Smart Shopping for Auto RepairsYou can help avoid trouble with an unreliable or dishonest repair shop by following these tips : Deal only with a registered shop. Make sure there's a green and white " Registered State of New York Motor Vehicle Repair Shop " sign outside the shop and a valid New York State Department of Motor Vehicles DMV registration certificate inside. Use the " Find a DMV - regulated Business " service to find a registered repair shop in your area. Ask your family, friends and co - workers for advice on reliable repair shops in your area, as well as those you should avoid. Keep all records, including estimates, invoices, work orders, receipts, guarantees and warranties. Besides their importance in case you file a repair complaint , these papers serve as your record of service, and could increase your vehicle's resale value. If you authorize repair work by phone , write down the date and time, the name of the person you spoke with, any estimated price quoted, and other pertinent details. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Management of a shop should take the time to explain required repairs and prices, discuss problems, and tell you about the training and experience of employees. 

The "Consumer's Bill Of Rights" 
Under the Repair Shop Act , you have the following rights when dealing with a repair shop : Written Estimate If you request it , the repair shop must give you a written estimate of the parts and labor necessary for each specific repair. The shop may charge a reasonable fee for developing a written estimate , but the labor charge for an estimate may not exceed the shop's usual hourly labor charge . The estimate must list each part and its cost, and show what parts, if any, are either used or not of original quality. It must show the labor charges for each repair and by what method they are calculated. The shop may not charge more than the estimated price without your permission. Authorizing Work A shop may not perform any services unless you

user: I had some bad work done on my car and now what do I do to fix this?

assistant: You should attempt to resolve the issue with the management of the business. Don't forget to keep a written record of all contacts with management in addition to details about the repair. 

assistant: Would you like to know how to file a complaint online?

user: no, not yet I will try to fix the problem with the shop first

user: what happens if I end up filing a complaint and they are responsible?

assistant: DMV will take action against the shop. This may include suspending or revoking the shop's registration and/or imposing fines. If you suffer a financial loss due to overcharging or unnecessary or poor quality repairs, the administrative law judge presiding at the hearing may offer the shop the option of paying restitution. 

user: would I be correct in believing that the repair shop has to give me a paper listing what was done on my car?

assistant: Yes, it must give you a copy of a work order

user: I need this as proof , correct?

assistant: yes, you will need to have details about the repair

assistant: Do you have a Lemon Law complaint?

user: yes, that was me but this is different

assistant: We can tell you more about Lemon Law complaints when you are ready