Manitobans will be better protected from hidden charges, incomplete information and fraudulent vehicle repair practices, Premier Greg Selinger announced.
“Most car repair businesses treat customers fairly but, unfortunately, there are some situations where consumers need protection,” said Selinger. “Our plan will take what many businesses do already as good business practices and make them the standard, helping to ensure that Manitobans know what will be done and how much it will cost to repair their vehicle.”
The increased sophistication of vehicles can make it hard for consumers to understand what is involved with repairs and often makes them feel vulnerable, said Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau.
“The complexities of today’s vehicles can create honest misunderstandings between repairers and consumers, but can also put consumers in a position where they do not receive all the information they need to make informed choices,” said Rondeau. “These new rules will provide greater protection for consumers and raise the bar for the industry.”
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.
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.
