It's your car and your money. You can decline any repair a shop recommends, including extra work found after you approved a job. Saying no to a recommendation is normal, and a good shop will respect it.
What you may still owe
- Work you already authorized, such as a diagnostic or inspection fee you agreed to in advance
- Reassembly, if you agreed to a teardown and then decline the repair (ask about this before approving a teardown)
- Any storage charges the shop disclosed in advance, if you leave the car past the stated deadline
You shouldn't be charged for work you never approved. If a shop did work without your authorization, ask them to explain, and keep your written estimates and approvals.
How to say no
- “Thanks. I'd like to hold off on that for now. Please don't do anything beyond what I approved.”
- “Can you put that recommendation in writing so I can compare quotes?”
- “Which of these are urgent for safety, and which can wait?”
If a repair is a safety issue
If a technician says something is unsafe, like brakes or tires, ask them to show you and put it in writing. You can still get a second opinion before paying, but don't keep driving a car that may not be safe. Ask about towing it to another shop instead.
Getting your car back
In many states a shop can hold a vehicle until authorized charges are paid, so settle anything you agreed to before you leave. Rules vary by state. If you believe you're being charged for work you didn't authorize, your state attorney general's consumer protection office can explain your options.
On ShopCheck Auto you're never obligated to accept an offer, every approval is in writing, and screened shops pledge to respect your right to decline any repair.