Regular media coverage over the years of ‘rip-off garages’ and a general lack of trust between garages and customers has helped to perpetuate this problem. Until recently the only way for many motorists to find a good garage was by asking friends or family members to recommend a garage. There is however now an alternative.
The Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair (the Code) was developed by the industry to help motorists find garages that will provide them with a good service.
Any garage undertaking car (or light commercial vehicle) servicing or repair can sign up to the code and agree to comply with its standards, which covers all aspects of garage work from advertising, booking in work, undertaking repairs, staff, invoicing and resolving complaints.
Each garage signed up to the Code agrees to provide their customers:
- Honest and fair services
- Open and transparent pricing
- Work completed as agreed
- Invoices that match quoted prices
- Competent and conscientious staff
To ensure that garages actually comply with the Code they are monitored through compliance checks, consumer surveys and any consumer complaints to ensure that they continue to meet the Code’ standards. Any garage falling foul of the Code’s requirements may be expelled, ensuring that only garages providing honest and fair services to their customers can remain.
Motorists can also feel safe in the knowledge that should anything go wrong that they can contact Motor Codes free consumer advice line for advice and assistance.
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