Oregon auto repair estimate rules

Source: ORS 646A.480 through 646A.495

Oregon requires a vehicle repair shop to prepare a written cost estimate before beginning ANY work - this is unconditional, not triggered only by customer request or a dollar threshold. A copy must be given to the owner (as a separate document or as part of the invoice) no later than before final payment, and the shop must retain its own copy. If the estimate shows a job will cost the owner more than $200, the shop needs a SEPARATE authorization from the owner (or an owner-designated third party) before evaluating, disassembling, or performing labor beyond what was estimated. That separate $200-trigger authorization can only be waived if the owner receives an explanation of the requirement and signs a distinct document, directly under a clearly identified waiver statement - a notably more formal waiver process than most states. If actual costs will exceed the estimate by more than 10% or $200 (whichever is LESS), the shop must cross out and revise the estimate, or prepare an entirely new one and void the old, before getting authorization to proceed.