Attorney General Van Hollen Announces Civil Action Against Auto Restore, INC. Of Washburn County

SPOONER - The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today it has filed an enforcement action against Auto Restore, Inc. and its owner, Michael D. Janey with a  Washburn County Circuit Court.  The lawsuit alleges violations of Wisconsin's Motor Vehicle Repair Code, Wisconsin Admin. Code ATCP 132.

According to the complaint, Auto Restore, Inc., located in Spooner, WI, provides restoration and repair of vintage vehicles.  The State's suit alleges that since at least 2004 the company has been in violation of various provisions of the Vehicle Repair Code in conducting its business.  The violations include failing to provide written repair orders; failing to provide firm price quotations and estimates of repair completion dates; failure to provide notice of additional repairs; and, on at least one occasion, failing to return a customer's motor vehicle where the customer declined to pay for unauthorized repairs.

The case was referred to the Wisconsin Department of Justice following an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). 

Consumers who feel that they may have been harmed by Auto Restore, Inc. are encouraged to call DATCP at 608-224-4953 or 800-422-7128.

The state is seeking an injunction enjoining the defendants from further violations.  It also seeks restitution for aggrieved consumers, forfeitures and fines.  Assistant Attorney General Nelle R. Rohlich represents the State of Wisconsin.