Having your car repaired can be a frustrating experience, especially when the mechanic doesn’t actually fix the car! This can result in more time, 

If you have a problem with a car repair or 

, the best thing to do is negotiate the best solution with the garage. If your negotiations fail, you can take additional steps to resolve your issue. 

This article will explore what you can do if you paid for a car repair, but the car wasn’t fixed and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your vehicle. Let’s dive straight into it. 

I paid for a car repair but it’s not fixed 

So, you’ve paid for a repair, but it’s not fixed. Now what? Do you have to pay still?

You can expect a refund if you have paid for a repair service, but your car has still not been fixed. Or, the mechanic should fix the problem at no additional cost to you. 

If the mechanic refuses to do either, you may need further action. 

It’s important to remember the specific instructions before accusing a garage of charging for nothing. Diagnostic services cost money, time, and expertise, such as when a complex issue is present. 

What happens if the dealership can't fix your car in the UK?

You should consult your vehicle's warranty. If your car is still under warranty, the dealership may be obligated to fix the problem at no cost. 

You can also take your car to another dealership or a reputable independent mechanic for a second opinion. If the problem is confirmed, you may be able to negotiate a better solution with the first dealership. Note that you’ll have to pay a diagnostic fee, as mechanics don’t give second opinions for free. 

File a complaint with the manufacturer. If the problem is widespread and the dealership can't fix it, you may want to file a complaint with the manufacturer's customer service department. They may offer a solution or a goodwill repair. 

What to do when the mechanic doesn't fix the problem 

If you’ve realised the mechanic hasn’t fixed the initial problem, it can be tough to know where to start and do you have to pay the mechanic if they haven't repaired your car? Here are three steps you can take if your mechanic hasn’t fixed your car. 

Before taking any action, it is crucial to understand your rights. If you have paid for a repair service, you can expect the problem to be fixed. 

If the problem persists after the repair has been made, you can seek a remedy, which can be a repair or a refund. 

The first step in dealing with a mechanic is to contact them and explain the problem. Speak with the garage in person or over the phone; you may be able to remedy the issue swiftly. 

If they don't agree to correct the issue right away, you should write or email the garage. This is to record the situation and your correspondence with them. A paper trail is essential if the situation escalates! 

If you're having trouble with the garage, you have alternatives for getting the work done or claiming compensation. However, you should always try to negotiate with the garage first. 

While you are disputing the bill, the garage cannot sell or dispose of the vehicle. They can, however, 

Before spending more money on rental cars or travelling, always ask your garage what they can do to assist you. For example, they may be able to provide you with a courtesy car. A court is unlikely to award you money if the garage provides services you did not use. 

When disputing a charge, it's a good idea to keep a record of any extra money you have to pay for travel, as well as receipts. You may need to prove this later on. 

Other steps you can take if you paid for a car repair but the car wasn’t fixed

Here are some additional steps if your repair wasn’t fixed. These may not apply to all scenarios, so check whether each tip is relevant to your situation before acting. 

We understand the last thing you want to do is pay for an unfixed car. 

However, if you need the car back but are unhappy with the price, you can pay 'under protest' and continue your case. This indicates you are paying the whole cost but informing the garage that further action is likely. 

Write "paid under protest" clearly on their copy of the repair order form and any copies of receipts made by the garage. If you do not state that you are paying under protest, it will be difficult to obtain reimbursement later on because the garage may argue that by paying the bill, you accepted the charges. 

There's no assurance you'll receive your money back afterwards, but it isn't impossible. If you can't afford to pay, offer to pay a modest sum in exchange for the car's return, then dispute the balance of the invoice separately. 

Investigate whether the garage is a trade organisation member (for example, 

). These organisations can help settle disputes, and you can usually find affiliations on the garage’s website. 

Some trade groups will provide a free service to assist you in resolving your disagreement with the garage, which may include obtaining reimbursement (e.g. being out of pocket or wasting your time). 

Contact the trade association and explain your situation—this is sometimes referred to as a 'conciliation service'. However, an association can only assist you if the garage is a member. 

3. Use an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Scheme 

Enquire if the garage is a member of an alternative dispute resolution (

) system. This is a method of resolving problems without going to court. A third party will mediate to try to reach an agreement. 

Keep a record of when you ask them if they don't respond, aren't part of an ADR scheme, or won't utilise an ADR. You’ll need these details if you do end up in court. 

Going to another garage is a dangerous alternative because you'll almost certainly need to go to court or a trade association to be reimbursed for the extra money you spent on the work. There's also no guarantee that you will receive your money back. 

Some cars won't be able to go to another garage due to safety concerns. Assess whether your vehicle is safe to drive before attempting to drive it. 

5. Report the garage to trading standards 

You can report the garage to Trading Standards if they quote one price but charge another. 

You can also report misleading advertising or unfair tactics. Reporting the garage may mean that they do not mislead future clients, but it won’t help your current situation. 

Generally, a car repair should take a few days. 

a car can vary greatly depending on the issue's complexity. 

If the repair is taking longer than expected, it is essential to communicate with the mechanic to find out what is causing the delay. 

My car was damaged by the garage during a service 

If your car was damaged in the garage, you should try to get them to pay for the repairs. It's best to point out the damages as soon as possible. Otherwise, you'll be perceived as having accepted what's happened. 

The most they have to provide is the cost of repairing the damage. For example, if somebody scratched your car door, they should cover the expense of repairing the door rather than purchasing a new door. 

To bolster your argument, you can prove that you know your legal rights. Remind them that you're aware that "

traders have a responsibility of care under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

The garage may put a notice on their property stating they are not responsible for any damage. This is an 'unfair term,' which means they are still accountable. You should inform them of this. 

How to assess the damage from a car service

If you suspect damage from a car service, you need to stay calm and collected. Rash decisions can go against you in the future. Here are some steps you can take to assess the damage: 

Some car owners take photos and notes of their cars before services to act as a comparison afterwards. This can be helpful for future services. 

What to do if the garage refuses to make repairs

Contact the garage's insurance company, the trade association, or the car manufacturer for assistance if they refuse to make repairs. 

If the garage refuses to accept liability and you must file a claim with your insurance, your no-claims bonus may be affected, so also check with your insurer. 

What if the mechanic created a new problem? 

A mechanic may introduce a new problem while attempting to repair an existing one. This can be aggravating and may necessitate more time and money spent on correcting the problem. If this occurs, contacting the mechanic and seeking a remedy is critical. 

You may be able to claim for the damage on your car insurance, depending on the type of insurance you have. If you do, you may forfeit your no-claims bonus. You might also contact the garage's insurance carrier to get them to pay for the repairs. They are not, however, legally required to do so. 

How to find a reputable garage - Final thoughts

After paying for car repairs but not receiving a satisfying fix, you might want to avoid garages and mechanics for a while. However, don’t forget that plenty of reputable garages exist. 

Take the stress out of car repairs with Bumper’s expert connections and customer-centred financing. 

Bumper’s wide network of approved partners is vetted and approved. Plus, 

Bumper offers zero-interest financing for car repairs

 to help get you back on the road as quickly as possible. Enter your postcode and registration plate to 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

What If The Mechanic Doesn't Fix My Car? 

The best car finance deal offers you affordability and good value. Still, it’s not always easy to unearth a great deal amidst all the technical details and jargon. So we’ve put together a guide to finding the best car finance deals in 2023. 

We'll help you wade through that jargon, hone in on the details you need to know and guide you towards the best possible finance deal for you. 

Is it better to finance a car through a bank or a dealership?

Dealerships can offer attractive packages if you want the flexibility of a PCP. Financing your car through a bank can also be good if you get pre-approved for a loan. You also don’t have to worry about mileage caps. 

Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for but I suggest that if you’re pre-approved by your bank you should then go to a dealership and compare their finance quotes to get a full picture of what's available. 

Taking out a 5-year car loan can be worth it compared to a shorter-term loan if you want to make lower monthly repayments. Bear in mind that the overall cost of buying the car will be higher as you’ll pay more in interest. 

Of course, during the loan period, you can refinance your car but there are positives and negatives to that option, so you'll need to decide if 

What’s the easiest way to finance a car?

The easiest way to finance a new car could be with PCP as this type of finance offers you flexibility, but a hire purchase deal may also be suitable. If you’re buying a used car, consider funding it with a personal loan or cash. 

Finding the best car finance deal does take time, but armed with the details and need-to-knows we’ve talked about you’ll soon be on your way to owning that dream car.

PCP offers flexibility when the contract finishes. You could buy the car outright, upgrade it, or hand it back to the dealership if you don’t want to continue. 

With a hire purchase agreement, you don’t own the car until the final payment is made. You pay a deposit and then the rest of the loan is divided into repayments, generally over five years. 

A personal loan spreads the cost over a fixed period and the interest rate is also fixed. 

What do you need to know when looking for the best car finance deals?

Three key figures to look at and compare are the percentage APR, the interest rate, and the loan term. So what do these mean? 

APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is the total cost you’ll pay in a year for borrowing money. The APR includes the lender’s standard fees plus the interest rate. There are two different types of APR: 

This is a representative figure you can use to compare car finance deals as a first step. Be aware, though, that even if lenders advertise what seems like a ‘good’ APR, they’re not obliged to offer it to you. This is where personal APR comes in. 

A personal APR takes account of your personal financial situation, including your credit history, how much you want to borrow, and for how long. Based on this you could be offered a higher or lower APR, or the one advertised. 

The interest rate on your loan determines how much you’ll pay over and above the amount you’re borrowing. The higher the interest rate, the more you’ll pay for your car overall. When you take out a loan the interest is added and the total is divided into monthly instalments. 

The interest rate you’re offered is based on your financial circumstances in the same way as the APR, so the basic difference between interest rates and APRs is that the APR figure includes the lender’s fees. 

This is the length of time you’ll repay the loan. Choosing a shorter loan term means you’ll pay less in interest overall but your monthly repayments will be higher. A longer loan term means lower monthly instalments but the total cost of financing your car will be higher. 

It’s essential to know how much your car finance will really cost as lenders typically charge a range of fees. These can include an application or administration fee, early repayment fees, and in the case of a PCP deal, a price for exceeding the mileage cap. 

How to find the best car finance deal in 2023

Compare deals online using the APR figure as a starting point. You could also use a broker to find the best deals on your behalf. This can save time and many brokers work on a commission-only basis, which means you won’t pay a fee for their service. 

Use pre-approval to protect your credit score

If you narrow down your search to one or two deals that seem good, see if the lender(s) will pre-approve you for the loan. Or if you’re going for a bank loan, ask your bank if they can do this. 

If you can negotiate down the price of the car you might be eligible for better finance deals in terms of the interest rate or length of the loan term. 

Think about the running costs as well as the purchase price

Even if you’ve found a good finance deal, think about how much it’ll cost you to run the car. A car with a bigger engine could cost you more in fuel and insurance, so factor in the total cost of owning it before you go ahead. 

The fine print will include any ‘hidden’ costs, such as early repayment fees and late payment penalties, as well as the interest rate, APR, and loan term. 

You need to shop around to find a good car finance deal and ensure your credit rating is as high as possible. Also, consider putting down a larger deposit if you can - 10% or more if possible - to lower your monthly repayments. 

You can get 0% car finance deals but you need to have an excellent credit rating. They’re commonly offered on new cars rather than used cars and can save you a lot of money. Be careful, though, because there might be other fees to add on that could make the 0% car finance less attractive. 

A good APR is typically between 6% and 12% but this may only be available if you have a good or excellent credit score. If your credit score is lower, an APR between 13% and 20% could be considered good. 

Bumper offers interest-free loans for car repairs so we’ve got you covered when you find that special deal. Available at over 4000 garages and dealerships.

2023 Guide to the Best Car Finance Deals 

If you’re struggling to pay for car repairs, or are in dispute with a garage about the service provided, this article explains your rights, responsibilities and how to deal with the threat of a garage keeping hold of your car for non-payment. 

As consumers we all have a significant level of rights and privileges that serve to protect us in purchases, and it’s best to be armed with a good knowledge of the legal obligations of both yourself and the garage carrying out the work. 

 states that: Under the laws of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 and the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002, garages have to provide work to your car that is: 

If you believe that these conditions are not met, there may be some further steps you can take - the first step however is to communicate as best you can, with the garage, laying out your issues with their service. 

What to try first - how to mediate yourself 

If you find yourself confused with a large repair bill, or want some form of compensation or remuneration for the inconvenience caused by a garage, it’s often better to discuss with the garage first before resorting to legal action. 

Stating your consumer rights might be necessary, but it’s often better to talk through the problem first with the manager, to identify their side of the story. Be polite and friendly, and try not to accuse the garage of any wrongdoing straight away. 

You may find a reasonable explanation for the large bill, or the garage being a bit more willing to discuss options for fixing the dispute. 

A fairly common complaint with some garages is finding additional costs on your bill, for work you were not aware of. There are guidelines around how a garage should proceed with unforeseen breakages. 

If an issue is particularly complex, or you simply need your car back no matter what, giving general instructions to fix a problem is the easiest for the garage. This can include diagnosis, parts, labour and testing. 

An example would be if your brakes are underperforming. If the garage has instructions to “fix the issue with the brakes”, it is reasonable to assume they will take them apart, find the fault, purchase the required parts (from a supplier of their choice), and fit them. 

In this case, it is hard for the consumer to find fault with the cost of the parts, or the extent of time taken to diagnose and repair - as long as it is reasonable. 

However, if you have a little more time, and want to keep an eye on the costs, you can advise the garage with specific instructions. An example of this would be: “Diagnose the issue and prepare a quotation for remedial work to the vehicle's brakes”. 

This work may still be chargeable, as often problems need some level of disassembly to identify the fault, but once the fault is known, the garage should not do any more chargeable work. 

If you have instructed a garage on this basis, and they have gone on to buy or fit parts, without your instruction, they have not abided by the authorisation terms. 

What to do if the garage has not fixed the fault 

If you have trusted a garage to find and fix a fault, but it is still present, you may have grounds for complaint, unless the garage can prove that the new fault is a separate issue, or outside of the scope of work authorised. 

If a new fault has developed, speak to the garage immediately, and if possible book it in with the expressed notification that you require them to inspect their previous work, and you are not to be billed for any more diagnostic time. 

Bear in mind that due to the complexity of many systems, it’s possible that the new fault was not directly caused by the garage, and is the result of deferred repairs. 

Can a mechanic keep my car if I refuse to pay? 

In a word, yes. In the UK until a bill has been paid the garage can keep the car as a “Lien”, which is the right to keep the property until a debt is paid. 

It’s a necessary tool for garages to have, as once the work is completed, they have no power to ensure payment by the customer. 

The waters are muddied slightly if the work carried out is in dispute over any of the issues we’ve already discussed, including quality, price or time, where you may want and need your car back as soon as possible, but don’t want to accept the work completed by paying the bill. 

One way to get your car back, but not forgo the right to contest the level of service provided, is to pay the bill as ‘under protest’. This way the payment of the bill is not a marker of you agreeing with the transaction, if the complaint was to be elevated. 

Can a garage sell my car for non-payment? 

Whilst the garage is allowed to prevent you from collecting your car if you don’t pay, their ability to sell the car to recover costs is not as straightforward. 

 states the garage is not allowed to sell the car whilst the payment is in dispute. 

What if you can't afford the car repair? 

Sometimes car repairs take you by surprise and appear at the worst of times. If you’re worried about how to cover a large car repair bill, Bumper may have the solution for you. 

Bumper offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, from hundreds of approved partners across the country. Spread out your car repair bill by paying in instalments with 

To get started, enter your registration and postcode to 

Can a Garage Keep My Car For Nonpayment? 

When a starter motor fails, it can be a costly repair. But before you say yes to a deal, make sure you understand the standard UK costs and what to expect from the service. It's always a good idea to know before you go! 

In this blog post, we'll tell you the average cost of a starter motor replacement in the UK and provide tips on extending your starter motor's life. Scroll down to become an expert on starter motor repair now. 

Starter motor costs in the UK - The rundown

 starter motor in the UK can range from £150-£400

 depending on the make and model of the car. 

Before we jump into FAQs and information about starter motor repairs, we’ll cover the common costs per vehicle brand to help you budget for your repair. It is important to note that there may be additional costs, such as labour fees or parts fees, depending on the garage you select. 

Average starter motor replacement cost by car model

Here are the average costs based on the most popular vehicle brands in the UK. . 

If you're worried about an expensive car repair bill, then Bumper could help. Split the cost with 

Average starter motor replacement cost by UK location

Starter motor repair costs in the UK vary depending on where you live. This is due to labour costs, parts and materials availability, and service demand. 

Below you’ll find averages per UK region. 

Starter motors power the combustion engine. They are like the electric motors that turn your engine on when you 

The starter motor requires a lot of torque to turn the engine at such fast speeds, pulling 

and air into the cylinders to compress them simultaneously. 

The starter is found on the driver's side of the engine. Typically, it's just beneath the left bank of cylinders. 

How do you know if your starter motor has gone?

There are a few key signs your starter motor has gone. 

If your car won't start and you hear a clicking sound when trying to turn it on, the most likely cause of this is a dead starter motor. 

, you might smell something burning from under the hood. This is typically caused by an electrical short in the starter motor, which can be due to wear and tear over time. 

Here’s a complete list of signs your starter motor has broken: 

Replacing the starter motor will usually solve these issues, but it comes at a cost, so make sure you know how much it may cost before committing to any repairs. 

Common starter motor problems are caused by age and faulty parts. Here’s a quick overview of other possible causes: 

If you suspect your vehicle has any of these issues, consult a garage for professional advice. 

average lifespan of a starter motor is around 5 years or 50,000 miles

. However, this can vary depending on how 

 your car is and how much wear and tear your starter motor experiences. 

Can you extend your starter motor’s life?

Yes, you can and should check and maintain your starter motor. This keeps you safe while on the road and protects your finances from surprise repair costs. 

To extend the life of your starter motor, you can: 

How long does it take a mechanic to replace a starter motor?

to replace a starter motor. This time may differ depending on the garage and your car model. 

Various car components, such as the battery, alternator, and engine cover, must be disassembled to access the starter motor. This process can take some time, depending on how difficult it is to remove each component from its place. 

Once all of these parts have been removed, a mechanic or experienced DIYer should be able to locate and replace the faulty starter motor with relative ease. It is important that any new parts are fitted correctly in order for them to work properly and not cause further damage down the line. 

Once the old starter motor has been removed, the new starter motor needs to be connected to the car’s wiring system and secured. 

After replacement, it is recommended that an expert mechanic thoroughly check all other surrounding components just in case anything else has been affected during the repair. 

Is it safe to drive with a faulty starter motor?

Once a vehicle is running, you don't need your starter motor. So, if it has become faulty while driving, there shouldn't be any immediate danger. However, when you come to a stop, it becomes a problem. 

If the starter motor is not working correctly, restarting your car will be difficult as starting requires more power than regular operation. 

We strongly advise against parking your car facing down a hill and trying to bump-start it each time you need to use it. A repair or replacement of the faulty starter motor should always be considered over attempting this kind of workaround solution. 

Replacing a starter motor can be expensive, but with 

, you can extend its life and reduce the need for costly repairs. If you think your starter motor may have gone, it is essential to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your car. 

Repairing a starter motor in the UK - Final thoughts

Researching potential car repairs is no one’s idea of a good time, but we hope this blog has made your starter motor repair easier to understand. Consider shopping around for different rates before settling on one garage, and make sure your vehicle is 100% road-safe before you drive. 

Here at Bumper, we know a hefty car repair bill for a starter motor is probably the last thing you want to spend your money on, but essential parts such as these are crucial for you and your family’s safety. 

Look after your car and your bank balance by splitting the cost of repairs into monthly instalments, interest-free. Apply for 

Join the Bumper community and get access to the best care for you and your car. Choose a dependable dealership and split your repair bill into monthly chunks. 

How Much Does A Starter Motor Replacement Cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta sustituir un motor de arranque?

Wie viel kostet ein neuer Anlasser?

With the vast number of cars on the road nowadays, collisions are sometimes unavoidable. Apart from the risk of injury, there's also the inconvenience of being without a car while it's being repaired and the difficulty of dealing with insurance providers. 

If your car has been in an accident and is unable to be repaired, it will be ‘written off’ by the insurance company. So, what happens if your car is written off while on finance? And what if it's not your fault? 

In this article, we'll discuss insurance write-offs and all the different types, along with examining each scenario so you know what to do should the worst happen after a pcp car accident. Scroll down to get the lowdown in minutes. 

An insurance write-off, also known as a total loss, is a determination made by an insurance company that the cost to repair a vehicle following an accident is greater than the vehicle's value. In other words, the car is deemed beyond repair and not worth fixing. 

When an insurance company writes off a car, it is usually due to one of three reasons: 

If you have a big repair bill that can’t be funded by insurance, split the car repair into interest-free monthly installments. With Bumper, you can apply for a credit limit of up to £5,000 and see a list of local dependable garages near you.

Are there different kinds of car write-offs? 

Yes, there are multiple categories of write-offs. Insurance companies use these to assess the damage. 

The four classifications used up to October 1, 2017, were A, B, C, and D, with the severity of the damage descending by category starting with A. 

After consideration, the ABI revised the salvage rule to emphasise structural problems that compromise safety rather than just the expense of repairs. These days, the categories are A, B, S, and N. 

Cars that are severely damaged ought to be crushed and never be seen again on the road. Even parts that can be salvaged must be destroyed. 

Crushing the body shell is required. Despite some pieces being salvageable, there has been considerable damage. The car should never be driven again. However, salvaged pieces can be used in other vehicles that go on roads. 

Category S (Structurally Damaged but Repairable) 

This might involve a twisted or bent chassis or a collapsed crumple zone during a collision. A professional repair is required because Category S damage goes beyond mere cosmetic issues. Until the repair is complete, driving won't be safe. 

Category N (Not Structurally Damaged, Repairable) 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

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