New Hampshire Auto Repair Law

Educational summary only – not legal advice.

If you get your vehicle repaired in New Hampshire, state law gives you strong rights before, during, and after repairs:

·       You have the right to a written estimate upon request before work begins. The estimate must list the work, parts, labor costs, and an estimated completion date.

·       A repair shop cannot perform any work without your authorization (oral or written).

·       If the final bill will exceed the estimate by more than 10%, the shop must obtain your written approval before proceeding.

·       You may request the return of replaced parts before repairs begin (except warranty or exchange parts).

·       You must receive a detailed invoice after repairs are completed.

·       If a shop violates these rules, it may lose the right to charge you at all for unauthorized work.

If a shop does not comply, you may file a complaint with the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Bureau.

What This Means for Repair Shops

If you operate a repair facility in New Hampshire, RSA 358-D sets strict compliance rules:

·       Provide a written estimate when requested and do not pressure customers to waive this right.

·       Obtain customer authorization before starting any repair work.

·       Track costs carefully: if charges exceed the estimate by more than 10%, written customer consent is mandatory.

·       Post the required consumer rights notice prominently in your shop.

·       Return replaced parts when requested prior to repair (unless warranty return applies).

·       Issue a fully itemized invoice and retain records for at least one year.

Failure to follow these rules can result in voided charges, enforcement actions, and consumer complaints.

Statutory Mechanics (RSA 358-D)

Written Estimates

·       Required upon customer request

·       Must include itemized work, parts, labor, and estimated completion date

·       No dollar minimum threshold specified

Authorization Rules

·       Oral or written authorization required before any work

·       Additional work requires new authorization

Over-Estimate Rule

·       Written approval required if charges exceed estimate by more than 10%

·       Unauthorized excess work is not billable

Disclosure Timing

·       Disclosures must occur before work begins

·       Consumer rights notice must be posted conspicuously

Parts Return

·       Automatic right only if requested before repairs begin

·       Warranty/exchange parts exempt

Record Retention

·       Repair invoices must be retained for 1 year

Enforcement & Consequences

·       Unauthorized work = no legal right to payment

·       Enforced through the NH Attorney General and consumer protection statutes

Areas Where State Law Is Silent

·       State law does not specify penalties for missed completion dates; general consumer protection statutes apply.

·       State law does not specify dispute procedures for guarantees; general warranty and consumer protection statutes apply.

Primary Authority: New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, Chapter 358-D