Colorado Motor Vehicle Repair Act - Know Your Rights!

Colorado Motor Vehicle Repair Act

In Colorado consumers have legal rights when it comes to repair of their motor vehicles. The Colorado Motor Vehicle Repair Act () states that no repairs can be made to a vehicle without written consent of the owner which includes an estimate of repairs.

The MVRA does not apply to:

• Trucks over 8500 lbs
• Farm vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Antique cars (25+ years old)

The estimate must include:

• Total cost of repairs excluding tax and towing
• Completion date
• Whether the customer wants the replaced parts returned
• Cost of reassembly if the customer chooses not to have the work done

Exceptions: Consent for repair must be written UNLESS:

• Customer signs a waiver of right to an estimate
• Estimate is after diagnosis or disassembly necessary to determine the problem
• Estimate is for additional charges
• Vehicle is towed in or dropped off outside of business hours in which case no more than $100 worth of repairs may be done without consent

If the estimate falls under the exceptions listed above, consent must be obtained orally and recorded in writing.  Information to be recorded on the estimate includes:

• Date
• Time of call
• Phone number called
• Manner of consent
• Person’s name giving consent
• Employee’s name who receives the consent

If used or rebuilt parts are used these must be approved by the customer.