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: can you give me details of The "Consumer's Bill Of Rights"


assistant: Pursuant to the Repair Shops Act, you have rights

assistant: do you want to know the rights?

user: yes

assistant:  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 .

user:  If the shop prepares a written work order?

assistant: it must give you a copy 

user: What Happens my Your Complaint?

assistant: A DMV customer service representative will try to resolve the problem by discussing it with you and the shop . About half the complaints received by DMV are resolved through mediation . If the repair problem is n't resolved, your complaint will often be referred to a DMV regional office for investigation 

assistant:  If a hearing determines there were violations?

user: it's not my case

assistant: you receive a court settlement or one is pending?

user: yes

assistant: restitution through DMV is not available .