§ 4904A. Estimate requirements for auto repair work.
275 words·~1 min read·
/de/title-6/4904aA research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
(a)Written estimate and authorization requirements. — Unless waived pursuant to subsection
(b)of this section by the customer or by a person the auto repair facility reasonably believes is acting on the customer’s behalf, the automotive repair facility shall, before beginning any auto repair work and/or transmission repair diagnosis on a motor vehicle, give the customer a written statement which contains:
(1)The estimated completion date;
(2)The estimated price for the auto repair work including parts and labor; and
(3)The estimated surcharge, if any.
(b)Oral estimates and authorization. — If a customer or a person the auto repair facility reasonably believes is acting on the customer’s behalf, waives his or her right to a written estimate, the automotive repair facility shall orally provide to the customer or a person the automotive repair facility reasonably believes to be acting on a customer’s behalf the estimated price and completion date before beginning any auto repair work; provided however, that the person giving the oral estimate shall make a written record of the requirements set forth in paragraphs (a)(1) through
(3)of this section, sign or initial the written document and retain such document for a period of no less than 2 years.
(c)Prohibited charges. — An automotive repair facility shall not charge a customer without the consent of the customer or a person the automotive repair facility reasonably believes is acting on behalf of the customer any amount which exceeds the estimate by 20% or $50, whichever is less. Any charges which exceed 20% or $50, whichever is less, must comply with the requirements of subsections
(a)and
(b)of this section.