Every year, hundreds of consumer complaints are filed over car repair services. To reduce the risk of disputes, the government has unveiled a new standard auto repair contract that requires the shop to state how much the customer can expect to pay. The new contract is scheduled to come into effect this month. Let''s hear from the Consumer Protection Committee.

Ko Meng-chun
Consumer Protection Committee
Originally the repair shop had estimated the car would need four repairs, but they only gave a quote for one. When the consumer went to pick up the car, the list of repairs had ballooned to more than 10 items, with a fee totaling NT$99,000. This is how the dispute arose. We’ll also require businesses to clearly state the terms of their shop warranty, for various parts, sheet metal repairs, or paint jobs. This will offer a more concrete assurance to consumers.

Auto repairs can be covered by a shop warranty of at least one year, or 20,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. The warranty does not cover problems that occur with car parts procured by the consumers themselves, or parts that are later modified outside of the shop. Once the rules come into effect, repair shops that don''t conform may be fined up to NT$500,000.