When The Shop Fixes The Car
MCL 257.1332 — a written estimate first, your consent to go over it, and your old parts back
Before beginning repair work, a motor vehicle repair facility gives the customer a written estimate itemizing the price for labor and parts as closely as possible. The cost of a diagnosis has to be in the written estimate before the diagnosis is done, whether or not the customer goes on to authorize the repairs.
The facility may not charge more than the estimate, or more than a limit the customer set in a signed waiver, without the customer's knowing written or oral consent, obtained after the facility finds the estimate is not enough and before the extra work is done. Without a waiver, an overrun of not more than 10% or $50, whichever is less, needs no fresh consent unless the customer asked for it. If the repair costs less than the estimate, the customer pays only the actual cost.
A customer who is told the price will run over and does not want the work done is responsible for the reasonable costs of returning the vehicle to the condition it arrived in, which the facility itemizes in writing.
A customer who asks for work without an estimate and agrees to pay reasonable costs up to a stated amount can sign a waiver of the right to a prior estimate. The waiver is printed in 14 point or larger bold capital type, a copy goes to the customer, it counts only if given voluntarily and with full knowledge of what it gives up, and it cannot be used to evade the act.
Replaced parts go back to the customer when the work is complete, except parts too heavy or large, parts that go back to the manufacturer or distributor under a warranty or exchange agreement, and fuel containers for safety. Parts that cannot be returned are offered for inspection, and the customer is told of the right to the parts before signing anything. Parts not returned are kept at least 2 business days after the customer takes the vehicle, unless the customer authorized their immediate disposal, and until the dispute is resolved if the customer questions the repairs or charges within 2 days.
When the vehicle comes back, the facility gives a written statement of the repairs it found needed, those requested and those authorized, its estimate and the actual cost, the work done with every replaced part identified as new, used, rebuilt or reconditioned, and a certification that the repairs were completed properly or an explanation of why not. It is signed for the facility and names the mechanics who did the diagnosis and the repair.
Double damages for a willful violation. A facility that violates the act is liable to a person damaged by the violation for the damages plus reasonable attorney fees and costs, and for double the damages plus fees and costs where the violation was willful and flagrant.
A facility displays its current certificate of registration where customers can see it, and puts its registration number on estimates, invoices, warranties and waivers. A sign at the entrance says where inquiries and complaints about repairs can go.
Sources for this section (4)
- MCL 257.1332 — Written estimates, consent to excess charges, and waivers
- MCL 257.1333 — Return and inspection of replaced parts
- MCL 257.1334 — The written statement on return of a repaired vehicle
- MCL 257.1336 — Liability of a repair facility for a violation
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Michigan attorney.