As a mechanic, you know that filing a mechanic’s lien is a legal recourse to protect your rights to payment for services rendered. Mechanic’s liens are legal claims that give you the right to retain vehicle possession until you are paid for the repairs. But what are the most common reasons mechanics file a mechanic’s lien?

Non-payment for Services

The most common reason a mechanic will file a mechanic’s lien is non-payment for services rendered. If a customer fails to pay for the repairs to their vehicle, you may file a lien to legally retain possession of the car until you receive payment. Sometimes, you may also file a lien if you’ve only received partial payment for your services.

Abandoned Vehicles

You may also file a mechanic’s lien on an abandoned vehicle at your shop. If a customer fails to retrieve their vehicle from your shop within a certain period (which may vary by state), you may file a lien to sell the car and recoup the costs of the repairs made.

Disputed Payment

In some cases, a customer may dispute the amount owed for repairs made to their vehicle. If you and the customer cannot agree on the amount owed, you may file a lien to legally retain possession of the car until the dispute is resolved.

Fraudulent Payment

In rare cases, you may file a mechanic’s lien if you suspect a payment made for repairs was fraudulent. This may occur if a customer uses a stolen credit card or other fraudulent payment methods to pay for the repairs. In such cases, you may file a lien to protect your legal right to the vehicle.

In conclusion, filing a mechanic’s lien is a legal recourse for mechanics to protect their rights to payment for services rendered. Non-payment for services, abandoned vehicles, disputed payments, and fraud are some of the most common reasons you may need to file a lien. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to file a mechanic’s lien, it’s important to seek legal advice and take appropriate steps to protect your rights and ensure you are paid for your services.