Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Wisconsin

Wisconsin car repair shops must get your authorization for any repair and must offer you an estimate if repairs cost $50 or more. No unauthorized repairs are allowed, but if you drop off your car before the shop opens with a note to do repairs, and you do not ask them to call you with an estimate, the shop can charge what it wants. When calling for additional repair authorization, they must tell you both the cost for the additional repairs and the new total cost of the job. The shop must return replaced parts to you if you ask for them before the repair begins, but warranty parts or parts exchanged for rebuilding need not be returned, however, the parts must be made available for your inspection. When work is completed, the shop must provide you with an invoice describing the repairs, the replaced parts, including whether they are used or rebuilt parts, and warranties for repairs or parts. There is no "standard" warranty on repairs, so make sure that you understand what is covered with any warranty, and you should get it in writing. Warranties may also be subject to limitations, including time, mileage, deductibles, etc. The Wisconsin Deaprtment of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Division of Consumer Protection may be able to assist you with any complaints, and they can be contacted at 1-800-422-7128, or on-line.