What to do in case of a dispute with a mechanic?
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Do you disagree with your mechanic about the payout amount? Are you dissatisfied with the repairs carried out? Here are some tips for asserting your rights. And above all, next time consider using our Online quote calculator to avoid any unpleasant surprises at checkout.
🚗 What are the responsibilities of a mechanic?
For starters, know that there is no difference between your village mechanic, auto center, and dealer. They all submit to the same obligation of advice and obligation of result.
Obligation to report:
Your mechanic should advise you on the most effective repair and explain to you as clearly as possible what it consists of: this is what the law says (article L111-1 of the Consumer Code)!
If he finds that additional repairs are needed, he must inform you and obtain your written consent before proceeding.
Result commitment:
Your mechanic also owes the result! He must carry out the repairs as agreed and will be responsible if a problem arises after the repair. That is why he has the right to refuse to interfere with your car if he thinks that he cannot do it correctly.
In the event of a new tampering breakdown, you have the right to ask your mechanic to reimburse you or have your vehicle repaired free of charge (Articles 1231 and 1231-1 of the Civil Code).
Good to know: The correct diagnosis is not for you, but for the mechanics! You cannot be held responsible for a misdiagnosis.
🔧 How to avoid disputes with a mechanic?
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, first ask your mechanic for a quote. He is obliged to do this if you ask him. Once signed, the price cannot under any circumstances be changed without your consent.
If the cost of the intervention is too difficult to estimate, you can request a repair order from your mechanic. This document will detail the condition of your vehicle and the upcoming repairs. Under no circumstances may your mechanic perform additional work without your written consent.
Good to know: Although relatively rare, fees may apply. However, your mechanic must advise you of this prior to invoicing.
Finally, the invoice must indicate the cost of each operation, the origin and price of spare parts, registration and mileage of your car.
?? What to do in case of a dispute with your mechanic?
To help you see more clearly, here are the different types of controversy that you may encounter with a mechanic:
- Breakage or anomaly after the intervention of a mechanic
- Billing without prior evaluation
- Overstatement
- Damage to your car by a mechanic
Try to resolve the dispute with your mechanic amicably.
As a first step, we advise you to contact your mechanic to find a compromise. This is the simplest and cheapest solution for you!
To increase your chances of success, gather all the evidence and arguments you have. And above all, be polite!
If you manage to come to an agreement, it must be in writing and both parties will sign it. If, on the other hand, your mechanic does not answer you, we advise you to send a certified letter describing your problem and various proofs.
An attempt at reconciliation between the two parties
If you cannot find a common language with your mechanic, you can contact a global reseller for free. He can help you come to an agreement and formalize it, provided that the garage owner accepts the agreement.
Going to a competent court to resolve a dispute with your mechanic
If you have not been able to find an agreement, and if the amount justifies it, you can call a friendly specialist. He will have to identify possible responsibilities and especially defective repairs.
Following his expertise, you can go to court. Please note that you must go to different courts depending on the amount in dispute:
- Local judge for disputes of less than 4 euros
- District court for disputes between 4 and 000 euros
- High-level tribunal for disputes over EUR 10.
A judge is free to travel, but you will have to pay the costs of bailiffs, lawyers and expertise. However, the judge can order the garage owner to reimburse you for all or part of these costs.
Are the legal costs too high for you? Before giving up your rights, check if you can get legal assistance! Based on your resources, this government aid may cover all or part of your legal fees.
We really don't want you to come to this. But next time, consider calling one of our trusted garages! You will definitely avoid any unpleasant surprises. Our garages operate according to our charter of trust. And our the online quote calculator lets you know the price before you even go to the garage!
