Car repairs abroad after a breakdown

The auto repair shop owner doesn’t have to give you a cost estimate, but you can always ask for one. If they charge you for this estimate, they must inform you in advance.

There are no specific rules requiring the repair shop to achieve the expected result. But if the repair is poorly done, the garage remains responsible.

They must therefore remedy the problem free of charge. They may also compensate you, for example by reimbursing a rental car for the time taken to carry out the work.

But be careful! You must prove that the repair was defective and that it caused the breakdown.

The repair shop must give you a written estimate if you request one, provided that they agree to carry out the repair.

The shop must inform you beforehand of the price of the estimate, unless it is free.

The mechanic may refuse to draw up an estimate for certain standard services, such as a general maintenance check.

In the event of a dispute, it is up to the mechanic to prove that you agreed to the repair and its price.

In this case, the repair shop has an obligation of result regarding the repair work.

There are no specific rules on displaying prices for auto repair shops. But like all retailers, repair shops must indicate their prices. This information must be visible on the premises, in the form of a clear, easy-to-read price list.

If the shop offers a wide range of services and cannot display everything, it can provide you with a price brochure. You should receive the brochure both before the repair and at the time of payment.

For a special service, outside the usual range, the car repair shop can make you a customised offer. This offer must indicate:

• the name and address of the garage
• the nature of the service requested
• the price or the information needed to calculate it,
• the duration of the offer.

If this offer is not free, they must inform you before presenting it to you.

They must quote the price in euros, including VAT and other taxes.

There is no obligation of result for these services, but the repair shop remains liable in the event of a fault. It must guarantee that the repair corresponds to what was agreed in the contract. In the event of a fault, demand that the mechanic rectifies the problem at no extra charge. If this is not possible, you can obtain a price reduction or terminate the contract, as appropriate.

The fault must exist at the time of repair and you must report it within 14 days of its discovery. But no later than 2 years after the repair.

Providing an estimate, a written quotation or a repair order is not compulsory. In many cases, the auto repair shop can inform you verbally.

If the repair is unsatisfactory, you can only invoke the legal guarantee.

Auto repair shops must provide an estimate if you request one. In this case, they can’t refuse and must wait for your agreement before starting repairs.

If you do not agree, the mechanic will return the vehicle to you in the condition in which you brought it in. But if it is already too late (for example, if parts have already been replaced), you will have to pay a reasonable amount for the work carried out.

As long as you haven’t paid for the repairs, the repair shop can keep your car. This is known as a right of retention. If you dispute the invoice, you can pay “under protest” and request a “0-faktura”. This is a document detailing all the work carried out, with no amount to be paid. You can use the “0-faktura” later to lodge a claim. The repair shop must provide it on request.

Le  garagiste n’a pas d’obligation de vous fournir un devis, sauf si vous en faites la demande. Dans ce cas, il ne peut pas refuser et doit attendre votre accord avant de commencer les réparations.

Si vous n’êtes pas d’accord, le garage vous rend le véhicule dans l’état où vous l’avez apporté. Mais s’il est déjà trop tard (par exemple si des pièces ont déjà été remplacées), vous devrez payer un montant raisonnable pour le travail effectué.

Tant que vous n’avez pas payé les réparations, le garage peut garder votre voiture. C’est ce qu’on appelle un droit de rétention. Si vous contestez la facture, vous pouvez payer “sous protestation” et demander une « 0-faktura ». Il s’agit d’un document qui détaille tous les travaux réalisés, sans montant à régler. Cette « 0-faktura » peut vous servir plus tard pour déposer une réclamation. Sur simple demande, le garage doit vous la fournir.

Auto repair shops do not have any legal obligation to provide a written estimate. In practice, however, many consumers ask for one, and mechanics often comply.

There is no obligation of result either, but the repair shop owner remains liable in the event of a repair being carried out incorrectly. You have the right to demand that the mechanic rectifies the fault at no extra cost and that they repair the problem.

Once they have identified the fault, they must intervene within a reasonable time.

For more information, see Delays and defects in repairs – Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority.

An estimate is not compulsory, but the car repair shop cannot refuse to give you one if you request it. The estimate is generally free of charge, unless specified otherwise.

Once signed, the estimate is binding on the mechanic. They are then bound by an obligation of result. This means that if a breakdown subsequently occurs or if the problem persists, they are liable.

The mechanic can only be released from liability if they can prove that they were not at fault or that the breakdown was unrelated to the repair work carried out. In the event of disagreement, you can ask for an expert assessment, for example through your legal protection insurance.

Car repair shops don’t have to provide a written estimate. But they do have to provide you with certain information before concluding the repair contract. They must inform you of the type of work involved and the costs.

However, you can ask for a written estimate so that you can compare prices. The estimate is generally free, unless otherwise stated. This might allow you to compare prices.

This estimate is a binding contract. If the amount increases, the mechanic must inform you and ask for your agreement.

There is no obligation of result as such, but according to the regulations, the repair shop has to remedy the problem free of charge. Additional compensation is possible, such as a rental car for the duration of the repair. However, you must prove that the repair was faulty and that it was the repair that caused the new breakdown.

In Greece, an estimate is not always compulsory. But the car repair shop must inform you clearly before he carries out any repairs.

The repair shop is responsible for the quality of the service provided. If your car suffers damage as a result of a repair, you can claim compensation. But you must prove the link between the damage and the repair. However, the mechanic has the right to defend itself by proving that they are not responsible.

Estimates are not compulsory, but most auto repair shops will issue one anyway.

From a regulatory point of view, there is no obligation of result.

The auto repair shop doesn’t have to provide you with a quotation or price estimate. But you can always ask for one before starting the repairs.

In the event of a faulty repair, the mechanic has an obligation of result. They must correct the defects, unless this would cause them unreasonable cost or major inconvenience.

If they refuse, after a reasonable period, you can have the car repaired elsewhere, at their expense, as long as the cost remains reasonable. In this case, do not advance any payment until they have carried out the repair.

Car repair shops don’t have to provide an estimate.

From a regulatory point of view, there is no obligation of result.

An estimate is not compulsory, but you can ask for one. If you change your mind and don’t go ahead with the repair, the auto repair shop may charge you a fee. This is usually 10% of the estimated cost, especially if the mechanic has already disassembled the car.

If additional work becomes necessary during the repair, the repair shop must inform you and obtain your agreement before proceeding.

If there is a defect after repair, the legal guarantee of conformity applies. This means that the shop must correct the problem, free of charge.

An estimate is not compulsory, but most mechanics will issue one anyway. From a legal point of view, there is no obligation of result.

The car repair shop is under no obligation to provide an estimate.

From a legal point of view, there is no obligation of result.

Written estimates are not compulsory. Only general rules on price information apply. The auto repair shop must display its prices or explain how they are calculated.

If they give you a written estimate, they must respect the price indicated. If additional repairs are required along the way, the mechanic must inform you and obtain your agreement before proceeding.

The repair shop is bound by an obligation of result. If the repair is poorly carried out, it must rectify the problem.

An estimate is not compulsory. Generally, you ask the workshop for a rough estimate before starting the repairs. If there are other problems that increase the price considerably, the mechanic must inform you before proceeding with the repairs.

It is not necessary to have a written estimate or order form before having your car repaired. However, the car repair shop must inform you of the approximate cost of the repair.

If additional costs arise during the work, the mechanic must inform you and obtain your agreement before proceeding. Repair shops that are members of BOVAG (a professional organisation) have an additional obligation. They must inform you as soon as repairs exceed the initial estimate by more than 10%.

If the same fault recurs after the repair, you can invoke the guarantee. But you need to prove that the mechanic made a mistake during the repair or used the wrong parts, for example.

The car repair shop doesn’t have to give you a written estimate. However, if you haven’t agreed on a price, the amount charged must reflect the usual prices for this type of service.

If the mechanic has given an estimate, he can only exceed this amount by a maximum of 15%. There are 3 exceptions:

• You have agreed to additional services (the garage must provide proof of this).
• The work was urgent in order to prevent greater damage.
• The additional repairs are minor in relation to the main service.

A fixed price is binding. It must include all additional costs (VAT, public fees) unless the repair shop has informed you otherwise in advance. It may not exceed the fixed price, unless the same exceptions apply as in the case of an estimate.

If the car has the same problem after the repair, you should check whether the repair shop undertook to achieve a specific result or only to make a reasonable effort. If there was an obligation to achieve a result, you can demand a new repair. The auto repair shop must then re-examine the car and attempt a new repair.

Please note: You will lose your right to a price reduction if you refuse this second attempt. However, compensation is still possible, provided you can prove that you have limited the consequences of the problem as much as possible.

Your rights are valid for 2 to 5 years, depending on the nature of your service. But you will have to show that the new problem correlates to the previous repair.

There are no specific rules for car repair shops. Before the mechanic carries out any repairs, he must inform you of the total price or how it is calculated. Ask to sign a written agreement and to attach a detailed specification with the price. Tell the repair shop that you must approve any additional work beforehand.

The auto repair shop must display a price list, either on the premises or online. Before leaving your vehicle, sign a car acceptance protocol indicating:

• any visible damage,
• fuel level
• car’s mileage,
• the types of parts authorised for repair (original, spare or remanufactured parts).

You can also ask to retrieve the replaced parts or have the right to inspect them.

Even if you haven’t fixed the price in advance, you have a protection if the final bill exceeds the initial agreement. An agreement with a car repair shop is similar to a contract with an obligation of result. This means that if the repair is ineffective, you can invoke the legal guarantee of conformity.

If possible, ask the car repair shop for an estimate, otherwise request to see their prices. The shop doesn’t have to give you an estimate.

In the event of a poor repair or a similar fault again, provide proof and make a written complaint to the Portuguese auto repair shop.

In the event of a dispute, ask to fill in a complaints form (“Livro de Reclamações”) on the premises.

The mechanic doesn’t have to give you a written estimate. However, they must inform you of the total price of the repair before you place your order. If this is not possible, they must indicate the method used to calculate the price. They must also inform you of any additional costs (spare parts, delivery, etc.).

Once you have both agreed on the repair, the repair shop must carry it out in accordance with the order. In the event of a fault, the workshop is liable and a 3-month legal guarantee applies.

Car repair shops don’t have to provide a cost estimate or quotation. But they will usually inform you before carrying out a repair. You can also ask for a cost estimate beforehand.

There is no obligation of result, but if the shop carries out the repair incorrectly, they may be held liable.

You can request a written estimate, valid for at least twelve working days.

If you do not sign the estimate, no repairs can be carried out. The auto repair shop must then return the vehicle to you in the condition in which you brought it in. The workshop can only carry out repairs when you have signed the estimate, or if you formally waive it.

As soon as you drop off your car, the shop must give you a deposit receipt. This applies to both estimates and repairs.

You have the right to cancel the order at any time, but you will have to pay for the work carried out until you collect your car.

The car repair shop is obliged to offer a 3-month or 2,000-kilometre warranty, whichever comes first. If the parts used have a longer warranty, the latter applies. The warranty starts on the date the vehicle is returned. It remains valid until the vehicle is handled or repaired by another car repair shop.

If a fault occurs on the repaired part during the warranty period, the workshop must rectify the problem free of charge. They must tell you whether the new repair will be carried out at their premises or at a partner shop.

In the event of a dispute, you can ask to fill in a “hoja de reclamaciones”. This is the official complaint form, which must be available on site.

There is no legal obligation to provide a written estimate prior to the repair.

However, an interprofessional agreement requires car repair shops to provide you with a written, signed estimate if the estimated cost exceeds 2000 SEK. This is an agreement in the automotive sector between the Swedish Consumer Agency, the Swedish Association for Motor Retail and Repairs, and the Swedish Vehicle Workshop Association.

The mechanic must act with professionalism and diligence, in the interests of the consumer. They must consult you whenever necessary and possible.

In the event of a faulty repair, you can:

• Withhold as much of the payment as is necessary to enforce your rights;
• Demand a free repair, unless this would cause the garage disproportionate expense or inconvenience;
• Request a price reduction if the fault is not corrected.

Car repair shops don’t have to provide a written estimate. But if they do provide one, they must keep to this price.

The mechanic must carry out the repair with reasonable care and skill. They must remedy any problem by carrying out a free repair or by granting a price reduction. If another problem arises following the first repair, the same remedies apply.

Good to know: many repair shops offer their own commercial warranties, in addition to consumers’ legal rights. There may also be a specific parts warranty. You should be informed of its duration and conditions.

Some workshops ask you to sign an inspection sheet to certify the car’s initial condition. Remember to check again the condition of your car when you collect it. It will be more difficult to dispute damage once the vehicle has left the shop.

In the event of a dispute, and especially if the repair was urgent, you can pay “under reserve”. An independent technical report or a second opinion from another auto repair shop can help you decide whether to take legal action.