Ascocars – Mercedes Specialists
These Terms & Conditions apply to all vehicles left with Ascocars for inspection, diagnostics, servicing, repairs, storage, or any other work. By booking a service, requesting work to be carried out, or leaving a vehicle on our premises, the customer agrees to the terms outlined below.
1. Vehicle Insurance
Customers must ensure their vehicle remains fully insured at all times while it is left on our premises.
While we take reasonable care of all vehicles in our custody and maintain appropriate motor trade insurance, incidents outside our control may occur, including but not limited to:
theft
vandalism
criminal damage
fire
extreme weather
third-party actions
Customers must therefore keep their own motor insurance active while their vehicle is in our custody.
Any loss or damage proven to be caused by our negligence or the actions of our staff will be covered by our motor trade insurance.
2. Duty of Care
Ascocars will take reasonable care of all vehicles while they are in our custody and will handle them in accordance with professional garage standards.
However, Ascocars cannot accept responsibility for mechanical or electrical failures that occur during or after repairs where such failures are unrelated to the work carried out.
3. Diagnostics and Investigation
Diagnostic work may require time, specialist equipment, and technical investigation.
Customers acknowledge that:
Diagnostic charges may apply even if the customer decides not to proceed with repairs.
Some faults require extended investigation before the exact cause can be determined.
Additional faults may become apparent once work has begun.
Customers will be informed where possible before any additional work is undertaken.
4. Estimates and Authorisation of Work
Any estimate provided is based on the information available at the time and may change if additional faults are discovered during inspection or repair.
No additional work will normally be carried out without customer authorisation. Authorisation may be given verbally, electronically, or in writing.
5. Vehicle Movement and Test Drives
Vehicles may be driven or moved by our staff for the purposes of:
diagnostics
testing
road testing
positioning within or around the premises
All such movements are carried out by authorised staff and are covered by our motor trade insurance.
6. Vehicles Left Overnight or Outside
Vehicles may, when necessary, be parked outside the workshop in designated parking areas.
Customers acknowledge that vehicles left on site may remain overnight.
While reasonable security measures are in place, Ascocars cannot guarantee protection against theft, vandalism, or other criminal acts carried out by third parties.
7. Personal Belongings
Customers are advised not to leave valuables or personal belongings inside their vehicle.
Ascocars cannot accept responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to personal items left inside the vehicle.
8. Storage Charges
Vehicles should be collected promptly once work has been completed.
Ascocars reserves the right to apply reasonable storage charges if a vehicle is not collected within 48 hours of the customer being notified that the vehicle is ready for collection.
Storage charges may apply per day until the vehicle is collected.
9. Uncollected or Abandoned Vehicles
If a vehicle is left uncollected for an extended period and the customer fails to respond to reasonable attempts at contact, Ascocars reserves the right to take appropriate action to recover outstanding costs.
This may include applying storage charges and pursuing any legal remedies available under UK law relating to unpaid repair work or abandoned vehicles.
10. Payment Terms
Payment for completed work is due upon collection of the vehicle, unless otherwise agreed in advance.
Ascocars reserves the right to retain possession of the vehicle until full payment has been received for:
labour
parts supplied
diagnostic work
storage charges
any additional authorised repairs
11. Parts and Warranty
Replacement parts supplied may be new, refurbished, or aftermarket, depending on availability and customer agreement.
Where applicable, parts may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Labour warranties may apply to work carried out by Ascocars.
Warranty does not cover faults caused by:
misuse or neglect of the vehicle
unrelated mechanical failures
normal wear and tear
external damage or accidents
12. Limitation of Liability
Ascocars shall not be liable for:
indirect or consequential losses
loss of use of the vehicle
loss of earnings or business interruption
Our liability is limited to the repair or replacement of defective work carried out by our business.
13. Acceptance of Terms
By booking a service, requesting work to be carried out, or leaving a vehicle on our premises, the customer confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted these Terms & Conditions.
14. Mechanic’s Lien (Right to Retain Vehicle)
Ascocars reserves the legal right to retain possession of a vehicle until full payment has been received for all work carried out.
This includes but is not limited to:
labour charges
parts supplied
diagnostic work
storage fees
any additional authorised repairs
The vehicle will not be released until all outstanding balances have been settled in full.
15. Diagnostic Dismantling Authorisation
In some cases, diagnosing faults may require partial dismantling of vehicle components, including engines, gearboxes, or other mechanical systems.
By authorising diagnostic work, the customer agrees that:
Certain components may need to be dismantled or removed to properly diagnose the issue.
Diagnostic labour charges apply regardless of whether the customer proceeds with the repair.
Ascocars cannot guarantee that dismantled components can be reassembled without repair if significant faults are discovered.
Customers will be informed where possible before major dismantling is undertaken.
16. Parts Removal and Disposal
Any parts removed during servicing or repairs may be retained for inspection, exchange, or disposal in accordance with standard industry practices.
Unless requested by the customer before the repair begins, removed parts will normally be disposed of.
Some replacement parts are supplied on an exchange basis, meaning the original part must be returned to the supplier. In such cases the removed component cannot be returned to the customer.
Customers wishing to retain replaced parts must notify Ascocars before work begins.