Dodgy mechanics costing Brits millions

Posted :07-12-2005

Cowboy builders are costing British drivers millions of pounds in 're-repairing' costs, according to a new report.

Direct Line Insurance has found that an estimated 665,000 motorists had to employ a second garage to fix problems with their car, after shoddy mechanics failed to fix it the first time.

Across the UK, more than one in ten motorists told the insurance firm that their cars had been returned to them with serious faults, including defective brakes and damaged tyres.

A shocking 16 per cent of drivers even admitted their vehicle had broken down on the way home from the garage.

As well as adding to the overall cost of running a car by having to pay twice for repair works, Direct Line warns that shoddy workmanship is a health and safety hazard.

"In the past year alone almost six in 10 motorists said they felt as though a mechanic had fleeced them," said Emma Holyer of Direct Line.

She added: "Most women drivers believe they have been ripped off because of their gender, while more than a third of young drivers believe they were swindled because of their age."

Motorists are encouraged to book into a reputable garage to save money on unnecessary or potentially damaging repairs, and to save even more outgoings by taking out comprehensive breakdown cover and car insurance - checking online to find the cheapest quotes.


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