Minnesota Auto Repair Law

Educational summary only – not legal advice.

Executive Summary

Minnesota law tightly regulates auto repair estimates, authorizations, and final charges. Written estimates are mandatory upon request for repairs over $100, final bills generally cannot exceed the estimate by more than 10% without approval, and customers have enforceable rights to authorization, disclosure, and parts inspection.

1. Dollar Thresholds

·       $100 threshold: Written estimate required upon customer request for repairs over $100.

·       Over-estimate cap: Final bill may not exceed 110% of the written estimate without customer authorization.

·       Upper limit: Statutes typically apply to repairs under $7,500. For larger repairs, state law does not specify additional rules; general consumer protection statutes apply.

2. Written Estimate Requirements

When requested and before work begins, the shop must provide a written estimate that includes: – Labor charges – Parts and materials – Services customarily included in the repair

A written estimate may also serve as the final invoice if it contains all required invoice information.

3. Authorization Rules

·       Repairs may not begin without customer authorization.

·       Shops must obtain authorization before charging for an estimate (diagnostic, teardown, or disassembly), including disclosure of how the charge is calculated.

·       If additional repairs become necessary, the shop must issue a revised estimate and obtain authorization before proceeding.

4. Over-Estimate & Price Limitation Rules

·       Final charges may not exceed 110% of the authorized written estimate.

·       Exceeding this amount requires customer approval based on a revised estimate.

·       Oral estimates are not subject to the 10% limitation.

5. Disclosure Timing & Required Notices

Disclosures must occur before work begins, including notice that: – Storage, service call, or estimate preparation charges are separate – Written estimates are available upon request

Repair shops must post a conspicuous sign explaining estimate rights and the 10% rule.

6. Parts Return & Inspection Rules

·       Customers may request return of replaced parts before work begins, except warranty parts.

·       Warranty parts must be returned to the manufacturer, but customers have the right to inspect them.

·       Shops may charge a reasonable fee if returned parts have resale value.

7. Record Retention

Repair shops must keep the following records for at least one year: – Customer name and address – Written estimates – Repair invoices

Records must be available for inspection by authorities and reproducible for customers upon request.

8. Enforcement & Consequences

·       Unauthorized charges are unenforceable.

·       Customers may retrieve their vehicle without paying unauthorized amounts.

·       Additional penalties are not specified in the statute; general consumer protection laws apply.

9. What This Means for Consumers

·       Always request a written estimate for repairs over $100.

·       You cannot be charged more than 10% over the estimate without approval.

·       You have the right to approve all additional work.

·       You may inspect or request replaced parts.

·       You can refuse to pay unauthorized charges.

10. What This Means for Repair Shops

·       Always offer written estimates upon request for repairs over $100.

·       Never exceed an estimate by more than 10% without approval.

·       Get clear authorization for diagnostics and additional repairs.

·       Post required signage and keep records for at least one year.

·       Failure to comply can void charges and trigger consumer protection actions.

Bottom line: If you run a shop or hire one in Minnesota, everything hinges on clear estimates, documented authorization, and strict price limits. Compliance protects both sides.