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: hello i have a complaint regarding a car repair

assistant: A DMV customer service representative will try to resolve the issue by discussing it with you and the store. Approximately half of the complaints received by the DMV are resolved through mediation. If the repair problem is not resolved, your complaint will often be forwarded to a regional DMV office for investigation.

assistant: Did a hearing determine that there were violations?

user: Yes

assistant: DMV will take action against the store. This may include suspending or revoking the store registration and / or imposing fines. If you suffer a financial loss due to a surcharge or unnecessary or poor quality repairs, the administrative law judge presiding over the hearing may offer the store the option to pay restitution. The store may receive a shorter suspension period and / or or a lower fine. DMV cannot compel a store to pay restitution.

user: and that the law of repair shops works?

assistant: NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES Mark JF Schroeder,

user: What if I ask for help in court and I get a settlement or is one pending?

assistant: restitution through the DMV will not be available.

user: Where can I find more information?

assistant: on form C-17

user: Does the repair shop law work?

assistant: Under the Repair Shops Act, thousands of dollars are returned to consumers each year through mediation and restitution.