QA

Quick Answer: What Can I Do If A Mechanic Damaged My Car

If you think that the mechanic intentionally damaged your vehicle as part of a scam, you may wish to contact the Office of the Attorney General in the state where the vehicle was repaired. This office is usually tasked with handling consumer concerns. Another option is to pursue the matter through small claims courts.

Are mechanics liable for damages from repairs?

If a mechanic is negligent while performing repairs to an automobile, he or she could be held liable for damages, and could also face criminal charges for deceptive or unfair practices.

What can you do if a garage damages your car?

If your car has been damaged while it was at the garage, you should negotiate for them to pay for the repair of the damage. It’s best to point out the damage as quickly as possible, or you could be seen to have accepted what’s happened. The maximum they’re obliged to offer you is the cost of of the repair damage.

Can a mechanic mess up your car?

Even the people who are being paid to fix your car can sometimes damage it accidentally. Some shady mechanics know that you know absolutely nothing about your car and prey on it. Some repairs are a bit complicated, but honest mechanics will try their best to walk you through it.

What happens when a mechanic breaks a part?

If a mechanic breaks you car, as long as you didn’t release liability, the shop has to pay for repairs. However, if you released liability, you or your insurance are responsible for covering all costs.

What happens when a mechanic 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.

What should be given to a customer before doing a repair?

No. The written estimate must contain detailed costs for parts and labor for the repairs to be performed, but the customer’s signature is not a requirement of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act. A repair facility is not prohibited from asking its customers to sign the written estimate.

What happens if the mechanic doesn’t fix?

If your mechanic failed to repair the problem with your car, you may be able to get a refund. Insurers know the ropes of legal options should a mechanic not deliver the quality of work that was paid for, but you can take some steps on your own.

Are mechanics insured to drive any car?

Most motor trade policies insure you to drive any of your own vehicles and vehicles in your possession for motor trade purposes.

Can a garage legally keep 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.

How do you deal with shady mechanics?

If you suspect fraud and would like to file a complaint, call the state Bureau of Automotive Repair at (800) 952-5210. You may also check to see if a repair shop is registered with the state at www.autorepair.ca.gov.

Do mechanics steal car parts?

Good mechanics do not steal parts from their customers’ cars. If your mechanic has the bad habit of stealing parts from customers, you shouldn’t take your car over there or trust him.

Why do mechanics lie?

Car mechanics are notorious for lying to their customers in order to gain extra work for things that don’t really need doing or for charging extra for things if they can tell someone doesn’t really know what they are talking about. Sadly, this can lead to people spending lots of money without actually needing to.

How fast can mechanics get parts?

Most simple parts for most cars are delivered in an hour or two, or even quicker if the supplier is close and not too busy. Less common parts can take a day to be delivered from a larger warehouse. Some parts might need to be special ordered and can take several days to get to the mechanic.

Why can’t I modify my car in my auto shop?

This is caused by a bug in GTA that happened after a recent update. The update was meant to fix the previous duplication glitch, but it caused another bug. The bug prevents you from modifying your vehicle in the Auto Shop. If you want to modify your vehicle, you’d normally enter it and press right on the D-pad.

What is the California lemon law?

California Lemon Law protects you when your vehicle is defective and cannot be repaired after a “reasonable” number of attempts. The Lemon Law applies to most new vehicles purchased or leased in California that are still under a manufacturer’s new-vehicle warranty.

Is it normal for mechanics to charge for diagnosis?

It’s not uncommon for shops to charge the equivalent of ½ to 1 hour of labor, or anywhere from $50 – $150. Ultimately, you’re providing a necessary service to the customer in diagnosing the issue which gets the customer one step closer to their end goal: fixing their car.

How does Florida lemon law work?

Under Florida Lemon Law, vehicles are eligible if they suffer from defects that haven’t been repaired “within a reasonable number of attempts” by the car dealership. After these attempts, consumers must send a final opportunity for the manufacturer to repair the defect if they wish to take action under the Lemon Law.