Taking your vehicle in for repairs is always a little bit stressful. For one thing, your car, SUV, or truck isn't operating the way it should, and that's bad enough. But you also know that any trip to the mechanic is an unplanned expense, and it could add up to a lot of money. We can't do much about all that, but we can help you understand the process and the paperwork involved. That means you can be confident you're getting the repairs you need, and you can approve the price before you commit to the work.
Asking a repair shop to fix your car is a legal contract, whether it's a dealer, chain repair shop, or an independent mechanic. The transaction is governed by state laws, and the laws are designed to protect both the mechanic and the customer. One legal requirement in most places is a written work estimate, signed by the customer, before the shop can bill for any work. Understanding your mechanic's repair order is key to staying on top of your repair bills.