Dealing with a Garage
Basic dos and don'ts
Do
- Get a firm quotation or written estimate (whenever practical) before authorising repairs – especially if these are substantial.
- Bear in mind a garage can charge for work involved in preparing an estimate (unless agreed otherwise), if you withdraw your instructions.
- Leave a telephone number with the garage with instructions to contact you for further authorisation if unexpected work becomes necessary.
- Whenever practical offer the garage an opportunity to correct its faulty repair (subject to your right to arrange for the work to be carried out elsewhere) and claim the cost from the first repairer.
Don't
- Stop payment of your cheque (after it's issued) for unsatisfactory work without taking legal advice.
- Remove your car from the garage (unless authorised) while payment is still outstanding.