The Repair Estimate
G.S. 20-354.3 — a written estimate over $350, and ten percent
In North Carolina, when repair work will cost a customer more than three hundred fifty dollars, counting parts, labor, diagnosis, teardown, taxes and supplies, the shop prepares a written estimate before any diagnostic work or repair, unless the customer waives it in writing.
Ten percent, then a call. If the actual charges will exceed the written estimate by more than ten percent, the customer is promptly notified of the additional work and its cost, and authorizes, modifies or cancels the order. Charging more than the estimate and any authorized increase, plus ten percent, violates the Article.
No waiver as a condition, and the car comes back. A shop may not require a customer to waive these rights as a condition of repair, and any charge for an estimate is disclosed first and authorized in writing. Nor may it keep the vehicle over charges above the estimate plus ten percent, once the customer has paid the estimate, the authorized amounts and ten percent.
Parts. On request when authorizing the work, the customer may inspect removed parts, or have them returned absent a warranty or exchange program. Parts not picked up within two business days after the repaired vehicle is delivered may be discarded or sold.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA shop can make waiving the estimate the price of the repair | What the law actually doesRequiring a waiver as a condition of repair violates the Article |
| The assumptionThe bill can run any amount over the estimate | What the law actually doesNot more than ten percent over without notice and authorization |
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 North Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- G.S. 20-354.3 — Written motor vehicle repair estimate and disclosure statement required
- G.S. 20-354.4 — Charges for motor vehicle repair estimate; requirement of waiver of rights prohibited
- G.S. 20-354.5 — Notification of charges in excess of repair estimate; prohibited charges; refusal to return vehicle prohibited
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.