Did Not Authorize Repair

[weplumcrazy]

What is the name of your state?
TEXAS

We put our boat in the repair shop for problems with the starter. When we checked on the boat to get it out we were hit with a repair bill for $1200 for repairs we never authorized. On the work order it states "Starter Problem" but the work they did was on the motor that we never agreed to have done. Is there a law concerning this? Do we have to pay this bill to get our boat out? What is the course of action here?

Thanks

 

[weplumcrazy]

I guess I misunderstood the concept here. I was under the impression this was a site where you could post questions and get answers from knowledgable people. This question has been posted for 4 days, 29 people have viewed it and not one person has bothered to answer what would appear to be a fairly simple question. Out of 29 people on a legal forum site you would think that one of them had enough legal sense to direct me in the path I need to take to get my boat from this repair shop. I guess I should look for another forum where the people have more knowlege about legal issues. I feel sorry for those who have posted questions concerning situations that could be life-altering for them.

 

[thepizzaguy]

I guess I misunderstood the concept here. I was under the impression this was a site where you could post questions and get answers from knowledgable people. This question has been posted for 4 days, 29 people have viewed it and not one person has bothered to answer what would appear to be a fairly simple question. Out of 29 people on a legal forum site you would think that one of them had enough legal sense to direct me in the path I need to take to get my boat from this repair shop. I guess I should look for another forum where the people have more knowlege about legal issues. I feel sorry for those who have posted questions concerning situations that could be life-altering for them.

click this link
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/carepair.shtml

It applies to cars but I am sure it is applicable to boats as well.

Quote from page:

Even if you are unsatisfied with the mechanic's explanation of the difference between the estimate and the final charge, or feel you have been cheated, pay the bill, making clear that you do not agree to it. You can then file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office and/or file a small claims court law suit against the mechanic.

If you refuse to pay a repair bill -- even a bill in dispute -- the mechanic has the legal right to keep your car until you pay. Even if you feel cheated, you should not pay with a check so you can regain possession of your car and then stop payment on the check -- your vehicle may still be repossessed.

 

[weplumcrazy]

THANK YOU "PIZZA GUY". Not only did you get me going in the right direction, you restored my belief there ARE some good folks out there.

 

[fairisfair]

I guess I misunderstood the concept here. I was under the impression this was a site where you could post questions and get answers from knowledgable people. This question has been posted for 4 days, 29 people have viewed it and not one person has bothered to answer what would appear to be a fairly simple question. Out of 29 people on a legal forum site you would think that one of them had enough legal sense to direct me in the path I need to take to get my boat from this repair shop. I guess I should look for another forum where the people have more knowlege about legal issues. I feel sorry for those who have posted questions concerning situations that could be life-altering for them.

You are fortunate after this reply, that you got any response at all. The posters on this forum are all volunteers. Nobody gets paid, by you, or anybody else. If a viewer does not know the correct response or legal advice to give you, then most will not post a response. Would you rather have some idiot post incorrect information? Kudos to Pizzaguy for maintaining his composure and answering you professionally.