Manitoba introduces legislation to protect consumers against unfair car repair bills

Manitoba has proposed new legislation intended to protect consumers against unfair car repair bills.

The rules would apply to repairs done by businesses to vehicles such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles. They would not apply to repairs completed as part of a claim through Manitoba Public Insurance, since it has its own procedures and protective measures.

The new protections would require:

• consumers to be given an estimate for repairs,

• the final cost to be within a prescribed range of the estimate,

• repair work to be authorized by the consumer,

• parts to be kept separate and returned to the consumer in certain circumstances,

• clear disclosure and information for consumers through signs in the shop as well as the provision of invoices, and

• a warranty on new or reconditioned parts and labour.