AAA Carolinas believes automobile owners have the right to expect fair and honest treatment when getting their vehicles serviced and repaired. To protect automotive consumers from abuses in the repair business, AAA endorses enactment of auto repair laws that require accurate representations to customers and prohibit deceptive practices.

AAA supports the rights of consumers to have their vehicles serviced at the repair facility they feel is most appropriate to their needs. AAA believes that all repair facilities and service technicians should have access to the appropriate data and diagnostic information necessary to repair any vehicle. Consumers should also have a choice in the replacement parts used in vehicle repairs.

AAA therefore urges that at a minimum, state laws require:

• A detailed description of specific actions that are unfair or misleading with appropriate civil or criminal penalties.
• A requirement that customer rights and responsibilities are prominently displayed at the repair facility.
• A written estimate of repair costs and a guarantee that the price will be within 10 percent of that estimate, unless otherwise authorized by the customer.
• Repairs to be covered by a warranty for 90 days or 4,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Replaced parts offered to be returned, which the exception of those that must be returned to the manufacturer under a warranty or refund policy.

South Carolina currently does not have a bill of rights for auto repair.