October 15, 2026Written estimate required over $100, 3-month or 5,000 km warranty, maximum price: what Quebec's Consumer Protection Act guarantees you at the garage.
The written estimate before the work
According to the Office de la protection du consommateur, for a repair over $100 the garage must give you a written estimate before starting. You can only waive it in a document you write and sign yourself: a pre-printed form has no value.
- ✓Your name and address, and the garage's
- ✓A description of the vehicle
- ✓The nature and total price of the repair
- ✓The parts to be installed: new, used, remanufactured or rebuilt
- ✓The date and validity period of the estimate
A price that can't go up
The garage can't charge you more than the estimate total, except for additional work you authorized. If the mechanic finds another problem, they must talk to you before repairing it.
The 3-month or 5,000 km warranty
A repair over $50 is guaranteed for 3 months or 5,000 km, whichever comes first, from the time the vehicle is returned. If the problem comes back during that period, go back to the same garage, which must correct the repair.
The sale and installation of tires billed together isn't considered a repair under these rules, and the same goes for batteries.
What the garage must post
The garage must post its hourly rate and the main consumer rights for car repairs. Keep your estimates and invoices: they prove the date, odometer reading and work done if you need to claim the warranty.
