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While it is impossible to avoid all problems associated with repairing a vehicle, there are laws in place to help you avoid a dispute or getting ripped off. If a mechanic is deceptive or misleads you in some way, you may have the right to sue them, and they may be subject to penalties.
Missouri has the following laws in place to protect consumers.
Any violation of these provisions is regarded as unfair settlement practices. In addition, an insurance company cannot require a vehicle owner to travel an unreasonable distance to obtain a repair estimate, have the car repaired at a specific repair shop, or inspect a replacement vehicle. If an insurer does require a particular repair shop, the insurer is responsible for restoring the car to its prior condition at no additional cost to the owner unless otherwise stated in their policy.
Before taking your car to a repair shop, complete some research to make sure you find a reliable mechanic. Ask family or friends for suggestions. When narrowing down your options, search for online reviews and contact your local Better Business Bureau to check a repair shop’s reputation. Additionally, you can see if any complaints have been made about the shop by calling the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline.
Once you decide on a repair shop, list all of the parts and areas of your vehicle that are damaged. Although not all damage is visible, pay particular attention to how it runs and feels when driven. When the mechanic tells you their diagnosis, you may not completely understand the technical terms. Take notes and be sure to get a cost estimate in writing. Instruct the mechanic to call you before any additional repairs are made that are not listed on the original repair order. If you believe unnecessary work is being recommended or you are unhappy with the estimate, it won’t hurt to get a second opinion.
1- What rights do I have as a consumer when getting my car repaired in Missouri?
In Missouri, auto repair shops must provide you with both a repair order (before work begins) and an invoice (after the work is done). These documents detail the repairs performed, helping you verify the services and protecting you if there’s a dispute later. Missouri law also prohibits deceptive or misleading practices under the Merchandising Practices Act, giving you legal recourse if a shop overcharges, performs unauthorized work, or misrepresents services. Additionally, insurers cannot force you to use a specific repair shop—you always have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired.
2- What can I do if I’m unhappy with auto repair work in Missouri?
If a repair shop overcharges you, performs unauthorized repairs, or provides faulty work, you have several options:
File a Complaint with state authorities.
Take the shop to Small Claims Court for financial recovery in straightforward disputes.
Consult a Consumer Protection Attorney for more complex cases or if your issue remains unresolved.
Keeping copies of your repair orders and invoices is key to supporting your claim. While mechanics in Missouri are not legally required to be certified, you may also want to ask if your technician holds ASE certification to ensure professional qualifications.
Jeff Singer, Managing Partner at Goldblatt + Singer for over a decade, is a seasoned personal injury attorney known for his compassionate yet tough advocacy. He has resolved hundreds of cases and recovered millions for clients. Recognized as a Missouri Super Lawyer and Top 100 National Trial Lawyer, Jeff also serves on the Missouri Bar’s Chief Disciplinary Committee and the Board of Governors for the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
This page has been created, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our thorough editorial guidelines. It was approved by our Founding Partner, Jeffrey Singer, who has over 30 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.
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