Maryland auto repair estimate rules

Source: Md. Code, Com. Law Sections 14-1001 through 14-1009 (Automotive Repair Facilities)

Maryland does not require a written estimate up front; under 14-1008(a) the shop must inform the customer that they may request a written estimate for repairs costing more than $50 and may not be charged more than 10% over it without consent. On the customer's request, the facility must give a written statement with the estimated completion date, estimated labor and parts price, a liability-for-vehicle-damage disclosure, and any estimated surcharge. The facility may not charge more than 10% over the written estimate without the customer's consent. The facility is excused from a written completion-date promise for acts of God, strikes, unexpected illness, or unexpected parts/labor shortages - but is not excused from the 10% price cap for those reasons. A facility need not give an estimate at all if it declines to perform the requested repair. Separately, before beginning ANY repair work, the facility must give the customer a specific statutory rights-disclosure form (displayed conspicuously, physically separated from other terms, under the heading 'Customer's Rights') describing these same rights, which may be delivered orally only if the vehicle was towed in or dropped off after hours, with the oral notice logged in writing.