Your rights at the garage: estimate, receipt and warranty

Leaving your car at a garage involves trust. But that trust doesn’t have to be blind: in Spain, Royal Decree 1457/1986, which regulates vehicle repair workshops, gives customers a series of rights. The regional governments can add their own rules, but the essentials are the same everywhere. Knowing them helps you know what to ask for and what to expect.

The right to a written estimate

Before the garage starts work, you are entitled to a written repair estimate detailing the operations, parts and labour. You can only waive it expressly, also in writing, for example by signing that waiver on the work order. If you accept the estimate, you normally sign it to show your agreement.

Preparing an estimate may require removing parts to see the full damage. In that case, the garage can charge for it if it tells you beforehand. Always ask.

The right to a deposit receipt

When you leave the car at the garage, you should be given a vehicle deposit receipt. It proves that the vehicle is there and in what condition you left it. It usually includes your details, the car’s details, the date, the mileage and the work requested. Keep it: you’ll need it to collect the car and it protects you if there is any disagreement.

If something new comes up

Sometimes, when parts are removed, unexpected damage appears. The garage should not carry out work not included in the accepted estimate without your authorisation. The right thing is to let you know, explain what they’ve found and ask for your agreement before going on.

The invoice

When the job is finished, the garage must give you a detailed invoice with parts, labour and prices broken down, matching the accepted estimate. You can also ask for the replaced parts to be returned to you, except where they have to go back to the manufacturer or be disposed of as waste; say so when you drop off the car.

Repair warranty

Repairs carry a minimum repair warranty of three months or 2,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, under normal use. It covers the labour and the parts fitted. Some garages offer more. If the fault returns within that period, go back to the same garage with your invoice.

Practical summary

• Always ask for a written estimate and read it before signing.
• Keep the deposit receipt until you collect the car.
• Don’t authorise work over the phone without being told why it’s needed and what it costs.
• Check the invoice against the estimate.
• Keep the invoice: it’s your warranty.

If something isn’t respected, talk to the garage first. If it isn’t resolved, garages must have an official complaints form available to you.

At Green Car Service Tenerife we give you a written estimate and keep you informed about your car’s progress. You can request an estimate or find out about our no-obligation estimate.