(815 ILCS 306/15)

Sec. 15. Disclosures to consumers; estimates.

(a) Disclosures required. No work for compensation that exceeds $100 shall be commenced without specific authorization from the consumer after the disclosures set forth in this Section.

(b) Estimated costs. Every motor vehicle repair facility shall either (i) give to each consumer a written estimated price for labor and parts for a specific repair and shall not charge for work done or parts supplied in an amount that exceeds the estimate by more than 10% without oral or written consent of the consumer or (ii) give to each consumer a written price limit for each specific repair and shall not exceed that limit without oral or written consent of the consumer. Either option shall include an estimate of the time necessary to complete the repair, if in excess of one working day. The estimate shall include the total costs to repair the vehicle.

Estimates shall include all charges to be paid by the consumer to complete the repair, including any charges for estimates and diagnostics. However, transactions involving the retail purchase of merchandise when a facility installs the merchandise as part of the transaction at the discretion of the customer for a firm price are not included. These transactions shall include but not be limited to tires, batteries, oil, and lube jobs.

(1) Description of parts. Motor vehicle repair facilities shall describe in the estimate the major parts needed to effectuate the repair and whether parts are new or used.

(2) Calculation of labor costs. Estimates shall indicate that the motor vehicle repair facility may use a combination of industry standard flat rate (time) manuals, actual time, or condition of the vehicle to determine labor costs. This disclosure mandate may also be fulfilled by means of a sign that provides the same information to the consumer. Such a sign shall be posted at a location that can be easily viewed by the consumer.

(3) Required or suggested repairs. Estimates shall indicate whether the estimated repairs are required or suggested.

(4) Disassembly and reassembly charges. If it is necessary to disassemble, or partially disassemble, a vehicle or vehicle component in order to provide the consumer with a written estimate for required repair or maintenance, the estimate shall show the cost of any disassembly or reassembly, or both, if the consumer elects not to proceed with the repair or maintenance of the vehicle.

(5) Date. The estimate shall include the date the estimate was prepared or the date the vehicle was presented to the motor vehicle repair facility for repair or servicing, or both, the odometer reading on the vehicle at the time it was left with the motor vehicle repair facility, and a promised date of delivery.

(Source: P.A. 90-426, eff. 1-1-98.)