1. If a consumer authorizes, in writing, repairs or service upon a motor vehicle prior to the commencement of the repairs or service, a conspicuous disclosure in substantially the following language shall appear on the authorization form or on a separate form provided to the consumer at the time of the authorization.

ESTIMATE

 You have the right to a written or oral estimate if the expected cost of repairs or service will be more than fifty dollars. Your bill will not be higher than the estimate by more than ten percent unless you approve a higher amount before repairs are finished. Initial your choice: …………………………..  Written estimate. …………………………..  Oral estimate. …………………………..  No estimate. …………………………..  Call me if repairs and service will be more than $…………………….

Terms Used In Iowa Code 537B.3

  • Consumer: means a person contracting for, or intending to contract for, repairs or service upon a motor vehicle used primarily for farm or personal use. See Iowa Code 537B.2
  • following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute mean the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Motor vehicle: means a motor vehicle as defined in section 321. See Iowa Code 537B.2
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" may include the said district and territories. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Supplier: means a person offering to contract for repairs or service upon a motor vehicle. See Iowa Code 537B.2
 2. a. The form described in subsection 1, shall at minimum contain the following information:

 (1) The date.
 (2) The supplier‘s name.
 (3) The consumer’s name and telephone number.
 (4) The reasonably anticipated completion date.
 b. If a written estimate is requested, the supplier may write the written estimate on the authorization form or on another form. If the nature of repairs or service is unknown at the time that the estimate is given, the supplier may state an hourly labor charge for the work. If the consumer so requests, a copy of the written estimate shall be provided to the consumer prior to the commencement of any repairs or service.
 3. If a consumer orally authorizes repairs or service upon a motor vehicle prior to the commencement of the repairs or service, the supplier shall inform the consumer of the right to receive a written or oral estimate. The supplier shall note the consumer’s response on the form described in subsections 1 and 2. If the consumer requests an estimate, the supplier shall provide the estimate to the consumer prior to commencing the repairs or service.
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