Can a Body Shop Put a Lien on Your Car?
Yes, a body shop can put a lien on your car if you don’t pay your bill.
A lien is a legal claim against your property that gives the lienholder the right to sell the property to satisfy the debt. In the case of a body shop lien, the lienholder is the body shop that repaired your car.
Body shops typically file liens for unpaid bills, but they can also file liens for other reasons, such as if you abandon your car at the shop or if you fail to pick up your car after it has been repaired.
If a body shop files a lien on your car, it will be recorded with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This will prevent you from selling or transferring the title to your car until the lien is satisfied.
How to Avoid a Body Shop Lien
The best way to avoid a body shop lien is to pay your bill in full when it is due. If you cannot afford to pay the bill in full, you can work with the body shop to create a payment plan.
You should also be sure to pick up your car from the body shop as soon as it is repaired. If you leave your car at the shop for an extended period of time, the body shop may charge you storage fees. These fees can quickly add up, and they can lead to a lien being filed on your car.
What to Do If a Body Shop Files a Lien on Your Car
If a body shop files a lien on your car, you should contact the body shop immediately. You may be able to negotiate a payment plan that will allow you to keep your car. If you cannot reach an agreement with the body shop, you may need to file for bankruptcy protection.
Bankruptcy will discharge the lien on your car, but it will also damage your credit score. Therefore, you should only consider bankruptcy as a last resort.
Conclusion
A body shop can put a lien on your car if you don’t pay your bill. To avoid a lien, you should pay your bill in full when it is due and pick up your car from the body shop as soon as it is repaired. If a body shop does file a lien on your car, you should contact the body shop immediately to try to negotiate a payment plan. If you cannot reach an agreement, you may need to file for bankruptcy protection.
