Repair carried out without an order: do you have to pay the invoice?

You hand something in for repair, and suddenly the invoice shows far more than you ordered? For unordered work there is generally no payment claim. The business should have asked you beforehand, especially if the costs exceed the framework.

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Your chances of getting your money back

You only have to pay for what you ordered. For additional work carried out on their own initiative there is generally no remuneration claim if you did not order it (not even tacitly).

If a cost estimate is significantly exceeded, the business must inform you in good time. If they fail to do so, you can often reject the extra costs.

What you should do now

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1. Reconstruct the order
Record exactly what you ordered (note, order slip, messages). That is the basis.
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2. Compare invoice with order
Mark all items that go beyond the order or that you did not approve.
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3. Contest in writing
Contest the unordered items and offer to pay the undisputed part.
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4. Secure release
If the item is withheld because of the invoice, clarify the situation; for a justified partial amount you can pay it to achieve release.

How to spot the scam

The invoice contains items that were never mentioned.
A cost estimate was significantly exceeded without your being asked.
The garage only releases the item against payment of the excessive invoice.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay for unordered repairs?

In principle no. A remuneration claim only exists for work that you ordered. The business generally has to bear additional services carried out on their own initiative if you did not at least tacitly approve them.

What applies if the cost estimate is exceeded?

In case of a significant overrun, the business must inform you in good time so that you can decide. If they fail to do so, you can often reject the unannounced extra costs.

May the garage retain my item?

For the undisputed, justified part of the invoice, a right of retention may exist. Not for unjustified items. Pay the clearly owed part to achieve release, and clarify the rest separately.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.