New York auto repair estimate rules

Source: N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 398-d (Motor Vehicle Repair Shop Registration Act); 15 NYCRR Part 82

Upon a customer's request, a New York motor vehicle repair shop must make a written estimate of the parts and labor necessary for a specific job, and may not charge for work done or parts supplied IN EXCESS OF THE ESTIMATE WITHOUT THE CUSTOMER'S CONSENT - there is no statutory percentage or dollar tolerance built in, meaning any overage at all requires fresh consent (similar to California's zero-buffer approach). The shop may charge a reasonable fee for making the estimate. All work must be recorded on an invoice describing service performed and parts supplied, disclosing if any parts are used, and disclosing if any component system mixes new and used parts. Estimators writing auto body repair estimates must hold a valid estimator's license issued by the Commissioner. Replaced parts must be made available to the customer upon timely written demand.