3 Things to Do When You Disagree with a Car Repair Bill

Car mechanic illustration Car Repair (CPA and RSLA)

I do not agree with my repair bill from my mechanic, what are my options?

You take your car to a mechanic for repair work. You then receive an unexpectedly large bill. What are your options?

When you take your vehicle in for repair, your rights are covered under the Consumer Protection Act. Consider the following:

  1. Were you provided with a written estimate?
  2. Did you agree on the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the repair?
  3. Is the final cost more than 10% above the estimate or maximum amount you agreed to?

With the above in mind, you are better able to consider your options:

Option 1: Communicate with the repair shop.

If you feel that the mechanic has not followed the law, communicate with them directly in writing – by email or letter. Consider getting an assessment from another shop and send a copy of this assessment to your mechanic to help get your bill lowered.

Option 2: Pay under protest

If communication fails, your next option would be to pay under protest and take the issue to court (Small Claims Court if the amount is under $35,000.00).

Option 3: Do not pay the mechanic

If you do not pay, the mechanic has the right under the Repairer and Storage Liens Act (RSLA) to keep the vehicle until the bill is paid and to sell the vehicle after 60 days. Expect the mechanic to add storage costs to the bill. Instead of paying the mechanic you can pay the amount of the bill into court and file an application. You will then receive an issued initial certificate which you must provide to the mechanic who can object to the initial certificate. However, they must return the vehicle to you within three days of receiving the initial certificate.

Should you want legal advice or about your matter you may contact our firm and our team of professionals will be pleased to assist you.

By Victoria Mlynarczyk
Email victoria at malickisanchezlaw dot com
About the author:
Victoria is a licensed paralegal with experience representing and assisting clients in landlord and tenant board matters and civil litigation.