A demand letter for your auto repair dispute, drafted for you.
DemandDraft is self-help software that helps you prepare and send a demand letter for an auto repair dispute, citing the state laws you choose. It is not a law firm, and it is not the banking instrument called a demand draft.
Tell us what happened and what you want the shop to do. DemandDraft automatically writes a complete letter from your answers and gives you tools to choose and cite relevant state laws. Review and edit the draft, then download it or have us send it by certified mail.
DemandDraft is not a law firm. No lawyer reviews your letter.
How it works
You tell us the story. We turn it into a letter you control.
- 1
Tell us what happened
Describe the repair problem in your own words. Type it or speak it.
- 2
We draft your letter
Choose any state laws you want included. We automatically write a complete letter from your answers.
- 3
Review and edit
Read the draft and change anything you like before it goes to the shop.
- 4
Download or send
Download the PDF, or have us send it by USPS Certified Mail with tracking.
See what your letter can look like
We organize your account and the resolution you want into a complete draft. If you include a state law, the letter quotes the rule you selected alongside your facts. You review and edit it before you use it.
- 1A law you choose to includeCalifornia Business and Professions Code § 9884.9(a) states:“No work shall be done and no charges shall accrue before authorization to proceed is obtained from the customer.”
- 2Your account of what happenedI did not authorize the replacement of the front rotors and pads. No one from your shop contacted me before the work was done.
- 3The resolution you wantI am asking you to refund the $1,140 I paid.
INCLUDES
- A complete letter drafted from your answers
- Tools to choose and cite relevant state laws
- Review and edit before you send
- PDF download
- Certified mail with tracking, included
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a demand letter and why is it so important for my dispute?
A demand letter explains what happened and what you want the shop to do. It gives the shop a clear request to answer and gives you a written record of your attempt to resolve the dispute.
Do I have to mail the letter myself?
No. You can download the PDF and send it yourself, or have DemandDraft send it by USPS Certified Mail with tracking. Mailing is included in the letter price.
How can I start the process of getting my money back today?
Tell us about the repair, the charge or work you dispute, and the refund or other fix you want. DemandDraft drafts a letter from your answers so you can review it and send your request to the shop.
What evidence should I gather for my auto repair dispute?
Keep the estimate, work order, final invoice, payment records, photos, and any warranty. Save texts and emails with the shop, and write down the dates and details of phone calls. These records help you describe what happened and what you asked the shop to do.
What is the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) and how can it help me?
BAR licenses and regulates California auto repair shops. If you cannot resolve a repair or service problem with the shop, you can file a complaint with BAR. It may review the transaction and help you seek a resolution, but filing a complaint does not guarantee a refund.
What happens if the mechanic ignores my demand letter?
Keep a copy of your letter and proof that it was delivered. Depending on your state and the dispute, you may be able to file a complaint with a consumer agency or bring a claim in small claims court. DemandDraft does not start a lawsuit for you.
Can I sue a mechanic in Small Claims Court in California?
Yes, if your claim qualifies. An individual can generally bring a money claim of up to $12,500 in California small claims court. Check the court's filing rules and deadlines before deciding whether to file.
My mechanic charged more than the written estimate. Is that legal in California?
A California repair shop must get your authorization before doing additional repairs or adding charges beyond the original estimate. Approval can be written, oral, or electronic, but the shop must document it. Compare your estimate, invoice, and any approval messages if you dispute the bill.
What are my basic consumer rights for auto repairs in California?
For most repairs, you are entitled to an estimate before work begins, the chance to authorize the work and any added charges, and a final itemized invoice. You can also request replaced parts when you authorize the estimate, subject to some exceptions.
Can a mechanic keep my car if I refuse to pay for a disputed repair?
A California shop may have lien rights for authorized, unpaid repairs. Disputing a charge does not automatically require the shop to release the car. Ask for the estimate, your authorizations, the invoice, and any lien notice; you can also file a complaint with BAR about the repair transaction.
Is DemandDraft a law firm?
No. DemandDraft is software that helps you write and send your own letter. No lawyer reviews your letter, and using DemandDraft doesn’t make anyone your lawyer. It’s not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.
Who chooses the laws in my letter?
You do. You’ll see every law on our list for your state, and everyone in your state sees the same list. We may mark some that seem related to what you told us, but nothing is chosen for you.
Will my letter say the shop didn’t follow the law?
No. Your letter quotes each law you chose and states the facts you gave us, then asks for what you want.
Can I change the letter?
Yes. You can edit every word before you download or send it. You’re responsible for what it says.
Where is DemandDraft available?
In the states on our list. We don’t offer letters in North Carolina.