Ontario Auto Repair Laws - FAQ

 

Get all of your questions answered regarding Ontario auto repair laws

Ontario Auto Repair Laws: FAQ

1. Am I protected if I don't get my vehicle repaired at a dealership?

Yes. Part VI of the Consumer Protection Act, Repairs to Motor Vehicles and Other Goods applies to any place that provides you with motor vehicle repairs, including:

  • Motor vehicle dealerships with repair facilities

  • Used car lots with repair facilities

  • Neighbourhood garages

  • Auto body repair shops

  • Muffler shops

 

Ontario auto repair laws apply to local repair shops as well as dealerships

2. Does a mechanic need to give you a written estimate?

According to the Consumer Protection Act, your repair shop must provide you with a written estimate before they can charge you.

You can, however, decline a written estimate and agree on a maximum amount you are willing to pay, if you prefer. If you choose this route, then your final cost cannot exceed your maximum agreed upon amount.

3. Can a mechanic charge more than what I was quoted for a repair?

The price that you are charged cannot be more than 10% above your written estimate. If you declined a written estimate and agreed on a maximum amount you are willing to pay, then your final cost cannot exceed your maximum agreed upon amount.

 

The final price you pay cannot be more than 10% or your original estimate

4. Can you be charged for an estimate?

Yes, however, the repair shop needs to let you know ahead of time that they are going to charge you for an estimate, and they must tell you how much it will cost before giving it to you. The cost of an estimate can include:

  • The time taken to examine your vehicle

  • The time taken to put your vehicle back together after the examination

  • The cost of parts that may get damaged during the examination or reassembly

*Remember: For your own protection, never sign a blank work order. Blank work orders give the shop the freedom to make any type of repair they think necessary and to charge you for the work even if you don't agree to it.

 

Never sign a blank work order

5. What information needs to be included on your written estimate?

The following information should be included on your written estimate:

  • The contact detail of your repair shop, including the name and address

  • The date when the estimate was given and when it expires

  • The date when the work will be completed

  • Your name

  • The make, model, licence number and VIN (vehicle identification number)

  • A detailed explanation of the repairs to be carried out

  • A list of any parts to be installed and if they are new, used, rebuilt or remanufactured parts

  • Whether the parts used will be made by the original equipment manufacturer

  • The price of each individual part

  • The cost for labour, including a breakdown of how it is to be calculated - whether it will be a flat or hourly rate or a combination of both

  • The total amount to be charged

 

Your estimate should state whether the parts installed were new, used, rebuilt, or remanufactured

6. What information needs to be included on your final invoice?

Similar to your written estimate, your final invoice needs to include:

  • Your name

  • The contact detail of your repair shop, including the name and address

  • The make, model, licence number and VIN (vehicle identification number)

  • The odometer reading on your vehicle when it went into the shop and when it was returned

  • A list of any parts to be installed and if they are new, used, or reconditioned parts

  • Whether the parts used will be made by the original equipment manufacturer

  • The price of each individual part

  • The cost for labour, including a breakdown of how it is to be calculated whether it will be a flat or hourly rate or a combination of both

  • A list of any shop supplies charged to you that weren't included in normal operating costs

  • The terms of the warranty given by the repair shop for each part installed in your vehicle and for the labour to install it

  • The total amount charged

 

Ontario Auto Repair Laws: Your invoice needs to give you a breakdown of labour charges

7. Do mechanics need to give you warranty on repairs that they do?

According to the Consumer Protection Act, parts and labour will generally have a minimum 90 day or 5,000km warranty (whichever comes first). A repair shop can give you coverage beyond this minimum warranty.

If your vehicle becomes unsafe to drive or breaks down as a result of a repair during your warranty period, you should take it back to your repair shop. If you are too far from your original mechanic, then take it to the closest place available.

Your original repair shop will then need to reimburse you for the fee to do the repair along with any reasonable towing costs.

 

If your vehicle breaks down, take it back to your repair shop

8. What do you do if you are unhappy with a repair that was done?

Step 1: Contact your repair shop and explain why you are unhappy.

Step 2: If they don't address your concern to your satisfaction, send your complaint to them in writing, either by registered letter or by email. Keep a copy of your correspondence.

Step 3: If they still won't do anything about the issue, file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Consumer services by either:

9. Who do you report a bad mechanic to in Ontario?

You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Consumer Services by doing one of the following:

 

Go to the Ministry of Consumer Services website to make a complaint

10. What are the consequences for not paying your repair bill?

According to the Consumer Protection Act, if you don't pay your repair bill, then your repair shop has the right to keep your vehicle.

If they give you your vehicle back and you still don't pay your bill, then they are allowed to register a lien against your vehicle.

This means that they could have your vehicle seized. They can then sell or donate your vehicle after giving you advanced notice.

 
 

YOU CAN TRUST HANSMA TO HONOUR Ontario AUTO REPAIR LAWS

Hansma Automotive is a trustworthy auto repair shop that will honour all your rights laid out in Ontario's auto repair laws.

That's why you can trust us with all your auto repairs. Here's what our customers have to say about our reputation:

“Great place, friendly staff and the only place I trust my car with now. I highly recommend this place. Trustworthy”
— Arash Tehrani
“Extremely honest, friendly, and quick service. I trust the team at Hansma completely with both of my vehicles!”
— Ryan Campagnola
“The best and most honest service I have ever experienced at a mechanic, hands down. I’ve had just about everything done on my vevicles here from maintenance, winter tire purchase, collision assessment and major part replacement and repair”
— Monique LePage
 

If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, you can trust Hansma with all of your car repairs. As a Tech-Net professional auto repair facility, Hansma Automotive is committed to serving you, our customer, with professional auto service repair at a reasonable cost.

We use quality CARQUEST auto parts, guaranteed coast to coast. We stand on sound business principles and uphold high ethical standards. Our goal is to make your automotive repair experience friendly and successful.

Many hundreds of area residents have come to depend on our team and rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep their family vehicles in peak running condition. Book an appointment now.