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Auto Talk
The Colorado Motor Vehicle Repair Act and you
When was the last time you experienced sticker shock at the auto repair shop? You thought the battery was dead, but the mechanic says it was a lot more complicated than that, while handing you a bill for many times the expected amount.
In Colorado, this should not
happen.
The Colorado Motor Vehicle
Repair Act, updated in 1997, offers consumers a measure of protection. Generally, it requires repair garages
to get written consent to any repair before work is performed.
A repair garage must also give an oral or written estimate of costs associated with a particular repair before proceeding with the work.
If a vehicle is towed to the site and left for repair after hours, repairs of no more than $100 may be made without written consent of the vehicle’s owner. Also, an owner may sign a waiver saying he or she does not need to approve any repairs in advance.
If diagnosis is required before a repair can be done, a written estimate of the diagnostic procedure should be provided, including: charges for the diagnosis; cost involved in disassembly; cost of reassembly should the repair not be approved; and cost of the parts needed to restore the vehicle to its former condition.
A garage also must notify the owner if used, reconditioned or rebuilt parts will be used in the repair.
The act says that a repair garage may not charge more than 10% over the estimate it gives for labor or parts (or $25, whichever is less), without consent of the consumer. If your mechanic or garage violates this law, you have grounds for seeking damages through small claims court.
Some vehicles are exempt from the Colorado Motor Vehicle Repair Act, including trucks weighing more than 8,500 pounds, farm vehicles, motorcycles, antiques (25 years old or older) and collector’s cars.
If you feel your repair shop has violated this agreement, or overcharged you beyond your expectations, talk to the service advisor first. If you do not get a satisfactory result, try going to the service manager or even the general manager, if it’s a dealership. At an independent garage, talk to the manager or owner — often the same person. If necessary, AAA Colorado will assist members to resolve any disputes that arise when using a AAA Approved Repair Facility.
To see the entire Motor Vehicle Repair Act text, visit www.aaa.com and click on “Automotive,” then select Repair and Maintenance. For a list of AAA Approved Repair Facilities.
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