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 Nebraska, 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 improvements made by a mechanic or repair shop. Under Nebraska Revised Statute 52-1301, any person who repairs, services, or stores a vehicle has the right to a lien on the vehicle for the reasonable value of the labor and materials provided. The lien attaches when the mechanic retains possession of the vehicle. To enforce the lien, the repair shop must follow specific procedures, including notifying the owner of the vehicle and potentially selling the vehicle at a public auction if the debt is not paid within a specified time frame. It is important for both vehicle owners and repair shops to understand their rights and obligations under Nebraska's mechanic's lien laws to ensure proper legal processes are followed.