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CURRENT RULEIowaRepair / customer rights✓ Human reviewed

Do your Iowa repair orders give the required estimate rights and 10% overage protection?

Iowa's Motor Vehicle Service Trade Practices Act gives consumers the right to a written or oral estimate when expected repair/service cost is more than $50. The authorization form must include the statutory estimate disclosure. A bill may not exceed the estimate by more than 10% unless the customer approves a higher amount before repairs are finished. The supplier must also obtain authorization for additional unforeseen necessary repairs when their cost is more than 10% of the original estimate.

Quick check

For expected work over $50, confirm the customer is offered the required written/oral estimate choice and approve any added work or bill increase beyond the 10% threshold before repairs are finished.

At a glance
JurisdictionIowa
TopicRepair / customer rights
VerifiedOct 5, 2026
Review cadenceOngoing; review when Iowa Code Chapter 537B or your estimate/authorization forms change.
When this applies

Your Iowa business performs covered motor vehicle repair or service for consumers.

Make sure written authorization forms contain Iowa's required estimate-right disclosure, requested estimates are provided before work begins, and added work or final charges beyond the 10% threshold are authorized before completion.

Official evidence

Source and verification

Verified
Oct 5, 2026
Applies to
All shop types

Quick-reference compliance planning only; not legal advice or an exhaustive statement of every applicable Federal, state, or local rule. Always verify the official source.