SLS at VT - Consumer

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AUTO REPAIRS

Assuming that the shop is willing to do the work and that the value of the work is over $25, you can demand that the shop provide a written estimate before they do the repairs. If your car isn't more than 25 years old, the actual cost can't exceed the estimate by more than ten percent. The repair shop is allowed to charge a reasonable fee for preparation of the estimate. The shop must offer to return any replaced parts to you unless the supplier is required to ship the parts to the manufacturer or distributor under a warranty agreement or for some other reason. Finally, except for work advertised on a single-price basis, auto repair shops must provide the customer a written invoice clearly indicating the charges for parts and labor and also indicating which parts are used, rebuilt, or reconditioned. (See Va. Code Title 59.1, Chapter 17.1)

DID YOU KNOW?

All you secret agents beware! Virginia law requires repair shops to tell the police about any vehicles with bullet holes, bullet-proof glass, or smoke screen devices. (See Va. Code section 46.2-109 )

CREDIT REPORTS

The Federal Trade Commission has required each of the three main credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to provide consumers with free credit reports every twelve months and has also required them to create a single website where consumers can request the reports online. Once you begin building a credit history, it's a good idea to periodically check your credit report for unexpected data. You should also check it two or three months before applying for a car or home loan. You might find reports of unpaid bills that aren't true, or you might discover that someone has stolen your identity and applied for credit under your name.

You're also entitled to a free report anytime you are denied credit, employment, or insurance based on the contents of your credit report. The company that denied your application will inform you if the denial was based on a credit report. In that case, you must contact the credit bureau directly. You should always check your credit report in such a situation to make sure the report is accurate. The denial of credit might have been based on wrong information.

If you do find wrong or outdated information on your credit report, inform the credit bureau. They will contact the creditor and try to verify whether their information is correct or not. If not, they must fix the report. If there is a dispute, you're entitled to have a statement of your dispute included in your credit report.

Virginia has joined a long list of states that allow consumers to put a security freeze on their credit reports. Starting July 1, 2008, Virginians can, with certain limitations, prevent credit bureaus from releasing any information in their credit reports to third parties. This is a useful tool in preventing ID theft. If you freeze access to your credit report, an ID thief will have a hard time opening credit accounts in your name because the creditor will have a hard time getting your credit report. Note that freezing access to your credit report can also make it more difficult for legitimate creditors to get your credit report which might create some hassles for yourself.

MORE CONSUMER INFORMATION

For more consumer information and tips, check out the FTC's consumer website.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU'VE FOLLOWED ALL OF THESE TIPS AND STILL HAVE A CONSUMER PROBLEM?

If you're a VT student, make an appointment to see the SLS Attorney.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website may not be current or valid. You must not rely on the information contained here without first speaking to a licensed attorney. Always speak to a licensed attorney regarding any legal issue you may have.

This page is located at http://www.legal.sga.vt.edu/consumer.htm.

This page was last updated June 10, 2008.