Cars need repairs and maintenance over time, and car owners have a variety of options for service providers. They can take their vehicles back to their dealership for maintenance and repairs, or take it to a licensed maintenance or repair shop. However, in an attempt to save money, some vehicle owners entrust their personal vehicles and even commercial vehicles to amateur or shade tree mechanic friends, individuals who repair vehicles as a hobby or side job and are in no way certified or professionally trained. While vehicle owners might believe they are getting a great deal going this route, the reality is that allowing amateur mechanics to service or repair vehicles is an extremely risky endeavor. Today's blog post explains four reasons why amateur mechanics can cause both mechanical and liability issues when servicing personal and commercial vehicles.

No Commercial Insurance To Cover Vehicle Damages

One of the biggest issues with trusting vehicle repairs to an amateur mechanic friend instead of a dealership or licensed auto shop is that they do not have Auto Shop Repair Insurance to cover damages caused by mechanic or equipment failure, or workplace accidents. If an amateur mechanic accidentally ruins a custom paint job, or breaks a major engine part while making a minor repair, the owner will likely have to absorb those costs or hope to be reimbursed by the mechanic. In addition, using amateur mechanics may also nullify a vehicle's warranty, and cause a significant loss in the resale value later.

Liability Issues In Event of Repair Accident or Injury

Another problem for vehicle owners that allow amateur mechanics to service their vehicles is the liability or safety issues that arise when mechanics use unsafe methods or ignore basic safety standards. If the mechanic is seriously injured during the process of maintaining or repairing your vehicle, the mechanic may attempt to sue the car owner for medical expenses, even if it's their lack of training or safety equipment that caused the injury.

No Legal Recourse For Poor Workmanship or Shoddy Repairs

Sadly, trusting vehicle repairs or maintenance to a mechanic friend or shade tree mechanic means the owner has little to no legal recourse if the repairs are not correct or the mechanic performs fraudulent repairs with old or broken parts. A mechanic's poor workmanship could lead to hundreds or thousands of dollars in additional repairs, labor, and parts, whereas a dealership mechanic or other licensed auto repair shop is far more likely to perform the work correctly and without causing more issues.

Missed Vehicle Recalls

Finally, amateur mechanics do not have the information, tools, or equipment to research and perform maintenance for vehicle recall issues. The driver may be unaware they are operating a vehicle that is under voluntary or even mandatory recall for production issues, malfunctioning electronics, or faulty components. Taking a vehicle to a dealership for maintenance ensures that the vehicle gets all recall issues addressed, faulty or malfunctioning components replaced, and is as safe as possible for the driver and passengers.

Aegis believes that vehicles are important investments that need good, quality care and maintenance. Just like people, cars and trucks perform best when they are in top condition. Aegis is also committed to protecting cars, trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles with quality Auto Insurance coverage. Whether you need Personal Auto coverage or Commercial Auto coverage for your fleet vehicles or service trucks, Aegis offers reliable and excellent coverage at competitive rates. Call Aegis at 713-850-7622 for more information, or go online to request a free quote today!