Ohio Auto Repair Estimate Rule (OAC 109:4-3-13, 2026): the $50 Threshold, 10% Limit, and the 5-Day Binding Quote Option

Updated 2026-10-17. Sources are listed at the end.

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Ohio doesn’t license mechanics, but the Attorney General’s consumer rule for motor vehicle repairs, Ohio Administrative Code 109:4-3-13, makes it a deceptive act to skip its estimate and invoice steps. The current version took effect March 21, 2026 and uses a $50 threshold (OAC 109:4-3-13, eff. 3/21/2026).

Jobs over $50: the estimate-choice form

When the anticipated cost is over $50 and you deal with the customer face to face, before starting work you must give them a form showing the date, your business, the customer’s name and phone, the anticipated completion date, and the anticipated cost if they ask. The form must include this wording, or wording substantially like it (OAC 109:4-3-13(A)(1)):

“Estimate. You have the right to an estimate if the expected cost of repairs or services will be more than fifty dollars. Initial your choice: ___ written estimate ___ oral estimate ___ no estimate”

You must also post a notice where customers are directed, or give it to them on a separate form. The notice says that if the expected cost is over $50 the customer can choose a written, oral or no estimate, and that the bill won’t be more than 10% over the estimate unless they approve more ((A)(2)). A mobile tech has no service counter, so hand over the separate form. The rule lets you combine these disclosures with your other paperwork as long as they’re legible and conspicuous ((D)).

Mobile note: the face-to-face section is written around contact “at the supplier’s place of business,” and a separate section covers jobs with no face-to-face contact. A driveway job doesn’t fit either neatly. The safe approach is to give every customer the estimate-choice form and the notice, which satisfies both sections.

The mobile-friendly alternative: a binding 5-day quote

Instead of the estimate-choice process, you can give the customer, before starting, a written quotation of the price that states it’s binding on you for five days, as long as the vehicle is made available within that period (OAC 109:4-3-13(F)). Mobile techs who quote flat prices already work this way. Just put the five-day binding statement on the quote. Build the number carefully, since you’re held to it: the job quote & profit calculator helps.

Going over: 10% means a call

If the customer asked for an estimate, you need their oral or written authorization before additional, unforeseen but necessary work that costs 10% or more of the original estimate (excluding tax). If no estimate was given on a job expected under $50, you need authorization before the total goes over $50 ((C)(2)-(3)). You can’t charge for anything the customer didn’t authorize ((C)(5)).

Disclose these up front

Per (C)(4), (C)(6), (C)(16) and (C)(17):

Before accepting the vehicle: if the customer authorizes starting but not finishing, you’ll charge for disassembly, reassembly or partial work. The charge must reflect actual labor and parts.
At first contact: any charge that applies whether or not repairs are done. For a mobile tech, that’s your trip fee and diagnostic fee. Say them on the phone, not at the curb. See trip fee calculator and diagnostic fees.
Before work: if a subcontractor will do part of the job and you disclaim warranty on their work, and if any parts are remanufactured, rebuilt or used.
Don’t make service conditional on the customer waiving these rights ((C)(1)).

Invoice and parts

Give a written itemized list of the work, the parts (marked used, remanufactured or rebuilt if not new) with their cost, the labor charge, and who performed the work ((C)(12)).
Hand over the replaced parts unless you told the customer before starting that they’ll be rebuilt, sold, or returned for warranty ((C)(13)).
Give a copy of anything the customer signs, at signing ((C)(15)).
Don’t tell a customer a repair is needed, done, or urgent when it isn’t ((C)(8)-(10)).

Sources

Ohio Administrative Code 109:4-3-13, Motor vehicle repairs or services (effective March 21, 2026): https://codes.ohio.gov/assets/laws/administrative-code/authenticated/109/4/3/109$4-3-13_20260321.pdf
Ohio Attorney General, Repairs and services (business guide): https://ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Business/Services-for-Business/Business-Guide/Repairs-and-Services