Missouri Auto Repair Law

Educational summary only – not legal advice.

Missouri auto repair law is governed primarily by the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA). Missouri does not have a single comprehensive Motor Vehicle Repair Act. Instead, compliance is driven by consumer authorization principles, specific disclosure statutes, and broad prohibitions on deceptive practices.

Statutory Mechanics (Plain English)

Written Estimates & Authorization

• Repair facilities must provide a repair estimate before work begins and an invoice after work is completed. • Consumer authorization is required before performing repairs. • Additional or changed repairs require new approval before work is done.

State law does not specify standardized authorization forms or dollar thresholds; general consumer protection statutes apply.

Over‑Estimate Rules

• Shops may not exceed an agreed estimate without consumer approval. • Approval may be written or provable verbal authorization.

State law does not specify percentage or dollar overage limits; general contract and MMPA standards apply.

Parts Disclosure

Missouri Revised Statutes §407.295 requires disclosure when non‑OEM crash parts are used. Disclosure must: • Be attached to the estimate • Appear before work begins • Be in 10‑point type or larger • State that warranties come from the parts manufacturer, not the vehicle manufacturer

State law does not specify disclosure rules for non‑crash used or rebuilt parts; general consumer protection statutes apply.

Timing of Disclosures

• Estimates and parts disclosures must occur before work begins. • Invoices must be provided after work is completed.

State law does not specify additional timing rules; general consumer protection statutes apply.

Parts Return Rules

State law does not specify automatic parts return requirements. General consumer protection statutes apply if refusal is deceptive.

Record Retention

State law does not specify required retention periods for repair records. General business and evidentiary practices apply.

Enforcement & Penalties

Violations may result in: • Voided or disputed charges • Restitution or refunds • Civil penalties • Attorney’s fees • Attorney General enforcement actions

What This Means for Consumers

• Always obtain a written estimate before repairs begin • Approve additional work before it is performed • Review parts disclosures carefully • File complaints with the Missouri Attorney General if unauthorized or deceptive repairs occur

What This Means for Repair Shops

• Use written estimates and invoices consistently • Obtain documented authorization for all repairs • Provide mandatory crash‑part disclosures • Maintain repair and authorization records • Failure to comply may trigger MMPA liability

This document is intended as a practical compliance and consumer‑rights guide. It decodes Missouri auto repair law into operational rules for shops and enforceable rights for customers.