Arkansas Auto Repair Law

Educational summary only – not legal advice.

Arkansas does not have a single, comprehensive “Auto Repair Act.” Instead, repair transactions are governed by general contract law, the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, limited parts‑disclosure statutes, insurance regulations, and (for new vehicles) the Arkansas Lemon Law. This document explains what the law actually requires, what it is silent on, and what that means in practice for both consumers and repair shops.

1. Written Estimates & Authorization

What the Law Requires

·       State law does not require a written estimate for all auto repairs.

·       State law does not require a signed authorization form before repairs begin.

·       No dollar threshold (e.g., $50, $100, or percentage over estimate) is set by statute.

Repairs are governed by the agreement between the customer and the shop, whether written or oral.

What the Law Is Silent On

·       Dollar limits triggering authorization

·       Mandatory written authorization forms

·       Required estimate formatting (labor vs. parts)

When the law is silent, general contract and consumer‑protection statutes apply.

2. Aftermarket / Non‑OEM Crash Parts (Statutory Requirement)

Arkansas does regulate estimates involving aftermarket crash parts.

Mandatory Disclosure

If an estimate (by a shop or insurer) includes non‑OEM aftermarket crash parts: – The estimate must clearly identify those parts – A written disclosure (minimum 10‑point type) must state that: – The parts are not manufactured by the vehicle manufacturer, and – Any warranty comes from the parts manufacturer or distributor, not the automaker

Timing

·       This disclosure must appear on the written estimate, meaning before repairs are authorized.

3. Over‑Estimate Approval Rules

What the Law Requires

·       No statutory rule requires shops to obtain approval before exceeding an estimate.

Practical Effect

·       Any dispute over “going over the estimate” is resolved under contract law:

o   What was authorized?

o   What was reasonably implied?

o   Was the customer informed?

Best practice: written approval for supplemental work.

4. Disclosure Timing (Before vs. After Work)

Required by Law

·       Aftermarket crash‑parts disclosure: before work, on the estimate

Not Specified by Law

·       Timing of general price disclosure

·       Timing of labor/diagnostic charges

If the law is silent, general consumer protection standards apply.

5. Parts Return Rules

What the Law Requires

·       Arkansas law does not require automatic return of replaced parts.

What This Means

·       Shops may discard parts unless:

o   The customer requests return in advance, or

o   The repair contract requires it

Recommendation: customers should request old parts in writing before repairs.

6. Record Retention Requirements

What the Law Requires

·       No statutory minimum retention period for estimates, repair orders, or authorizations.

What Applies Instead

·       General business, tax, warranty, and consumer‑protection record principles

7. Enforcement & Remedies

Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (ADTPA)

Shops may not: – Misrepresent repairs or parts – Conceal material facts – Engage in deceptive billing practices

Violations may result in: – Attorney General enforcement – Civil penalties – Consumer restitution

Unauthorized Repairs

·       Since no written authorization is required by statute, disputes hinge on consent.

·       Repairs done without authorization may be unenforceable as a contract.

Lemon Law (New Vehicles Only)

For new vehicles under warranty: – Repeated failed repairs may trigger refund or replacement rights – Written repair orders are essential

8. Insurance‑Related Rules

·       Insurers cannot require consumers to use a specific repair shop

·       Consumers always retain the right to choose their repair facility

What This Means for Consumers

·       You are not automatically entitled to a written estimate — ask for one

·       Always get price and scope in writing before approving repairs

·       Aftermarket crash parts must be disclosed on the estimate

·       Request old parts in advance and in writing if you want them returned

·       Disputes are handled under contract and consumer‑protection law

·       New‑vehicle owners should keep all repair documentation for lemon‑law protection

What This Means for Repair Shops

·       Written estimates are not mandatory, but strongly recommended

·       Aftermarket crash‑parts disclosures are legally required

·       No statutory authorization thresholds — but clear customer consent is critical

·       Document approvals for supplements to avoid disputes

·       No mandated record‑retention period, but retention is essential for defense

·       Deceptive practices expose shops to Attorney General action and civil penalties

Bottom Line

Arkansas auto repair law is contract‑driven. If it’s written down and disclosed clearly, disputes are rare. If it’s vague or undocumented, general consumer‑protection law decides the outcome.

This page contains everything a shop owner or consumer needs to know to operate safely under Arkansas law.