and then bill you for it. You have to take a hard stand so that you don't get railroaded by an auto repair company.

Asking before they do work

Some companies will just do the work and then bill you for it. This is alright if you have told them to fix everything. This is alright if you have some kind of past agreement with them that dictates this. When you go to a car shop, though, they should not just do this on their own. They should give you fair warning, especially if something is going to be expensive. You have rights and you don't have to pay for any work that they didn't indicate was necessary.

Using the parts and supplies that you ask for

One of the tricks that many auto shops will use to run up your bill is a high part cost tactic. They have deals with certain types of part manufacturers, so they push those parts. If you tell the shop to use the cheapest available oil, for instance, then you should get the cheapest oil. They simply count on people not looking at their bill and they know that people won't know the difference. You have rights and you need to be on top of things to protect those rights.

Answer 2

Auto Repair Legal Rights

When you go to get your car fixed, a lot can go wrong. Sometimes the real wreck doesn't happen until you get your bill from the auto repair shop. But you need to know your rights. They can't just do anything and then bill you for it. You have to take a hard stand so that you don't get railroaded by an auto repair company.

Asking before they do work

Some companies will just do the work and then bill you for it. This is alright if you have told them to fix everything. This is alright if you have some kind of past agreement with them that dictates this. When you go to a car shop, though, they should not just do this on their own. They should give you fair warning, especially if something is going to be expensive. You have rights and you don't have to pay for any work that they didn't indicate was necessary.

Using the parts and supplies that you ask for

One of the tricks that many auto shops will use to run up your bill is a high part cost tactic. They have deals with certain types of part manufacturers, so they push those parts. If you tell the shop to use the cheapest available oil, for instance, then you should get the cheapest oil. They simply count on people not looking at their bill and they know that people won't know the difference. You have rights and you need to be on top of things to protect those rights.