Repair-shop disputes generally come down to the same things: the written estimate, what was actually authorized, and the final invoice. Organize those facts and get a free letter outline; the full demand letter is in the $39 Case Pack.
| Estimate required | above_threshold |
|---|---|
| Threshold | $350 |
| Authorization to exceed estimate | written_or_oral |
| Cap on overage | 10% |
| Citation | N.C.G.S. Sections 20-354 through 20-354.10 (North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act) |
Source: N.C.G.S. Sections 20-354 through 20-354.10 (North Carolina Motor Vehicle Repair Act)
When a customer requests repair work that will cost more than $350 (including parts, labor, diagnostic work, teardown, taxes, shop supplies, and any incidental services), a North Carolina repair shop must prepare a written estimate before doing any diagnostic work or repair. The estimate must let the customer indicate whether they want replaced parts saved for inspection or return, and must state any daily storage charge after the customer is notified the repair is complete. A customer may waive the right to a written estimate in writing, specifying how long the waiver lasts. A copy of the estimate must be given to the customer before repair work begins. The shop may not exceed the quoted price by more than 10% without obtaining the customer's permission - a real-world example given by a state consumer-protection source: a $60 estimate could not be exceeded by more than $6 without new authorization. If the shop must disassemble the vehicle to diagnose the problem, the customer must be notified of the diagnostic cost first. A shop need not give an estimate if it declines to perform the repair.
Wherewithal is an organizational tool only. Not legal advice. Consider consulting a licensed attorney.