Tennessee Auto Repair Law

Educational summary only – not legal advice.

This document explains Tennessee auto repair law in plain English so that consumers and repair shops understand exactly what is required, what is prohibited, and what happens if the rules are not followed. It is based primarily on Tennessee Code Annotated § 66‑19‑104 and related consumer protection statutes.

1. Written Estimates & Dollar Thresholds

$250 Threshold – If requested by the consumer, a repair shop must provide a written estimate for repairs expected to exceed $250.

Charging Above an Estimate – A repair facility may not charge more than 25% above a written estimate unless: – The consumer gives prior approval, or – The shop makes a documented good‑faith attempt to obtain approval before performing additional work.

Unauthorized Repairs – Repairs not authorized by the consumer cannot be charged unless a good‑faith attempt (at minimum, an attempted phone call) was made to obtain approval beforehand.

2. Authorization & Consumer Rights Disclosure

Before any repair work begins, the shop must inform the consumer of their rights.

Written Authorization Requirements

If provided in writing, the authorization form must: – Include a heading titled “Consumer’s Rights” – Display the rights conspicuously and in readable type – Be clearly separated from other contract language

Oral Disclosure Option

If rights are provided orally instead of in writing, the shop must document: – Name of the person notified (or attempted to be notified) – Date and time of notification or attempt – Signature of the employee making the notification

Failure to Comply – Failure to properly disclose consumer rights voids the repair facility’s statutory protections.

3. Over‑Estimate Approval Rules

·       Any repair that would cause charges to exceed the written estimate by more than 25% requires prior consumer consent or a documented good‑faith attempt to obtain consent.

·       Approval must occur before the additional work is performed.

4. Timing of Disclosures

·       All consumer‑rights disclosures must occur before work begins.

·       Approval for additional repairs or increased cost must occur before performing the work.

·       Post‑repair notice does not satisfy the statute.

5. Parts Return Rules

·       Tennessee law does not require automatic return of replaced parts.

·       State law does not specify mandatory parts return upon request.

State law does not specify parts‑return requirements; general consumer protection statutes apply if misrepresentation or deception occurs.

6. Record Retention Requirements

·       Tennessee law requires documentation of oral disclosures and approval attempts.

·       The statute does not specify a minimum record‑retention period for estimates or authorizations.

State law does not specify record‑retention duration; general business and consumer protection laws apply.

7. Enforcement & Penalties

·       Non‑compliance can abrogate (void) the repair shop’s rights under the statute.

·       Violations may also constitute unfair or deceptive acts under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

Possible consequences include: – Unenforceable charges – Consumer restitution – Attorney’s fees and potential treble damages for willful violations – Complaints to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs

What This Means for Consumers

·       Always request a written estimate for repairs over $250.

·       Do not pay charges more than 25% above the estimate unless you approved them.

·       Unauthorized repairs are generally not your responsibility.

·       Improper disclosure can invalidate repair charges.

·       You have remedies under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.

What This Means for Repair Shops

·       Provide consumer‑rights disclosures before work starts.

·       Use compliant authorization forms or document oral disclosures precisely.

·       Never exceed estimates by more than 25% without approval.

·       Document all approval attempts.

·       Poor documentation can void your right to collect payment and expose you to TCPA liability.

Bottom Line

If you run a shop in Tennessee — documentation and disclosure are everything. If you are a consumer — estimates, approval limits, and disclosure failures give you strong protections.

This is Tennessee auto repair law, decoded.