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Fraud Tip of the Day - March 10

Car Repair Estimates

If your car needs repairs there is one piece of advice that stands head and shoulders over any other advice I could give: get a written estimate before authorizing work to begin.

The law clearly states that you are entitled to an estimate of the cost of repairs up front. This way you won't be surprised by repairs that were never mentioned to you beforehand. What you sign off on is what they will do. No more and no less. Just make sure that estimate is signed and not verbal or you could be in for all kinds of surprises.

In order to avoid car repair scams we've put together a small list of things you should consider before and after you've taken your vehicle in to be worked on by a mechanic.

Car Repair Tips:

Check with the Better Business Bureau before taking your car to a shop and find out whther they are reputable
Insist on a signed, written cost estimate for the work to be performed. Make sure the estimate specifically identifies the condition to be repaired, the parts needed and the anticipated labor charge. Make sure you keep a copy of this estimate in case you dispute the charges!
Make sure the estimate states that the shop will contact you for approval before performing any work exceeding a specified amount of time and money. Your state may require this; check with your state Attorney General's office to determine your rights.
Make sure that the mechanics in the shop you have chosen for repairs are certified to do the work you need done
Some shops charge a flat rate for labor on auto repairs. This published rate is based on an independent or manufacturer's estimate of the time required to complete repairs. Other shops charge on the basis of the actual time the technician worked on the repair. Before having any work performed, ask which cost method the shop uses.
Even though you bring in your car with a specific problem, additional repairs may be recommended. If you are uncertain whether the work needs to be done, you may want to consult your owner's manual or get a second opinion
If expensive or complex repairs are recommended, get a second opinion.
After repairs are finished, get a completed repair order describing the work done. This should list each repair, all parts supplied, the cost of each part, labor charges and the vehicle's odometer reading when the vehicle entered the shop and when the repair order was prepared. Your state may require that the shop provide this; check with your state Attorney General's office or local consumer protection agency.
Get back all replaced parts. Your state may require this; check with your state Attorney General's office or local consumer protection agency.

More Car Repair Scam Information

Car Repair Scams
Keep a Vehicle Repair Log
How to find a good auto repair shop or mechanic