No more car repair surprises: province

The Manitoba government says it is adding new protection to consumers from  unexpected or unfair vehicle repair bills.

Officials detailed the new rules Monday.

Under the new rules, repair shops must:

• offer written estimates to consumers for any repair over $100 and ensure final charges for the repair work are within 10 per cent of the estimate;
• provide a written invoice itemizing costs for parts, labour and other charges, which includes information about warranty terms and consumer rights;
• obtain authorization for repairs before they are made and record this information;
• provide warranties for all parts and associated labour, and disclose the terms of the warranties;
• offer consumers their old parts and provide them, if requested; and
• display a sign with specific information about rights and protections for consumers, as well as obligations of repairers.

The new regulations take effect July 1st.

“Buying a car is one of the most important purchases a family will make and we want to ensure we safeguard this purchase as much as possible,” Manitoba consumer affairs minister Jim Rondeau is quoted in a news release.  “These new rules for vehicle repairs will ensure that, when Manitobans are dealing with repair shops, they have greater protections and have the information needed to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.”