RCW 46.71.025
Estimate required -- Alternatives -- Authorization
to exceed.(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this
section, a repair facility prior to providing parts or labor shall
provide the customer or the customer's designee with a written
price estimate of the total cost of the repair, including parts and
labor, or where collision repair is involved, aftermarket body
parts or nonoriginal equipment manufacturer body parts, if
applicable, or offer the following alternatives:
"YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A WRITTEN PRICE ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS YOU
HAVE AUTHORIZED. YOU ARE ALSO ENTITLED TO REQUIRE THE REPAIR
FACILITY TO OBTAIN YOUR ORAL OR WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION TO EXCEED THE
WRITTEN PRICE ESTIMATE. YOUR SIGNATURE OR INITIALS WILL INDICATE
YOUR SELECTION.
1. I request an estimate in writing before you begin
repairs. Contact me if the price will exceed this
estimate by more than ten percent.
2. Proceed with repairs but contact me if the price will
exceed $. . . . . .
3. I do not want a written estimate.
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(Initial or signature) |
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Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . " |
(2) The repair facility may not charge the customer more than
one hundred ten percent, exclusive of retail sales tax, of the
total shown on the written price estimate. Neither of these
limitations apply if, before providing additional parts or labor
the repair facility obtains either the oral or written
authorization of the customer, or the customer's designee, to
exceed the written price estimate. The repair facility or its
representative shall note on the estimate the date and time of
obtaining an oral authorization, the additional parts and labor
required, the estimated cost of the additional parts and labor, or
where collision repair is involved, aftermarket body parts or
nonoriginal equipment manufacturer body parts, if applicable, the
name or identification number of the employee who obtains the
authorization, and the name and telephone number of the person
authorizing the additional costs.
(3) A written estimate shall not be required when the
customer's motor vehicle or component has been brought to an
automotive repair facility's regular place of business without
face-to-face contact between the customer and the repair facility. Face-to-face contact means actual in-person discussion between the
customer or his or her designee and the agent or employee of the
automotive repair facility authorized to intake vehicles or
components. However, prior to providing parts and labor, the
repair facility must obtain either the oral or written
authorization of the customer or the customer's designee. The
repair facility or its representative shall note on the estimate or
repair order the date and time of obtaining an oral authorization,
the total amount authorized, the name or identification number of
the employee who obtains the authorization, and the name of the
person authorizing the repairs.[1993 c 424 § 5.]
NOTES:
Severability -- Effective date -- 1993 c 424: See notes following
RCW 46.71.005.