Mechanics can keep hold of cars until bills are settled (Image: Getty)
can legally prevent drivers from taking their car home from a garage due to a little-known loophole, according to experts.
Motoring specialists have stressed garages can “keep a car” if owners
The simple law, known as a ‘lien’, gives garages the authority to
This allows garages to try and or the labour but is often a last resort.
Motoring experts at stressed road users unable to pay for their repair bills could be put into an “awkward situation”.
Motorists may need to leave their car in the garage (Image: Getty)
They said: “Yes, a garage can keep your car if you refuse to pay.
“However, be aware that under UK law, mechanics can lien your car if you don’t pay the bill in full within 30 days.
“A lien is a legal claim on property, such as a car, which must be cleared before you can take it back. You might have to leave your car in the garage until the bill is fully paid.”
, a garage located in Swansea, also stressed that garages can keep hold of cars if repairs haven’t been paid for.
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Although it could be a worry for many owners, the experts stressed it was still “very rare” for a car to be withheld.
Cash-strapped road users can now benefit from a range of options with many garages offering multiple ways to pay.
Some firms have finance options and payment plans available to ensure hefty bills can be paid back over time.
But, Darglen warned garages could be “seriously out of pocket” if laws were not in place to protect them.
Darglen Motors added that drivers who leave the garage without settling a bill will likely face the consequences of legal action.
They explained: “If you manage to take your car away without paying, the garage has the right to prosecute you.
“This even applies to work that you’re not satisfied with. You should always try to resolve any disputes with the garage, even if it means paying the bill ‘under protest’ and pursuing the complaint afterwards.”