1. AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIRS
This document is a legally binding agreement between Byron's Patterson Auto Body (Patterson Auto Body, Inc., "the Shop") and the undersigned customer. I have reviewed the itemized account of damages or discussed the necessary repairs with a representative of the Shop, and I authorize the Shop to perform all required repair work on my vehicle. I also authorize the Shop to repair any additional hidden damage discovered during the disassembly or repair process ("Supplemental Repairs"). I grant the Shop and its employees permission to operate my vehicle on streets, highways, or elsewhere as necessary for testing, inspection, and delivery, at my risk.
2. CARE, CUSTODY & PROTECTION (STORAGE) FEE
Vehicles on the Shop's premises not under active repair are subject to the following storage fees. These charges begin on the day the vehicle is no longer under active repair. If the vehicle is deemed a total loss, the storage fee applies from that date until the date of removal by the customer or their insurance provider.
- Inside storage: $500/day
- Outside storage: $80/day
3. PARTS AUTHORIZATION & CANCELLATION TERMS
I authorize the Shop to order the parts necessary for repairs. Should I cancel the repairs after parts have been ordered, I agree to the following:
- All parts installed are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) unless otherwise specified and agreed to.
- Restocking Fee: A 30% restocking fee will apply to all parts ordered.
- Non-Returnable Parts: If any part ordered is non-returnable due to its status as an electronic or special-order item, I agree to pay for that part in full, and it will be provided to me.
- If repairs are canceled or partially completed, the Shop may charge for teardown costs, parts ordered, and any labor required to reassemble the vehicle.
- If the vehicle is deemed a total loss, or is towed/driven in and then moved to another facility for any reason, I may be charged administrative fees, debris-cleanup charges, estimate/teardown fees, and storage from the date of arrival.
4. PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT AUTHORIZATION
In the event of deficiencies in the labor rate, the amount of labor hours, or necessary procedures not covered in my insurance settlement, I authorize the Shop to use its professional judgment as to parts replacement and/or labor charges in order to produce the highest-quality, safe repair at the Shop's posted labor rates. My repair bill may therefore differ from my insurance company's estimate, and labor is billed using industry-standard flat-rate time units.
5. PAYMENT & INSURANCE RESPONSIBILITY
All repairs must be paid in full before the vehicle is released. Accepted payment methods are a properly endorsed insurance check, bank check, certified check, cash, or credit/debit card (a 3% surcharge applies to card payments). I am responsible for paying any deductible attached to my claim, and if my insurance issues a direct payment to me instead of the Shop, I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for paying any outstanding balance.
- My insurance deductible
- Any charges not covered by insurance (betterment, depreciation, upgrades)
- All Supplemental Repairs I authorize
- A 3% surcharge on any credit or debit card payment
6. REPAIR TIMELINE & RENTAL POLICY
The Shop makes no guarantee regarding repair completion times due to possible delays from insurance approvals, parts availability, or other factors beyond our control. Rental or alternative transportation coverage, if required, is my responsibility and may not be reimbursed by the Shop.
7. LIABILITY LIMITATIONS
The Shop is NOT responsible for the following. Old parts removed and replaced will be discarded unless I request their return in writing before repairs begin. PLEASE REMOVE ALL PERSONAL ITEMS FROM YOUR VEHICLE.
- Loss or damage to the vehicle or any articles left in it due to fire, theft, or any cause beyond the Shop's control
- Personal items left in the vehicle (electronics, valuables, tools, clothing, etc.)
- Delays caused by parts unavailability, insurance, or other factors beyond the Shop's control
- Pre-existing damage not related to the current repairs
- Damage arising from sublet (outsourced) work performed by third parties
- Loss of use, rental costs, or any consequential or incidental damages
8. MECHANIC'S LIEN (New York Lien Law Article 8 (Mechanic's Lien))
An express mechanic's lien is hereby acknowledged on the above-described vehicle to secure payment for all repair work done, pursuant to New York Lien Law Article 8 (Mechanic's Lien). This authorization and the handling of any insurance claim are also subject to Section 216.7 of the New York State Insurance Law. No vehicle will be released until all charges are paid in full. Failure to make payment within 20 days of notification of completion will result in the commencement of the auction process to satisfy the mechanic's lien.
- Retain my vehicle until paid in full
- Enforce the lien through sale per New York law if unpaid
10. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS & SIGNATURES
I authorize the Shop to contact me about my repair via phone (including autodialed calls), text/SMS, and email, and I agree to any data rates that may apply. I may opt out at any time by replying STOP to a text message or using the unsubscribe link in an email. The customer and Patterson Auto Body, Inc. agree that this Authorization Form may be executed and delivered by electronic signature in accordance with the ESIGN Act and UETA; my electronic signature has the same force and effect and is the legal equivalent of my manual signature.
11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION & GOVERNING LAW
Any dispute will first be addressed through good-faith negotiation between the parties. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York, and any legal action must be brought exclusively in the courts of Putnam County, New York. New York consumers may contact the New York State Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau at 1-800-771-7755 or www.ag.ny.gov.
