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Every consumer, at one time or another, will face the need to get their car
fixed. Auto Repair rip-offs consistently rank as the number 1 consumer complaint
throughout the nation. How can you avoid these pitfalls and still keep your car
in working order? Consider the following.
TIPS FOR CONSUMERS
- Find an auto repair shop before you need one.
This will avoid the pressure of a last minute choice. Ask friends, family
members or co-workers to recommend repair shops they trust.
- Be certain the repair shop honors any existing warranty on your
car.
If not, you may be paying for parts or labor covered by your
manufacturer's or extended warranty.
- Be certain the shop is qualified to complete the necessary repair.
Ask if the shop has experience working on the same type of vehicle as
yours and whether they have done this type of repair before.
- Georgia law does NOT
require automotive shops to give cost estimates
for repair work to prospective customers. A verbal price estimate can
lead to misunderstandings as to the exact repair work promised at a
quoted price, and may be difficult to prove. Before authorizing automobile
repair work, fully understand what is and what is not covered and request
a written price estimate that includes:
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Itemized prices for both parts and labor for each repair to be made as well as the condition to be repaired.
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The type of replacement parts to be used, such as new (manufacturer's original or after market, independently manufactured), used, or rebuilt.
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A notation to contact you for approval before doing any additional work not specified in the written estimate or if the price exceeds the original estimate.
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You may want to consider getting a second opinion or take your car to another shop.
A legible copy of the repair invoice showing the repair work done to
correct the problem, an itemized description of parts and labor charges, as
well as any guarantees.
Ask questions if you do not understand anything contained in the ESTIMATE
or REPAIR INVOICE.
Contact the Office of
Consumer Affairs at 404-765-7616, the Georgia Attorney
General's Office at 404-656-4585 or Georgia's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-869-1123.
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