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have been filed against prospective mechanics.
• • Look for mechanics currently certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (www.ase.com) or who belong to your insurer's authorized repair network.
• • If your car's warranty is still in force, you may be required to use only authorized dealerships.
•
• If your car needs major work, gather several estimates for comparison. Once you've chosen a shop, ask for a detailed estimate (with no sections left blank) before you authorize repairs. Specify that you must be called to grant permission before additional repairs. Make sure the work order clearly specifies:
• • Repairs to be done.
• • All fees, including parts, labor, storage, loaner car, etc.
• • Whether new, reconditioned, or used parts will be used.
• • Acceptable payment methods.
• • Completion date.
• • Diagnostic or reassembly charges if you decide to get a second opinion or have the work done elsewhere.
•
• Make sure the final repair bill contains itemizes all work completed and parts used. (Ask them to show you the work done and replaced parts.) Also have the bill

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