If an oil change business damaged my car, do I have the legal right to have my car repaired where I want or can they dictate where it is repaired?
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If an oil change business damaged my car, do I have the legal right to have my car repaired where I want or can they dictate where it is repaired?
I took my car to get an oil change. I drove the car throughout the day with the oil draining out which caused my car to have damage. the manager admitted to putting in the wrong oil filter which caused the car to drain out all the oil. I had the car towed to the dealership to get it assessed and see if damage was done, however now that will change place wants to take it somewhere cheaper.
Asked on July 22, 2019 under Business Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 4 years ago | Contributor
They are required to pay the "reasonable" cost to have it repaired. That doesn't mean the least expensive, but nor does it mean the most expensive. Since dealerships are often pricier, that may provide legal grounds to not have it done at the dealership.
More to the point, if you and they don't agree as to the cost to repair or where to have it repaired, you'd have to litigate against them and prove in court that the place you want is in fact reasoanble. You have to decide if litigation is worthwhile to have the repairs done at your dealership.
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