'Millions feel ripped off by garages'

Car and van insurance policyholders who feel ripped off by vehicle repair garages may not be alone, as 14 million Britons have admitted to feeling the same way.

Research by Motor Codes, which issues practice guidance for garages, has discovered that millions of people feel they are left short-changed by mechanics and other repair workers.

Of those questioned, 45 per cent said they felt ripped off, while drivers in general said they feel out of pocket by an estimated £2.4 billion.

Young car insurance policyholders may have been the most affected, with 41 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds feeling they had been overcharged by anything between £51 and £150. The same was thought by 31 per cent of 25 to 34 year olds.

However, almost two-thirds of older drivers said they were content with their local garage.

Motorists in the east of the UK felt the most ripped off, while drivers in Northern Ireland came out as being treated the most fairly in their own perceptions.

"Despite there being many very good UK garages, the public's bad experiences with some have brought about a lack of trust," commented Chris Mason, Motor Codes director.

In light of the results, the body has launched a national competition entitled Golden Garages to find the UK's best local service and repair centres.

Last month, the organisation announced it had received the backing of the Department for Transport (DfT) and MP Paul Clark, with the DfT recommending codes for motorists that have been approved by the Office of Fair Trading.

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The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of the BGL Group