PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What should I do about shady mechanic tricks?
I took my car to an auto repair shop to have the front bumper replaced. They’ve had my car for two whole days now. I went in and said I needed it back, but they wouldn’t give me my car. They said it was unsafe to drive without a full tire alignment. It seems like they’re literally holding my car hostage. What should I do about what seems like shady mechanic tricks?
Patrick Price · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It certainly sounds like they might be engaging in some dishonest practices. Two common signs of shady mechanic tricks are refusing to provide written estimates and claiming that your car is unsafe. If you suspect that someone is taking advantage of you, you should get a second opinion.
There really aren’t that many types of vehicle issues that would make a car so dangerous to drive that you wouldn’t be able to get to another auto shop at least. Certain things like faulty brakes or overheating engines can be genuinely dangerous, it’s true—but those aren’t terribly common.
Tire misalignment is hardly that serious of a situation. If your wheels were so outrageously misaligned that you were in grave immediate danger behind the wheel, you would notice. Your car would be wobbling like crazy—and the uneven tire wear would have probably caused a
tire blowout
long before that point anyway. The mechanic can’t legally withhold your car. They’re probably hoping you’ll feel intimidated and not press the issue. Stand your ground, demand the car back, and take it to another shop for a second opinion. If you’re at all uncertain, you can always have it towed to another shop.
It’s also a good idea to report that auto shop to the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) for whichever state you’re in as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB)**—and maybe leave some **online reviews to warn others away.
I hope that helps! Once you’ve sorted out your current dilemma, consider taking a moment to download the
Jerry
mobile app. It’s the #1 rated insurance shopping app
that can help you make sure you’re not overpaying for the coverage that you need. Using Jerry to hunt for deals and discounts saves drivers an average of $800+ a year on
the cost of car insurance
! View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies