The Repair Estimate
Com. Law § 14-1002 — a written estimate on request over $50, and 10 percent
In Maryland, before beginning repair work on a motor vehicle for which the customer is charged more than $50, an automotive repair facility gives the customer, on request, a written statement of the estimated completion date, the estimated price for labor and parts, any estimated surcharge, and a statement about its responsibility for damage while the vehicle is on its premises.
Ten percent, with consent. A facility may not charge a customer, without consent, any amount that exceeds the written estimate by 10 percent. A reasonable fee for making the estimate may be charged only if it is disclosed before the estimate is made.
Parts and the invoice. The facility tenders return of all replaced parts, except those owed to a manufacturer or distributor under a warranty, and gives the customer a copy of the signed invoice describing all work and parts, stating any used, rebuilt or reconditioned parts.
Court is still open. The subtitle does not prohibit an action for damages against a repair facility, or require a person to exhaust an administrative remedy first.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA verbal quote is all a shop owes | What the law actually doesOn request, a written statement of the estimated price before work over $50 |
| The assumptionThe final bill can exceed the estimate by any amount | What the law actually doesNot by 10 percent without the customer's consent |
Warranty disputes, insurance claims and a shop's lien for unpaid repairs are not all on this page. Whether a particular bill was lawful is a question for a licensed Maryland attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1002 — Automotive repair: written estimate and the 10 percent limit
- Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1003 — Automotive repair: invoice
- Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1004 — Automotive repair: return of replaced parts
- Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1005 — Automotive repair: other remedies preserved
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.