What if I can't pay my mechanic?

If you can’t pay your mechanic, they may have the legal right to keep your vehicle under what’s called a mechanic’s lien. This allows them to hold your car until the repair bill is paid, and in some cases, they can sell the vehicle to recover the debt. The rules for mechanic’s liens vary by state, so it’s important to know your local laws and communicate with the repair shop to arrange payment options before the situation escalates.