Knowledge Builders

can an auto repair shop hold a car hostage for payment

by Mrs. Arlene Stoltenberg II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Even if you are unsatisfied with the mechanic's explanation of the difference between the estimate and the final charge, keep in mind that if you refuse to pay a repair bill -- even a bill in dispute -- the mechanic has the legal right to keep your car until you pay.

What happens if you can't afford to pay your mechanic?

If a mechanic has serviced your car and you haven't paid the bill, they may be able to establish a lien on your vehicle, which usually gives them legal claim over the car until you pay back what you owe in full. This is called a mechanic's lien or a garageman's lien. A mechanic's lien is a type of possessory lien.

Can a mechanic keep your car in Georgia?

If the mechanic has already worked on your car, and you refuse to pay the repair bill, the mechanic can legally keep your car until you pay for the repairs.

Who regulates auto repair shops in Georgia?

ASA is dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals.

Can a mechanic keep your car if it's unsafe Ontario?

Mechanics do have the right to withhold a vehicle from the owner who refuses to pay after a mechanic has performed work according to a signed agreement (this is known as a mechanic's lien). If no agreement was made, you can technically leave with your vehicle.

Can a garage keep my car if I refuse to pay?

Finally, a garage has what is called a lien over your vehicle if you do not pay their bill. This means they can legally refuse to return the vehicle until you pay.

Can a garage stop you taking your car?

Can a garage keep your car? A garage that has repaired your car has what is known as a 'lien'. This is the right to keep the car until they've been paid for all work done. If you take your car away without authorisation you risk both civil proceedings and criminal prosecution.

Should a customer pay for a auto repair that was misdiagnosed?

PSA: If a shop misdiagnoses your car and makes a repair that fails to fix the problem, they're obligated to correct their mistake. Disclaimer: You HAVE to request and pay for diagnosis for this to be valid.

How do I sue a car dealership in Georgia?

You may contact the Consumer Protection Division at the Georgia Department of Law at 800-869-1123, for assistance with a franchise dealer. Additionally, you may file a complaint directly with the customer service department of the franchise dealer.

How long can a dealership hold your car for repair in Tennessee?

(2) Unless a motor vehicle dealer's franchise agreement with a manufacturer or distributor provides to the contrary, a motor vehicle dealer is required to retain parts replaced during warranty repairs or services for a period of thirty (30) days after the date the dealer submits a claim for warranty reimbursement to ...

How long can a dealership hold your car for repair ontario?

about 30 daysAccording to tortdeform.com, a dealership can hold your car for about 30 days. After this, you are potentially entitled to: A lemon law case, which you can further understand with research. Financial compensation for the time that has been wasted.

How do I sue a mechanic shop in ontario?

How to file a complaint with the Ministry of Consumer Services: Visit the Ministry's website at www.ontario.ca/ConsumerServices. Or, call 416-326-8800 or toll-free at 1-800-889-9768.

Why is my mechanic taking so long?

The garage's general level of activity and workload will also affect how long the more exhaustive repairs take. Also, keep in mind that repairs will naturally take longer if your car is a special or vintage make, as the parts may need to be ordered.

Does Canada have a lemon law for vehicles?

While there are no "lemon laws" in Canada, there are measures in place to help if you think you may have bought a defective vehicle. You have different options to get redress depending on the type of problem you may have with your vehicle.

Do you need a license to work as a mechanic in ontario?

Ontario stopped enforcing credentials in skilled trades, right after Doug Ford took power. For three years running, Ontario has not enforced its rules requiring tradespeople such as electricians, auto mechanics and plumbers to be certified, CBC News has learned.

Can I repair my own car in ontario?

Not a business, Yes, You can work on anybodys vehicle without fear of being punished. Because the law in ontario states that you can have whoever you want to fix your vehicle.

1.Can an auto repair shop hold a car hostage for payment?

Url:https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/can-an-auto-repair-shop-hold-a-car-hostage-for-pay-186470.html

1 hours ago Posted on Jan 8, 2010. Selected as best answer. Look to the Automotive Repair Act, Chapter 46.71 RCW. A written estimate is normally required for any repair over $100, but there is an exception if you dropped the car off for repair and authorized repairs to be made. An …

2.Can an auto repair shop hold a car hostage for payment?

Url:https://short-fact.com/can-an-auto-repair-shop-hold-a-car-hostage-for-payment/

31 hours ago Can an auto repair shop hold a car hostage for payment? Paying for repairs The repairer can keep your vehicle until the invoice has been paid (possessory lien). Do dealers overcharge for …

3.Can a car repair business hold my car ‘hostage’ until the insurance ...

Url:https://www.usinsuranceagents.com/answers/repair-business-hold-hostage-until-insurance-company-repairs/

36 hours ago 1 Answer. It is not uncommon for a car to be repaired while the claim is still being settled. When this happens, the insurance company may not pay the repair bill immediately, and that in turn …

4.New Law to Protect Consumers Whose Cars are "Held Hostage" …

Url:https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/newsroom/new-law-to-protect-consumers-whose-cars-are-held-hostage-by-repair-shops

21 hours ago A new law takes effect Saturday, May 1, to protect consumers against unscrupulous car repair shops that hold a vehicle “hostage” and refuse to return it unless the customer pays charges …

5.What to do when a vehicle repair shop holds your car hostage?

Url:https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/what-to-do-when-a-vehicle-repair-shop-holds-your-c-2623342.html

15 hours ago Hi, I have an issue with a repair shop in Florida where my car is being held hostage. I gave my car over for repairs a 10 hr job verbal estimate of $ 1000. This was in January. My car wasn't …

6.Body shop holding car hostage while arguing with insurance over …

Url:https://www.reddit.com/r/Insurance/comments/8g0h4v/body_shop_holding_car_hostage_while_arguing_with/

26 hours ago Based on your post explanation this seems to be the case and if so then the insurance company is not "in the wrong" they are likely auditing the supplement for the work the shop did and will …

7.Auto Repair Shop Holding My Car Hostage on an Alleged

Url:https://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127655

35 hours ago Re: Auto Repair Shop Holding My Car Hostage on an Alleged Verbal Agreement I would demand a bill for the $1,400 listing what is done for the $1,400. Most states have mechanics lein laws, so …

8.What can I do if my body shop is holding my car hostage?

Url:https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/comments/3vowfl/what_can_i_do_if_my_body_shop_is_holding_my_car/

9 hours ago If you weren't, you can file a claim for loss of use of your vehicle - which is usually the fair daily rental rate for a like kind vehicle. Most carriers will pay around $20-30/day. This claim gets filed …

9.Can a Mechanic Refuse to Release Your Car? – (The Answer)

Url:https://carcody.com/can-a-mechanic-refuse-to-release-your-car/

33 hours ago This basically means that a mechanic can keep your car until you pay your bill in full. Even if your car is worth $100,000, if you have a bill for $20, they can keep your car until the bill is paid. And, …

10.CAN AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP HOLD YOUR VEHICLE FOR …

Url:https://www.justanswer.com/consumer-protection-law/2337a-auto-repair-shop-hold-vehicle-payment.html

23 hours ago However the auto shop did the repairs without my permission or approval. I received certified mail from the auto repair shop of a mechanics lien that I later found out had never been filed with …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9