§ 14-1002. Written estimate for repair work

   (a) Written estimate required; fee. --

   (1) Before beginning any repair work on a motor vehicle for which a customer is charged more than $ 50, an automotive repair facility shall give the customer on the customer's request a written statement which contains:

      (i) The estimated completion date;

      (ii) The estimated price for labor and parts necessary to complete the work;

      (iii) A clear statement that while the customer's motor vehicle is on the premises of the automotive repair facility, the automotive repair facility may not be responsible for damage to the customer's motor vehicle under certain circumstances, and that the customer should ask a representative of the automotive repair facility about the extent of its responsibility, including the extent of the insurance coverage of the automotive repair facility; and

      (iv) The estimated surcharge, if any.

   (2) If the fee is disclosed to the customer before the estimate is made, the automotive repair facility may charge a reasonable fee for making the estimate.

(b) Prohibited charges. -- An automotive repair facility may not charge a customer without his consent any amount which exceeds the written estimate by 10 percent.

(c) When repair delay excused. -- An automotive repair facility is not liable for breach of the written estimated completion date for a repair if the delay is caused by:

   (1) An act of God;

   (2) Strike;

   (3) Unexpected illness; or

   (4) Unexpected shortage of labor or parts.

(d) When written estimate not required. -- This section does not require an automotive repair facility to give a written estimate if the facility does not agree to perform the requested repair work.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 83, § 51; 1975, ch. 49, § 3; 1976, ch. 668; 1984, ch. 255; 1985, ch. 649; 2008, ch. 530.