Consumer Law at Your Fingertips

Motor Vehicles

Motor Vehicle Repair

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) regulates unfair and deceptive business practices. DATCP has adopted a rule to protect consumers in motor vehicle repair transactions. Violators may be prosecuted, and there is a private remedy for consumers. Among other things, the rule:

• Requires shops to offer repair estimates and document repair transactions.
• Prohibits unfair repair practices, including unauthorized repairs and repair charges that exceed the shop’s estimate.
• Requires shops to get customer authorization for additional repairs.
• Prohibits shops from misrepresenting that repairs are necessary.

For more information, see Motor Vehicle Repair details.