A garage broke my car to the tune of £800, but say they aren't liable. Is that true?

My local garage snapped my crank bolt today whilst attempting to replace the cambelt and waterpump. They said it was fitted too tightly, probably from day of assembly. To fix things they have quoted around £800. They said they are not liable. I know little about cars. Should I bear the cost of repair or not?

Asked on 20 May 2020 by Alan Robertson

Answered by Keith Moody

If your car has been damaged while it was at the garage, you should negotiate for them to pay for the repair of the damage. The law says: “traders have a responsibility of care under the Consumer Rights Act 2015”.

The garage might have a sign on their premises saying that they’re not responsible for any damage - this can be considered an ‘unfair term’, which means they’re still liable. More info here: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/buying-or-repai...n

Tags: liability consumer rights repairs

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