What does a written repair estimate show?
A written estimate lists each part and its cost, says whether each part is used or not original quality, and shows the labor for each repair and how it is figured. New York's DMV says a shop must give you one if you ask, and a reasonable fee may apply.
Can I ask for an estimate in writing?
Yes. New York's DMV says that if you request it, the repair shop must give you a written estimate of the parts and labor.
Can a shop charge for the estimate?
New York's DMV says the shop may charge a reasonable fee for it, and the labor part of that fee cannot be more than the shop's usual hourly rate. The fee differs from shop to shop, so ask before you agree.
What is on a written estimate?
New York's DMV says the estimate:
- lists each part and its cost
- says whether each part is used or not of original quality
- shows the labor charge for each repair and how it is calculated
Which other lines appear, such as paint and materials, or fees and taxes, depends on the shop and its estimating system. The DMV page does not list them, so they are not described here as required.
Can the shop change the price or add work without asking?
New York's DMV says a shop cannot charge more than the estimate, or do work, without your permission. If you give approval by phone, the invoice must show the date, the time and who approved.
What does the final invoice show?
New York's DMV says it lists each repair, each part replaced and its cost, the labor, the odometer reading when the car came in and at invoice, and whether each part is used or not of original quality.
What can I ask when I get an estimate?
- Can I have the estimate in writing, with each part and its cost?
- Is each part original quality or not?
- How is the labor figured on each line?
- What do the short codes on the estimate mean? (Codes can be used differently from one estimating system to another.)
- Will you ask me before charging more than the estimate?
General information only. This page does not say what any iDeal shop offers. Naming a source does not mean any iDeal shop is certified by it or affiliated with it.
Request a repair estimate
Tell us what happened and where the damage is. A person at iDeal Automotive Group will try to reach you and connect you with one of our body shops.
Got an estimate and not sure what it means? Tell us what you were given.
Use the estimate form Calls to this number are answered by iDeal Automotive Group, who connect you to one of our body shops. Ask for a specific shop if you have one.(917) 672-3726Read next
How do I choose a collision repair shop?It's your car, and in New York the choice of shop is yours, according to the state's DFS.
What happens if more damage is found after an estimate?A car can have more damage than anyone could see when the first estimate was written, and the estimate can change once it is found.
What does the check-engine light mean?A steady check-engine light means the car's computer found a problem and stored a code, and Consumer Reports says to schedule a check as soon as possible.