Making your repair garage work for you

Understanding the industry code will make any dealings with your garage mechanic easier when you take your car in for repairs or a service.

Know your code
By subscribing to the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service & Repair a garage demonstrates its commitment to responsible business and customer satisfaction. It helps if you know the code too, in case you are the victim of unsatisfactory repair work or subject to any unfair additions to your bill. Here’s what accredited garages should be doing – and what you can challenge them on:

• Booking.
  ‘Our price will be all-inclusive for the work that we agree to undertake.’
  Understand exactly the work to be undertaken including agreed costs and collection time. Agree further contact instructions and whether additional work may be required. Explain if you have any special requirements.
• Advertising:
  ‘Our communications will honestly promote our services.’
  When visiting the garage, if you feel an advertisement or promotion is misleading, ask for details, and check service requirements before you buy.
• Work.
  ‘We will complete the work as agreed with you.’
  Decide whether or not to go ahead with work as described to you. Make sure both parties are aware of warranty terms and manufacturer requirements in terms of parts. Be aware that some work may be outsourced if a specialist is required.
• Billing.
  ‘Our invoice will match the booking price.’
  Check that your invoice details the work agreed at the time of booking. If additional work has been agreed, ensure it is clearly detailed. Retain a detailed invoice for your service history.
• Staff.
  ‘Our staff will work competently and in your best interests to provide the service that you require.’
  Be clear, ask questions and be sure you have all the information you need.
• Complaints.
  ‘We will handle complaints swiftly, following this agreed procedure.’
  You can complain to the Motor Industry Code of Practice via their free advice line on 0800 692 0825.

Improved car maintenance
Car maintenance really matters when it comes to safer driving, greener driving, the costs of running a car, minimising car insurance and reducing breakdown call outs.

For greater peace of mind on the road get a Privilege car insurance quote today