Huge Bill For Unauthorized Repair
TEXAS
We put our boat in the shop for starter problems. It states on the work order "Starter Problem". When we checked on the boat they tell us that the bill is $1200. The work done on the bill was repairs to the motor which we did not authorize. Do we have to pay this bill? What is our course of action?
We would never have authorized $1200 worth of work. Please help.
Ladyluck
Re: Huge Bill For Unauthorized Repair
Did you pay for the repair yet? Is the boat still in the possession of the repair facility? Is it a licensed shop?
Re: Huge Bill For Unauthorized Repair
No, we did not pay the bill yet. Yes, the boat is still at the repair shop.
Yes, it is a licensed shop.
Re: Huge Bill For Unauthorized Repair
Your options include:
1. Trying to negotiate an up-front resolution of the bill, based upon the work you authorized;
2. Refusing to pay the bill, then suing to recover your boat. (If you do this, you should expect to ultimately pay for the repair you authorized, and it may be quite a while before the gears of the court system grind forward to the point where you get your boat back.)
3. Pay the balance they claim under protest, then sue to try to recover the overpayment for the unauthorized repair.
They may claim that you authorized the repair, or in the alternative that the authorization you gave them was sufficient to cover all of the work performed.