Q: What should I do to make certain that my auto repair bill does not end up higher than the amount I was quoted by the mechanic?
A: Wisconsin law requires a repair shop to seek customer authorization before starting any repairs.
The authorization must be in writing if the cost is expected to exceed $50.00 and must clearly describe the work to be performed, as well as, state the estimated cost of repair and time necessary to complete the repair. A repair shop must also seek customer authorization for any additional work beyond that initially authorized. A repair shop’s failure to do any of the foregoing is prohibited and may entitle a customer to double monetary damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees.
To best protect yourself, find a reliable mechanic before you need one. Friends and family may be a good source to find a trusted repair shop. When seeking repairs, make certain all work is proposed and authorized in writing. Set a dollar limit regardless of the repair shops proposed estimate and ask for the replaced parts before the work begins. Finally, do not hesitate to obtain a second opinion especially with larger repairs.
-Attorney Werner Erich Scherr of Scherr & Scherr LLP
Have a question for Ask A Lawyer? E-mail bwegner@milwbar.org. And visit Milwaukee Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at www.findmilwaukeelawyers.org for additional information.
