Mark Lewis, West Hartford
A: Unfortunately, DMV would not have listened.
"If they did not exceed the dollar amount she Oked," says DMV spokesman Bill Seymour, "then they did not violate the law and as long as the car was ready when they said it would be. If the car wasn't going to be fixed by the estimated time, the repairer needs to tell the customer."
The DMV does not investigate:
>> Improper or shoddy repairs.
>> Misdiagnosis by a mechanic.
>> Vehicle vandalism while at a repair shop.
>> Damage caused by improper towing.
A consumer would have to pursue these issues in small claims court. The DMV would assist any consumer awarded a judgment by the court, however, by facilitating restitution by holding a hearing to invoke the licensee's surety bond.
Here are complaints the DMV will investigate:
>> Used car warranties. (The Department of of Consumer Protection handles new-car warranties and Lemon Law complaints.)
>> Deposits and billing.
>> Repair orders, estimates and authorizations.
>> Sales and purchase orders.
>> Titles.
>> Liens.
>> Odometers.
>> False statements.
>> Non-consensual towing and storage charges.
