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This is information under things to know

Estimate:

You are entitled to a written price estimate for the repairs you have authorized before the work is performed, only if you deal face-to-face with the facility and the work is expected to cost more than $100. Once you receive an estimate, the facility may not charge you more than 10% above the estimated costs without your prior approval.

The estimate includes, among other things: the odometer reading; a description of the problem or the specific repair requested; choice of alternatives for the customer; the estimated cost; labor and parts necessary for the specific diagnosis/repair requested.

Possessory Liens:

In most cases, the repair facility has the right to keep a vehicle until the customer pays the bill if the customer was given an authorized estimate and the amount charged is within 110 percent of the written estimate (plus tax). However, a repair facility cannot hold your car if:

* The repair facility did not return a part the customer requested before work began;

* There was face-to-face contact and the repair facility did not provide a customer with a written estimate or a choice of a written estimate;

* There was no face-to-face contact and the repair facility did not obtain authorization;

* The charges were more than 110 percent of the written estimate and did not obtain authorization to exceed that estimate;

* The repair facility did not post the "YOUR CUSTOMER RIGHTS" sign.

Invoice:

Must include a description of the services performed. A list and description of all parts supplied and an indication of whether the parts were rebuilt, used, or (where collision damage is involved) after-market body parts or non-original equipment manufactured body parts. The price per part, the total amount charged for all parts, the total amount charged for all labor, and the total charge should all be included on the invoice.

Repair facility:

Any person, firm, association, or corporation who for compensation engages in the business of automotive repair or diagnosis or both. Repairs include work involving body collision repair, refinishing, brake, electrical, exhaust repair or installation, frame, unibody, front-end, radiators, tires, transmission, tune-up, and windshield.

Service contracts:

These contracts, issued by car manufacturers and independent companies, usually cover repair or replacement services for operational or structural failure due to defects in materials or workmanship. Call the ConsumerLine (Tape #147, see "For Further Information", on the back of this brochure) for more information.

Warranties:

There is no such thing as a "standard warranty" on repairs. Make sure you understand what is covered under your warranty and get it in writing. Warranties are usually subject to limitations, including: mileage, deductibles, businesses authorized to perform warranty work, and special procedures required to obtain reimbursement. Compare warranty policies. The repair facility must make available any express warranty provided by the repair facility to the customer that covers repairs performed on the vehicle. Call the ConsumerLine for more information (Tapes #145, #146 and #960).