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 West Virginia, when seeking automotive service or repairs, consumers have the option to choose between authorized dealerships and independent auto repair shops. Recommendations from friends and online reviews can be valuable resources for finding a reliable service provider. By law, the service technician or mechanic is required to diagnose the issue and provide a written estimate detailing the parts and labor costs before commencing work. When a customer authorizes repairs, either verbally or by signing the estimate, they are agreeing to pay for the services rendered. If payment is not made, the repair shop may impose a mechanic’s lien, retaining the car as security until payment is received. Additionally, West Virginia law requires that the repair shop must not perform additional work or increase the charges without obtaining the customer's consent, which is best confirmed through a signed revised estimate that includes the new work or charges.