A mechanic’s lien is a security interest in real or personal property that is acquired by someone who adds material or labor to improve the property. A mechanic’s lien usually remains in effect until the lien holder (the auto repair shop) is paid for the material or labor added to the property. For a movable piece of property like a car, the property owner’s failure to pay the auto repair shop for material or labor may allow the auto repair shop to keep possession of the car until the owner pays for the material and labor. In the auto repair context, a mechanic’s lien is sometimes called a garageman’s lien.

In Connecticut, a mechanic's lien, also known as a garageman's lien in the context of auto repairs, is a legal claim against a vehicle for unpaid repairs or services provided by an auto repair shop or mechanic. Under Connecticut General Statutes Section 49-61, the lien arises when a mechanic or repair shop furnishes labor, materials, storage, or other services for the repair or maintenance of a vehicle. The lien ensures that the mechanic or shop has a security interest in the vehicle until they are compensated for their work. To enforce the lien, the repair shop must follow specific procedures, including serving a notice of the lien to the vehicle's owner and filing a certificate of lien with the appropriate local authority. If the vehicle owner does not pay the outstanding debt, the repair shop may eventually have the right to sell the vehicle at a public auction to recover the owed amount. It is important for both vehicle owners and repair shops to understand their rights and obligations under Connecticut's mechanic's lien laws to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.