A bill introduced in the New York Senate, S. 1949, would extend to repairers a broad range of new requirements for estimates. The bill, which its authors say is meant to curb "unnecessary car repairs," would impose extensive and detailed requirements upon repairers, requiring them to disclose more detailed information about labor charges on estimates and invoices, such as the cost of teardown and reconditioned parts use.
Following are some of the new requirements laid out in the bill:
• A description of the labor charges must appear on the estimate and invoice. Where the labor charge was based on a flat-rate calculation, the estimate and invoice shall indicate the manual used.
• The invoice must also disclose whether any part and/or service is covered by a warranty or guarantee and the duration of the coverage. Additionally, an explanation must also be provided as to what the customer must do for the guarantee to be honored.
• The invoice must indicate whether rebuilt or reconditioned parts were used.
• The bill establishes the right to a teardown estimate upon request, which would include the cost of the teardown, the price for putting the vehicle or component back together again and the time involved in doing the work.
• A description of current consumer rights regarding requesting an estimate, inspection of replaced parts and an explanation of the complaint process including the applicable statute of limitations would be required to be posted in the repair shop and on the invoice.
• Finally, the bill stipulates that customers have a right to copies of service records, parts and purchase orders upon payment of a reasonable duplication fee.
In an explanation of the bill’s purpose, its authors cite consumers’ lack of awareness of their rights with regard to auto repairs and say that shops deceiving consumers are harming the reputation of "honest shops."
"The reputations of the many reputable business people would be protected from the actions of the unscrupulous, who employ misleading advertising, charge for repairs not made or not needed and charge excessive prices for work actually performed," the explanation says.
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