Virginia Auto Repair Law

Educational summary only – not legal advice.

Virginia Automobile Repair Facilities Act (ARFA), Va. Code § 59.1‑207.1 et seq., enforced through the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (VCPA).

Core Legal Mechanics (Plain English)

Written Estimates

·       Required only if the customer requests one and the repair is expected to exceed $25.

·       Must be provided before work begins, except diagnostic work.

·       Must include labor, parts, description of work, and estimated completion time.

·       Shops must post a sign informing customers of their right to request a written estimate.

Authorization Requirements

·       No repair work beyond diagnostics may begin until the customer authorizes the estimate.

·       Authorization may be verbal or written.

Over‑Estimate Rules

·       Final bill may not exceed the written estimate by more than 10% without additional customer approval.

·       For vehicles 25 years or older, the allowable overage is 20%.

·       Any amount beyond these thresholds requires customer authorization before proceeding.

Disclosure Timing

·       Estimate disclosures and estimate conditions (including diagnostic fees) must be provided before work starts.

·       All required signage must be displayed where vehicles are accepted.

Parts Return Rules

·       Shops must offer to return all replaced parts.

·       Exceptions: parts subject to warranties, core charges, or manufacturer return agreements.

·       Even when parts cannot be returned, customers have the right to inspect them.

Invoices

·       Upon completion, shops must provide a written, itemized invoice.

·       Labor and parts must be listed separately.

·       Invoice must identify new, used, rebuilt, or reconditioned parts and warranty status.

Record Retention

·       State law does not specify a repair record retention period under ARFA.

·       General business and tax record laws apply.

Enforcement & Consequences

·       Violations of ARFA are treated as violations of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.

·       Consumers may:

o   File complaints with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office

o   Bring private civil lawsuits

·       Courts may award:

o   Actual damages

o   Treble damages for willful violations

o   Attorney’s fees

Charges made in violation of estimate and authorization rules may be deemed unlawful.

What This Means for Consumers

·       You have the right to a written estimate for repairs over $25 — but only if you ask.

·       Shops cannot exceed estimates beyond allowed limits without your approval.

·       You are entitled to inspect or receive replaced parts.

·       You must receive a clear, itemized invoice.

·       If a shop ignores these rules, you have legal remedies under consumer protection law.

What This Means for Repair Shops

·       Post required consumer rights signage prominently.

·       Train staff to obtain estimate authorizations before repairs.

·       Monitor repair costs to avoid unauthorized overruns.

·       Offer replaced parts back to customers and document refusals.

·       Failure to comply can result in consumer lawsuits, penalties, and attorney’s fees.

If the Law Is Silent

·       Record retention duration: Not specified by ARFA.

·       Mandatory written estimates without request: Not required.

·       Penalty schedule: Not specifically enumerated; enforced through VCPA remedies.

This document is intended as a practical, plain‑English decoding of Virginia auto repair law for consumers and repair professionals.