Guides › Car Repairs and Garages › Garage Damaged My Car
Garage Damaged My Car
If a garage damages your car, it is often one person's word against another's, so records matter. Repairs must be done with reasonable care and skill, and if the work is poor you can ask for it to be redone at no cost. Complain to the garage first and give it up to eight weeks; if it is accredited, you can then go to The Motor Ombudsman.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Damage by a Garage
Damage by a Garage
If a garage damages your car or property, it is often one person's word against another's, so records matter. Inspect the car with a garage representative at drop-off, check any inspection sheet is accurate before you sign it, and check the car again at collection before you drive it off. source
Care and Skill
Repairs and servicing must be done with reasonable care and skill, to the standard expected in the vehicle repair industry. Anything the garage says about the service or itself can become part of the contract. source
Poor Work
If the work is poor, you can ask for it to be redone at no cost within a reasonable time. If that fails, you may be entitled to a price reduction, possibly a full refund. source
The Motor Ombudsman
The Motor Ombudsman
You can complain to The Motor Ombudsman only if the garage is signed up to its Service and Repair and/or Vehicle Sales Codes. Check with its Business Finder. Complain to the garage first and give it up to eight weeks to give a final answer. source
What It Reviews
The Motor Ombudsman reviews evidence from both sides against its Codes of Practice and the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If you accept its final decision, it is legally binding on both sides and you may lose the right to take the complaint elsewhere. It does not cover car finance, car insurance or hire car complaints. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8 weeksGarage's final answer on a complaintUp to 8 weeks, before going to The Motor Ombudsman
- £100 to £30,000Section 75 for card paymentsOver £100 and up to £30,000
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Before you drive away, check the car and take dated photos of the damage.
Step 2 of 5
Find your drop-off records: any inspection sheet you signed and photos you took.
Step 3 of 5
Write to the garage, describe the damage, attach your evidence and say what you want (a free repair or the cost of repair). Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 4 of 5
If the garage is accredited and does not put it right within eight weeks, go to The Motor Ombudsman.
Step 5 of 5
If you paid by card, ask your card provider about Section 75 or a chargeback.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Garage's Complaints Process
Always start here, in writing.
The Motor Ombudsman
If the garage is accredited, after its final response or 8 weeks.
Your Card Provider
If you paid by card: Section 75 over £100, chargeback for other card payments.
Citizens Advice or Advice Direct Scotland
Before paying under protest, or if you are not sure of your rights.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Next time, inspect the car with a garage representative at drop-off and check any inspection sheet before you sign it.
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If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- themotorombudsman.org/knowledge-base/the-garage-has-damaged-my-car-or-property-what-can-i-do Checked 12 October 2026
- anglesey.gov.wales/en/residents/trading-standards-guidance/consumer-advice/problems-with-motor-vehicles/337174 Checked 12 October 2026
- themotorombudsman.org/consumers/make-a-complaint Checked 12 October 2026