| Have you ever been to a repair shop and the estimator told you it would cost $2,000 to do the repairs? But then at the end it was double or even triple and you are still scratching your head as to why? Here are a few rights you need to know before getting your car repaired at a body shop... | |
[example] Portion of the estimate containing the totals.
The written estimate must have a description of the exact repair, the estimated cost of the parts, labor, and the vehicles information including the vehicle information number (VIN) and odometer reading. All the parts on the estimate must be classified as new, used, rebuilt, recondition or aftermarket.
If the repairs to be performed exceed the original estimate due to additional damages that are found after teardown, which is common in the industry, then the customer must be made aware and must authorize the additional work before it is started by the repair shop.
The best tool for any consumer to protect themselves is knowledge. You can find more information using the links below. If you have been deceived you can file a complaint with the BAR below as well. For those of you reading this who are outside of California, your complaint form is accessible on your state's website.
B.A.R. Complaints: https://www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/bar/complaints.php
Helpful Guide for Auto Repair Shops: https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/WriteItRight.pdf
Training Center (Appraiser Skill Development): http://tbt.autoestimators.com
If the repairs to be performed exceed the original estimate due to additional damages that are found after teardown, which is common in the industry, then the customer must be made aware and must authorize the additional work before it is started by the repair shop.
The best tool for any consumer to protect themselves is knowledge. You can find more information using the links below. If you have been deceived you can file a complaint with the BAR below as well. For those of you reading this who are outside of California, your complaint form is accessible on your state's website.
B.A.R. Complaints: https://www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/bar/complaints.php
Helpful Guide for Auto Repair Shops: https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/WriteItRight.pdf
Training Center (Appraiser Skill Development): http://tbt.autoestimators.com
No one likes going to the auto body shop after a collision, but you must in order to sign off on the repairs. The Automotive Repair Act was created for auto repairs to be more transparent with customers when repairing vehicles.
Once at the shop the estimator may ask you to sign a repair authorization form, but as a customer it is your right to ask for a preliminary estimate breakdown of the repairs that are going to be performed. The duty of the auto body shop, per the Bureau of Automotive Repair or BAR, is to keep the customer informed, perform only the repairs authorized by the customer, maintain a written record of all work performed and parts supplied. The shop must also give copies of the estimates and the final invoice to the customer.
Once at the shop the estimator may ask you to sign a repair authorization form, but as a customer it is your right to ask for a preliminary estimate breakdown of the repairs that are going to be performed. The duty of the auto body shop, per the Bureau of Automotive Repair or BAR, is to keep the customer informed, perform only the repairs authorized by the customer, maintain a written record of all work performed and parts supplied. The shop must also give copies of the estimates and the final invoice to the customer.
About The Author - Sam Sarkisian is an Expert Auto Collision Estimator. You can find him training those looking to break into the profession as well as providing professional development for Advanced Damage Appraisers from all over North America at EstimatorSchool.com
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