What consumer protections exist in the automotive repair industry?

In South Carolina, consumers are protected in automotive repairs by both state and federal laws. On the state level, the South Carolina Automotive Repair Act defines what the automotive repair industry is and the responsibilities of the automotive shop and the consumer. The Act requires repair shops to provide written estimates of repair costs upon request and prohibits shops from charging for additional services without written notice and authorization from the customer. It also requires reputable shops to guarantee the parts and labor for repairs and provides rules for displaying signs and contracts to inform customers of their rights. On the federal level, the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Used Car Rule protects consumers when purchasing used vehicles from a dealership or private sale. This Rule protects consumers from being misled and requires dealers to provide a Buyer’s Guide disclosing key information such as any warranty coverage, the condition of the car, and whether the car is being sold “as is” or with a warranty. Finally, the Motor Vehicle Repair Act, also known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, protects consumers from being misled regarding the purchase of extended warranties. The Act requires suppliers of warranties to clearly state the terms of the warranty, the remedies available to the consumer, and the percentage of repair costs covered by the warranty. Consumers are also provided with the right to cancel an extended warranty within 30 days without penalty. Overall, South Carolina provides many protections to consumers in the automotive repair industry, both on the state and federal level. Consumers should be mindful of their rights before entering into any agreement with a repair shop and should understand the coverage they are being provided.

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What consumer protections exist in the automotive repair industry?

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