537B.3  Required trade practices.

1.  If a consumer authorizes, in writing, repairs or service upon a motor vehicle prior to the commencement of the repairs or service, a conspicuous disclosure in substantially the following language shall appear on the authorization form or on a separate form provided to the consumer at the time of the authorization. 

ESTIMATE 

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO A WRITTEN OR ORAL ESTIMATE IF THE EXPECTED COST OF REPAIRS OR SERVICE WILL BE MORE THAN FIFTY DOLLARS. YOUR BILL WILL NOT BE HIGHER THAN THE ESTIMATE BY MORE THAN TEN PERCENT UNLESS YOU APPROVE A HIGHER AMOUNT BEFORE REPAIRS ARE FINISHED. INITIAL YOUR CHOICE:

. . . . . . . . Written estimate.                                                                                                 

. . . . . . . . Oral estimate.                                                                                                    

. . . . . . . . No estimate.

. . . . . . . . Call me if repairs and service will be more than $. . . . . . . 

2.  The form described in subsection 1, shall at minimum contain the following information:

a.  The date.

b.  The supplier's name.

c.  The consumer's name and telephone number.

d.  The reasonably anticipated completion date.

If a written estimate is requested, the supplier may write the written estimate on the authorization form or on another form. If the nature of repairs or service is unknown at the time that the estimate is given, the supplier may state an hourly labor charge for the work. If the consumer so requests, a copy of the written estimate shall be provided to the consumer prior to the commencement of any repairs or service.

3.  If a consumer orally authorizes repairs or service upon a motor vehicle prior to the commencement of the repairs or service, the supplier shall inform the consumer of the right to receive a written or oral estimate. The supplier shall note the consumer's response on the form described in subsections 1 and 2. If the consumer requests an estimate, the supplier shall provide the estimate to the consumer prior to commencing the repairs or service.

Section History: Recent form

  90 Acts, ch 1010, §3

Internal References

  Referred to in § 537B.6

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© 1999 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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