Auto Repair Fraud Targeted By New Consumer Service

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., June 5 -- Consumers no longer need fear being ripped off when it comes to getting their automobiles repaired, thanks to Auto Repair Estimate Advisors, a new consumer service located here. AREA, as it is called, is a membership organization that uses the latest computer database information coupled with professionally trained and industry certified mechanics to alert consumers they may be getting cheated by unscrupulous auto repair shops, according to Mike Munson, founder and president of the company.

"When a member has the need for repairs, he or she simply call our toll- free hotline after receiving the estimate, and our advisor, who is a trained mechanic, will tell them if the price for parts and labor coincides with industry parameters," said Munson. If the prices are out of bounds, he added, the advisor will negotiate with the auto repair facility on behalf of the member to get the appropriate costs for parts and labor. AREA will provide 24/7 support for its members including a web site -- www.area-advisors.net and a toll free number -- 1-866-439-8400.

"Although most auto repair facilities do a thoroughly honest job on repairs, consumer fraud is well-known in many areas of the country. We're not attempting to 'police' the industry, we just want to make certain that our members don't get ripped off when it comes time to have their vehicles fixed," added Munson.

With more than 25 years in the auto repair business, Munson has seen the business both grow and change dramatically. He noted that years ago, many backyard mechanics could fix most minor problems with the family vehicle. "Now, with the advent of on-board computers and other high-tech changes in engines and drive trains, it's next to impossible for the average driver to do any work on an auto," he stated.

Auto Repair Estimate Advisors also will maintain the vehicle's service history and AREA will notify members when the vehicle is due for routine maintenance such as oil changes or tune-ups.

"By maintaining a service history, we also can prevent fraud by auto repair facilities that tend to charge for unneeded or unnecessary repairs," Munson stated. Additionally, when a member is ready to sell a vehicle, they can request a copy of the maintenance history to demonstrate that the vehicle was well-maintained.

Munson noted that more than 40 West Palm Beach auto repair facilities, including several national chains, have embraced the idea of the estimate advisory service. "These facilities know they do good repair jobs, they treat customers honestly and fairly and they want our members to know it as well," Munson said.

"We plan to offer this low-cost membership so that seniors, college students away from home, single parents, various auto club members and anyone who does a great deal of vacation driving can have complete confidence they will be treated fairly and honestly no matter where they may encounter auto troubles," Munson said.

Initial membership is $24.95 annually plus an additional $10 per vehicle for a family. Vehicles eligible include all automobiles regardless of age, foreign or domestic, light trucks and SUVs, he noted.

Munson added that AREA will have its members provide survey follow-ups so the organization can publish a "Consumer-rated" guide to auto repair facilities throughout the country. "We feel the industry will generally support our activities particularly the auto repair facilities that do an honest repair job; those that don't will be the ones that won't be visited by our members," he noted.