>California of course has such a law.  I
>
>n the state of Washington, the law is very similar.  You must be presented
>with a estimate which then becomes the contract for the work to be
>performed.  Your signing of that estimate is the contract execution to have
>the work done.  It can be interpreted that if there is no contract, the cost
>of the labor to the consumer is zero, as he did not contract to have that
>labor performed.  Parts of course are not covered and must be paid by the
>consumer.
>
>So if in WA you have work done on your car,  the registered shop neglected
>to provide you with a written estimate which you signed before work began,
>your obligation to pay for the labor part of the work is unsubstantiated
>although the parts are your responsibility.
>
>The shop cannot by law hold your car or file a lien for the labor as there
>was no contract for the work done.
>
>Interesting, but not unusual.  If you contract for work to be done on your
>house, via a contractor, who provides you with an estimate which you sign,
>you have an obligation to pay for that work when it meets the contractual
>specification.
>
>If the contractor fails to provide such a document...Q.E.D.
>
>To find out the requirements for having a licensed shop work on your car,
>you should peruse the state's DMV or similar web pages or contact your auto
>club or the state consumer protection office.  Make a copy of the rules and
>carry one in your car.  Shows the shop that you are a knowledgeable consumer
>and concerned about your side of reputable business dealings.

Wish there was something like this in NZ. Almost every mechanical
"workshop" will rip you off... finding an honest and competent
mechanic is HARD!
--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin
New Zealand
Fossil preparator
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut

HUMANITY: THE ULTIMATE VON NEUMANN MACHINE

DEMOCRACY: RULE BY THE LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR