When you car needs service or repairs, you may decide to take it to a local authorized dealer for the manufacturer of your car, or to an independent auto repair shop. A good starting point for finding a reliable automotive service technician, mechanic, or body repair shop is to ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations, or look at online reviews.

The automotive service technician or repairman should first determine the likely cause of the problem with your car (possibly using diagnostic tests), and then provide you with a written estimate of the parts and labor required to fix your car. If you authorize the estimated work verbally or by signing a written estimate, you are agreeing to pay for the work—and if you fail to do so, the auto repair shop may be able to keep your car as security for payment until you do so (a mechanic’s lien). And the auto repair shop may not do additional work or increase the amount of the charges without first securing your permission—preferably by you signing a revised estimate that includes the additional work or charges.

In Nebraska, when seeking automotive service or repairs, consumers have the option to choose between authorized dealerships or independent repair shops. Recommendations from friends or online reviews can be helpful in finding a reliable service provider. Nebraska law requires that the service technician or mechanic must diagnose the issue and provide a written estimate of the costs for parts and labor before proceeding with the repairs. The customer's authorization, either verbal or written, is necessary for the work to commence, and this agreement obligates the customer to pay for the services rendered. If payment is not made, the repair shop may hold the vehicle under a mechanic's lien as security for payment. Additionally, Nebraska law prohibits the repair shop from performing additional work or increasing the charges without the customer's explicit consent, which should be documented through a signed revised estimate that includes the new work or charges.