Can My Mechanic Charge More Than Quote?

If you’ve taken your car to a repair shop in Ontario, you have legal protections under the Consumer Protection Act and the Repair and Storage Liens Act. A repair shop cannot just surprise you with a huge bill without following certain rules.

Here’s what you need to know about written estimates, your rights, and what to do if you’re overcharged.

✅ If You Got a Written Estimate

When you ask for a written estimate, the repair shop:

• Must tell you the cost of providing the estimate.

• Cannot charge more than 10% above the estimate without your permission.

Example: If the written estimate was $1,000, the shop can charge up to $1,100, but no more than that.

Always ask for a written estimate and never sign a blank estimate or work order, because it gives the shop permission to do whatever work they want.

✅ If You Agreed to a Maximum Amount

Sometimes, instead of an estimate, you and the repair shop agree to a maximum repair cost.

• In that case, the repair shop cannot charge more than the maximum amount you agreed to.

❌ If There Was No Estimate or Maximum Amount

If the shop did not give you an estimate and you didn’t agree to a maximum amount, they cannot legally charge you for the work. They should have offered you a written estimate first.

✅ What a Repair Shop Must Do by Law

In Ontario, the law says a repair shop must:

• Offer a written estimate before starting work.

• Not do any work without your permission.

• Clearly display the cost of services and labour rates.

• Tell you if their staff works on commission for selling parts or services.

• Give you a detailed invoice when the work is done, including:

  • The date you authorized the repairs.

  • The date the work was finished.

  • The odometer reading when the repairs were completed.

  • A detailed breakdown of parts, labour, and any other charges.

  • Information about any warranties.

  • Your rights under the Consumer Protection Act.

If the shop doesn’t follow these rules, you have the right to dispute the bill.

❌ Repairs You Didn’t Agree To

A repair shop cannot do work you didn’t agree to.

• If they do unauthorized work, you don’t have to pay for it.

• They also cannot keep your car for unauthorized repairs.

  
  

✅ What If You Don’t Pay the Bill?

• If the shop followed the rules and you agreed to the work, they can keep your car until you pay.

• If you don’t pay for more than 60 days, they can legally sell your car to recover the costs.

• But they cannot keep your car if they did extra or different work you didn’t authorize.

If you need your car right away, you can:

1. Pay the bill to get your car back.

2. Then take legal action (for example, sue in Small Claims Court) to recover overcharges.

   
   

✅ What to Do If You’re Overcharged

1. Talk to the Repair Shop Immediately

   • If they charged more than 10% above the estimate, more than the agreed maximum, or for work you didn’t authorize, ask for a refund.

2. Put Your Complaint in Writing

   • Write a clear complaint letter that includes:

     • Your name and address

     • The shop’s name and address

     • The date you authorized the work

     • The work done and the price charged

     • Why you disagree with the charges

     • How you want the problem solved (e.g. refund the overcharged amount)

     • A deadline for their response (3 weeks is reasonable)

   • Include copies of your receipts and documents.

   • Send it by registered mail and keep a copy for yourself.

3. Complain to the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery

   • If the repair shop doesn’t fix the problem, the Ministry can investigate and order the shop to follow the law.

4. Go to Small Claims Court

   • If you’re asking for $35,000 or less, you can sue the shop in Small Claims Court.

   • You must file your claim within 2 years of learning about the problem.

     
     

✅ Special Small Claims Court Process for Auto Repairs

If the shop won’t give your car back unless you pay, you can use a special process under the Repair and Storage Liens Act:

• Pay the full amount of the bill to the court (not to the repair shop).

• The shop must return your car within 3 days.

• The court then decides how much the shop should get and how much should be refunded to you.

Ask the court for Form 2 – Repair and Storage Liens Act and the Guide to Money Paid into Court.

Conclusion

In Ontario, a repair shop cannot charge you more than 10% over a written estimate and cannot do unauthorized work. If they overcharge you, you have the right to dispute the bill, complain to the Ministry, or take the shop to Small Claims Court.

If you’ve been overcharged or your car is being held unfairly by a repair shop, Situ Legal Services can help you:

• Write a formal complaint letter

• File a claim with the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery

• Represent you in Small Claims Court to recover your money.

  
  

👉 Click here to book a consultation and get professional legal help with auto repair disputes in Ontario.