Mechanic's lien

A mechanic’s lien is a repair shop’s claim against a vehicle for unpaid parts and labor. Because the shop keeps the car, it can often hold it until it is paid and, if the bill stays unpaid, sell it through a state lien sale process.

Owners sometimes abandon cars at shops after a costly diagnosis. If that happens, the car can be sold without your signature. If you’d rather junk the car than repair it, settle with the shop first.

In California, a person who repaired, towed or stored a vehicle and was not paid has a lien against it. To conduct a lien sale, the lienholder must have possession and must apply for a lien sale or file in court within 30 days after the lien arises, or the lien is no longer valid.¹