Terms and Conditions of Business

1. General

These Terms and Conditions apply to all services, repairs, MOT testing, and parts supplied by Colchester MOT Centre ("the Company", "we", "us") to the customer ("the Customer", "you"). By booking a vehicle in with us, you accept these terms in full.

2. Estimates and Quotations

• All estimates provided are approximate and are based on the current cost of parts and labour.
• If additional work is discovered to be necessary during the course of repairs, we will contact you for authorization before proceeding.
• All prices are subject to VAT at the current UK rate unless otherwise explicitly stated.

3. Payment and Lien

• Full payment is required upon completion of the work and prior to the release of the vehicle.
• We accept cash, debit, and credit cards. We do not accept cheques.
• Mechanic's Lien: We reserve the right to retain possession of the vehicle until all outstanding invoices are paid in full (a general lien).

4. Uncollected Vehicles and Storage

• Once you are notified that your vehicle is ready for collection, it must be collected within 48 hours.
• Vehicles left on our premises for over 48 hours after completion may be subject to a secure storage fee of £20 + VAT per day.
• Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977: If a vehicle remains uncollected and unpaid for a period exceeding 3 months, we reserve the right to sell or dispose of the vehicle to recover our costs, after providing written notice to your last known address.

5. Parts and Warranties

• All new parts supplied and fitted by us carry a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first) against manufacturing defects.
• This warranty does not cover wear and tear, motorsport use, or damage caused by subsequent modifications or negligence.
• We do not provide a warranty for labour on parts supplied by the Customer.

6. Liability for Loss or Damage

• Customers are strongly advised to remove all personal valuables, dashcams, and loose items from the vehicle before leaving it with us.
• While we take the utmost care, we do not accept liability for loss or damage to personal items left in the vehicle.
• Our liability for damage to the vehicle is limited to the cost of rectifying the damage, and we will not be liable for any consequential loss, loss of earnings, or hire car costs.

7. MOT Testing

• MOT tests are conducted in strict accordance with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) guidelines.
• An MOT pass is not a guarantee of the vehicle's long-term mechanical condition, but a certificate of roadworthiness at the time of testing.

8. Governing Law

These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.