The Estimate
Written estimates are required unless the consumer authorizes a maximum amount they are willing to pay for the repair. The total cost of the repair cannot exceed the amount authorized.
The repair shop may charge for an estimate — if you are told in advance that a fee will apply and what the amount will be. The fee can include the cost of diagnostic time plus the cost of reassembling the vehicle. It can also include the cost of parts damaged and replaced while carrying out the estimate.
However, the repair shop can’t charge for an estimate if you go ahead with the work, unless you make them wait for authorization and they must reassemble your vehicle to make room for other work. If you authorize the work or repairs by phone, the shop is required to record the details of the authorization in writing.
If a repair shop asks you to sign a blank work order, don’t do it. If you sign, the repairer may argue you’re liable for whatever work it chooses to carry out, and it will be difficult to prove you didn’t authorize it.
A written estimate before authorizing any work provides some protection. The estimate must include specified information, including:
- Names of the consumer and repairer as well as the repairer’s address and other contact information.
- The make, model, vehicle identification number and licence number of the vehicle.
- An exact description of the repairs to be made.
- The parts to be installed and whether they will be new, used or reconditioned and whether parts provided by the original equipment manufacturer are to be used.
- Prices of the parts.
- Number of hours to be billed and how labour is calculated (i.e. an hourly rate or a flat rate, or some combination) as well as total charge for the labour.
- Total amount to be billed.
- The date the estimate is given and the date after which it no longer applies.
- The date when the work and repairs will be completed.
Remember, the total cost of repairs may not exceed the amount in the estimate by more than 10 per cent.
