The Repair Estimate
RCW 46.71.025 — a written price estimate or the customer's choice, and one hundred ten percent
In Washington, before providing parts or labor, a repair facility gives the customer a written price estimate of the total cost, or offers a signed choice: an estimate in writing with a call if the price will exceed it by more than ten percent, a dollar limit, or no written estimate.
One hundred ten percent. The facility may not charge more than one hundred ten percent of the written estimate, not counting retail sales tax, unless before providing the added parts or labor it gets the customer's oral or written authorization, noted with the date, time, cost and the names involved.
If the rules were not followed. A facility that did not comply cannot recover in court more than one hundred ten percent of what the customer authorized, unless it proves its conduct was reasonable, necessary and justified, and the court may award the prevailing party costs and attorneys' fees.
- Materially understating or misstating the estimated price for a repair.
- Keeping payment for parts not installed, or work not actually performed.
- Charging for unnecessary repairs, meaning ones with no reasonable basis.
- Refusing to give the customer, on request and at no charge, a copy of any document the customer signed.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionThe estimate is only a starting point | What the law actually doesNo more than one hundred ten percent of it without authorization first |
| The assumptionA shop that skipped the estimate can still collect the full bill | What the law actually doesNot more than one hundred ten percent of what was authorized, unless it proves its conduct was justified |
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 Washington attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- RCW 46.71.025 — Written estimate required — Alternatives — Authorization to exceed
- RCW 46.71.035 — Failure to comply with estimate requirements
- RCW 46.71.045 — Unlawful acts or practices
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.