The Repair Estimate
Veh. & Traf. Law § 398-D — an estimate in writing on request, and no charge over it without consent
In New York, on any customer's request, a motor vehicle repair shop makes a written estimate of the parts and labor for a specific job, and may not charge for work or parts beyond the estimate without the customer's consent. The shop may charge a reasonable fee for making the estimate.
The invoice. All work is recorded on an invoice describing the service work and parts, stating any used parts, and for vehicles of not more than eighteen thousand pounds, whether body parts are original equipment, non-original replacements or used. One copy goes to the customer.
A right to inspect. The customer, and an insurer that has paid or must pay the claim, may inspect the repaired vehicle and the replaced parts, except warranty or exchange parts, though replacement inflatable restraint systems are always open to inspection. On timely written demand, or for work authorized by telephone, the shop keeps the replaced parts until the vehicle is retrieved.
The shop of the owner's choice. Every shop displays a sign stating that an insurance company may not require repairs at a particular place or shop, and that the owner has a right to have the automobile repaired in the shop of their choice.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionThe bill can exceed the estimate once work starts | What the law actually doesNo charge beyond a requested written estimate without the customer's consent |
| The assumptionThe insurer picks the repair shop | What the law actually doesAn insurance company may not require repairs at a particular shop |
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 New York attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Veh. & Traf. Law § 398-d — Motor vehicle repair shop requirements
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New York attorney.