Oregon Auto Repair Law

Educational summary only – not legal advice.

Governing Law

·       Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 646A (Motor Vehicle Repair Transactions)

·       Related insurance repair statutes where applicable

1. Estimates — Before Any Work Begins

Written Estimate Required

Repair shops must provide a written estimate before performing any work.

The estimate must include: – Description of the general nature of the work – Labor charges – Parts charges – Incidental charges – Total estimated price (may be a reasonable range)

If disassembly is required to diagnose the vehicle, the estimate must separately list: – Cost of disassembly/evaluation – Cost of reassembly – Time required for reassembly if no further work is authorized

A copy of the estimate must be given to the customer before final payment.

2. Authorization Rules (Critical Dollar Threshold)

$200 Authorization Threshold

If any action will cost more than $200, the shop must obtain separate authorization before: – Diagnosing or evaluating the vehicle – Disassembling or removing parts – Performing repairs or maintenance

Over‑Estimate Approval

If additional work would increase the price by more than $200, the shop must obtain customer approval before proceeding.

Acceptable Authorization Methods

Authorization may be obtained by: – Written signature – Oral approval (date and time must be documented) – Electronic approval (email, text, fax — must be attached to estimate)

3. Changes to the Estimate

Once authorization is obtained, the shop must either: – Revise and re‑calculate the existing estimate, or – Void the old estimate and issue a new written estimate

Work may not proceed until this step is complete.

4. Charging Rules & Prohibited Conduct

Shops may not: – Charge for work not performed – Install used or reconditioned parts without disclosure – Substitute parts that differ from the estimate without approval

If new parts were listed on the estimate, used parts may not be installed instead.

5. Parts Return Rules

State law does not require automatic return of replaced parts.

General consumer protection law applies unless a shop advertises or agrees otherwise.

6. Record Retention

Repair shops must retain: – Written estimates – Revised estimates – Authorizations

Minimum retention period: 1 year

State law does not specify longer retention periods.

7. Disclosure Timing

All estimates and cost disclosures must occur before work is performed.

Used or reconditioned parts must be disclosed before installation.

8. Enforcement & Consequences

What Happens If a Shop Violates the Law

·       Improper charges may be challenged

·       Consumers may pursue remedies under Oregon consumer protection law

·       Complaints may be filed with the Oregon Department of Justice

The statute does not specify automatic fines or voided charges. General civil and consumer protection remedies apply.

What This Means for Consumers

·       You must receive a written estimate before work starts

·       Any work over $200 requires your approval

·       You cannot be charged for work not done

·       Used parts must be disclosed

·       You can challenge unauthorized charges

What This Means for Repair Shops

·       Written estimates are mandatory

·       $200 is the critical authorization trigger

·       All approvals must be documented

·       Estimate changes require re‑issuance or revision

·       Records must be kept for at least one year

Failure to follow these rules exposes the shop to consumer protection claims.

This document is intended as a practical compliance and consumer guide, not legal advice.