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 need information about The "Consumer Bill of Rights"

assistant: Under the Repair Shops Act, you have the following rights when it comes to a repair shop

assistant: Do you want to request an estimate in writing?

user: do not

user: I would like more information but I don't know whether to go to the store

assistant: Don't be afraid to ask questions. Store management should take the time to explain repairs and required prices, discuss problems, and tell you about employee training and experience.

user: what records should you keep?

assistant: Keep all records, including estimates, invoices, work orders, receipts, warranties, and guarantees. In addition to their importance in the event that you file a repair complaint, these documents serve as your service record and could increase the resale value of your vehicle.

user: What if the store prepares a written work order?

assistant: If the store prepares a written work order, it must give you a copy.

user: What can I do if I want to send electronically?

assistant: Download the complaint report available at the link above to your personal device. Attach and then email the full report as well as any supporting documents to [protected email]. Email the full report as well as any supporting documents to [protected email]. Please note that DMV staff will contact you by email.